The coming of winter in New Hampshire means preparing your vehicle. Knowing that it will be at its best to handle all of the perils of winter driving will bring the peace of mind you need as a driver. As every hearty and experienced New Englander knows, driving in the winter can be fraught with the unexpected as snow and ice on the road. Thus, preparing with the proper steps, like have your brakes in Nashua checked, will ensure preparedness.
Involve an Auto Repair Specialist
Check in with your auto repair specialist as soon as possible to schedule a thorough vehicle inspection. Taking the time to check out all of the vehicle’s equipment and systems, your mechanic will provide optimal safety for you and your family. If there is any question regarding the safety and working condition of a part or a system, it is always best to err on the side of caution, especially as winter approaches.
The Importance of Fluid Checks & Storage
Your anti-freeze, or coolant, is one element every driver needs during the winter. Your auto repair technician can test your 50/50 coolant mixture and determine if it should be replaced. Furthermore, they will check your lines and flush the radiator system to guarantee that you have heat when you need it, and that your vehicle doesn’t overheat.
Your wipers, of course, are critical to winter driving as well. Swapping them out for a new pair will provide the cleanest windshield possible during the slushy months. The small cost will far outweigh the benefits of increased visibility should you be driving home in a snowstorm. In that vein, your windshield washer tank should, also, be full during the winter. Having an extra gallon handy in your truck is a great way to be stay prepared. Here, too, your auto repair specialist can check the entire system to make certain you will have clear visibility when you need it.
Brakes and Tires Prevent Catastrophe
Perhaps the most important of winter preparations will be to inspect the condition of your tires and brakes. Air pressure changes during the winter. Your trusted mechanic will test the current conditions and advise how to proceed for the future.
In addition, your mechanic will inspect the condition of both your tires and your brakes. Worn tires will cause a loss of traction and can easily blow out. This, in combination with failing brakes, will affect your ability to handle your vehicle with proper accuracy.
To schedule your Nashua brake inspection, along with a full-service overview, contact your favorite auto mechanic in Nashua, RK Auto. We’re here to help keep you and your family safe during the winter! (603) 595-7575
Many vehicle enthusiasts look forward to this time of year in New England. Summer cars are out, tops are off, and updates are happening. One of the biggest trends we see at RK Auto is the changing of tires. With winter conditions far behind us, winter tires are off, and summer tires in Nashua and surrounding areas keep vehicles looking their best during the warmer months. However, before running out and switching your tires, there are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Manufacturer’s Speed Rating
One of the most important factors to take into consideration when choosing tires is the speed rating. Ratings will let the driver know the maximum recommend speed that a tire can be safely driven. For many, this element is not an issue. However, most summer tires are made for high-performance vehicles and provide increased speed and agility. If racing is a seasonal pastime, be sure to watch the rating levels.
Driving Conditions
Summer tires are categorized seasonally for safety reasons. More specifically, they are not designed to function in cold weather. This type of tire can generally handle three out of the four seasons. Once the cold air sets in, the rubber of the tire can harden creating undesirable driving conditions. Their optimal functionality can be maintained in temperatures over 44 degrees Fahrenheit. However, when rain is the consideration, summer tires perform better than all-wheel tires. Helping to control hydroplaning at higher speeds with increased traction, summer tires may keep drivers safer during the drizzly spring months.
Often, summer tires can be thought of as “every day” tires because of the versatility throughout many of the New England seasons. However, keeping in mind their restrictions is extremely important. Furthermore, summer tires in Nashua, for many, mean low profile or high-performance tires. This type of tire falls into a separate category with entirely different functionalities and precautions.
For more information on which tire will best suit the needs of your vehicle, contact the experts at RK Auto Repair. Voted the best mechanic in the area, the team at RK Auto is fully licensed and insured. Visit them online at rkautorepairll.com or call today and get your summer tires in Nashua taken care of before the season passes you by! d
The saying goes “You can’t reinvent the wheel.” As far as car parts go, the tires are the only part you won’t get anywhere without. Sure an engine, accelerator, exhaust, and every other part is important, but without those, you could still roll. You depend on your tires in Nashua to get you where you’re going, but how often do you check them? Every piece of a car has a shelf, life including your tires in Nashua. With proper care and maintenance, you can extend that shelf life considerably. Here are some ways you can make the most of your tires.
Tire Pressure
How long your tires last relies heavily on the tire pressure. Without the proper inflation pressure, your tires can’t perform the way they’re supposed to. While underinflated tires are more common, overinflated tires are just as hazardous to the lifespan of your tires. Not every car has the same required tire pressure. Luckily you can find the proper inflation pressure listed along the side of your tire.
Alignment
For your car’s wheels to wear evenly, you need to maintain proper alignment. On top of your tires, having your wheels out of alignment can signify other mechanical problems. The last thing you need is a wonky ride.
Remember to Rotate
Depending on which position on your vehicle the tire occupies, different forces are applied. Without rotating your tires, they will begin to wear unevenly, putting some at a higher risk for damage. The only way to keep an even wear is to rotate your tires. Mechanics recommend rotating your tires every 5000 miles.
Balance is Key
If you’ve ever noticed a vibration while driving, it could be a sign that your balance is off. On top of being annoying, an unequal balance can contribute to tire wear. The more factors that wear away at your tires, the shorter their lifespan becomes.
When it comes to tires in Nashua, every driver is responsible for taking care of them. Knowing the factors that can lead to worn out tires is the first step to preventing damage. The better care you take of your tires, the longer they will last you. If you are in need of new tires, contact RK Auto or visit us online.
To the rest of the country, New England is this idyllic region with apple orchards, beautiful trees lining the streets, and people who talk without pronouncing their R’s. It’s essentially a perfect place. Those of us who live in New England know better. Winter in the area is never as lovely as it looks on Christmas cards. We usually don’t see snow until it’s most inconvenient. Once we do get snow, it takes three months of shoveling to get rid of it. Winter driving conditions can get hazardous quick. Be prepared this winter and consider getting winter tires in Nashua for your car.
Air Capacity
Here’s a little science lesson: as temperatures rise and drop, air expands and retracts. It’s similar to how wooden doors warp when it’s hot out and return to their regular shape in cold weather. If you’re driving on old tires in Nashua, the temperature can cause issues that result in flat tires. New tires are durable and can handle the change in temperatures during the winter.
Tread
The best way to judge your tires’ tread is the penny test. If you place a penny in the tread of your tire and can still perfectly see Abraham Lincoln’s face, your tread may not be up to snuff. The tread of your tires is what keeps you on the road. It grips the surface you’re driving on so you can move forward and brake.
Handling
Tires have a lot to do with how your car moves. For one, their spinning motion causes the rolling that gets you going. However, other factors such as turning become much harder with old tires. If you find you can’t take turns as naturally as you could, or you hear skidding as you change directions, it’s time for new tires.
Peace of Mind
With advanced safety features, driving is theoretically getting safer every year. However, nothing is certain. The best way to feel safe in your car is to know it is prepared for anything. If you’re entering the winter on old tires, you’re increasing your risk of an accident. Give yourself the peace of mind you need to get through the winter by investing in new tires.
Don’t take any chances with your safety or the safety of others. New England winters are nothing to joke about, and road conditions can be hazardous. Invest in winter tires in Nashua this season. Contact RK Auto Repair at 603-595-7575 or visit them online.
The winters of New England are no joke. Weather drops below freezing, so the air hurts your face, and the snow pummels everything. Driving becomes much harder in the winter than in other seasons due to the ice and snow. In extreme cases, roads are closed off. It can be intimidating to drive when you know the weather is going to get rough, which is why it’s important to make sure your car is prepared for anything. Here are a few tips to get your vehicle winter-ready from the best mechanics in Nashua.
Tire Pressure
Tire pressure and tread depth are going to play significant roles in how your car handles in winter weather. As the temperature fluctuates, the air in your tires expands and retract. This causes your tire pressure to fluctuate as well. You can test your tire pressure with a gauge and fill it with an air compressor to your manual’s recommendation. As for tread depth, you can use a penny to test that. Place a penny in the tread with Abraham Lincoln’s head pointing up. If you find his head is still visible at the top, it’s a sign to replace your tires before winter hits.
Supplies
As a safety precaution, you should make sure you have a supply kit in the trunk of your car. While you should always keep an emergency kit in your car, you should make sure it is well stocked as winter comes around. Your kit should include essential items like road flares and a flashlight, a first aid kit and a radio. To customize the kit for winter, you should add blankets, a warm change of clothes, an ice scraper, and a bag of sand to get traction on the road.
Coolant
Making sure your car’s coolant and antifreeze levels are ready for winter is the key. The only thing keeping your engine from freezing and stalling in the winter chill is your coolant. You can check your coolant levels at home with a kit or bring your car to the best mechanics in Nashua to make sure it’s done right.
Driving in the winter is an intimidating thought that becomes less intimidating when you know you’re prepared. Making sure your tire pressure and coolant levels are at peak performance are the first steps. For extra safety, be sure to update your emergency kit with winter supplies. For any questions on how to prepare your car for winter, contact RK Auto Repair, the best mechanics in Nashua at 603-595-7575 or visit them online!
When it comes to your vehicle, it never hurts to know as much as possible. Many people have heard of tire rotations throughout their life, but many don’t know what it is or why it should be done. Tire rotation is the process of moving the position of the tires on your vehicle to ensure more even wear and therefore a longer lifespan for your tires in Nashua. Though each car has a different necessity, the standard rule is to get your tires rotated every 5000 to 7500 miles. Here is a breakdown of tire rotation so you can know what’s going on with your car.
Front-Wheel Drive
Cars that operate on front-wheel-drive by using the front tires to steer. The front tires are putting the power into the road. Because of this, front-wheel-drive can lead the front tires to wear at a faster rate than the rear tires. To rotate tires on a front-wheel-drive vehicle, you should move the back left tire should move to the front right position with the back right tire moving to the front left position. Then the front left tire to the back left position and the front right tire to the back right position.
Rear-Wheel Drive
There is one significant difference between front-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles. For rear-wheel-drive, the front tires still control the steering of the car while the rear tires transfer the power from the car to the road. This distribution of work leads to more even wear on the front and rear tires. This means that to rotate your tires in Nashua, you should move the front left tire to the back left position. The front right tire should be transferred to the back right position. When bringing the back tires to the front, you should place the back left tire on the front right side and the back right tire on the front left side.
Four-Wheel Drive
For four-wheel-drive, or all-wheel-drive, vehicles, the wear is even more evenly spread. Four-wheel-drive tire rotation will follow the same pattern as rear-wheel-drive vehicles. The two tires in the front will remain on the same side as they move to the back. The back tires will move to the front, swapping sides as they do.
While tire rotation can be done at home, it’s safer to have it taken care of by professionals. Let the mechanics at RK Auto Repair take care of your tires in Nashua. Contact them at 603-595-7575 or visit them online.
As we switch over from snow tires to our regular tires, it is time to determine if it is time for you to get new tires for the season. Tires are the key to making sure you make it to your destination safely. Balding tires can lead to grip issues on the road, especially during inclement weather. The good thing is there are some easy ways for you to tell if it is time for you to buy new tires in Nashua.
The Penny Test
Everyone knows about the penny test. If you don’t, well, you will learn today! The penny test is very simple to administer on your own. All you need is a penny. Take it with Lincoln’s head upside down and insert it into the tread of the tire. If the tread covers Lincoln’s forehead, then your treads are okay. On the opposite end, if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it is time for new tires. It is important that you test every tire, though. Each tire could wear differently, especially if there is a wheel misalignment. If this is the case, you should make an appointment to replace the tires and get a proper alignment.
Tire Cracks
While you are doing your penny test, also see if there are any cracks in the tires. They could happen from weather and temperature and are a sign that you could need to switch out your tires soon.
Tread markers
In newer tires today, some markers are a part of the tire itself. These rubber additions run across the tire from side to side. They are perpendicular to the usual treads of the tires, and if they are flush with the casing, then it is time to replace. That means that the treads are very low.
Bald tires
It is the most dangerous tire to drive on. Bald tires have zero traction on them. It is important that you do not let your tires get to this level, but if they do, bring them in to get switched out as soon as possible.
Tire Pressure
It is more of a preventative measure, and also something that could contribute to balding tires. The tire pressure will naturally decrease over time. However, it is important for you to check the tire pressure, as driving in warm weather with an under-inflated tire can lead to more heat from the tires, and a faster wear out. Especially after winter, check the tire pressure since the cold can mess with it.
Tires in Nashua are fast and easy to replace. They are a necessary evil when it comes to maintaining your vehicle. RK Auto works on many customers, and we would like you to come into our shop for all of your tire needs. Whether you need two wheels replaced or all four, we can work with you to determine what you need. Our customers are family, and that makes a difference in our service. Call us today (603)-595-7575 to schedule an appointment with us!
There are many month long celebrations in the world: Black History Month, National Women’s History Month, BBQ Month, and even Golf Month. Each of these happens, some for historical reasons, others for more frivolous reasons. So, why would you not have a month dedicated to making sure that your car is getting the care that it needs? Car Care Month is not only one month but two months. If your vehicle is not kept up with, then you could run the risk of falling into a dangerous road. That is why the month is the best time to remind you of the common maintenance your car needs.
What are the two months to consider car care?
The two different time frames chosen for National Car Care Month are the beginning of spring and the middle of fall. These two times are the transitional periods between the two seasons when you should fix any issues that could potentially harm your car’s performance for the next few months. That is why we chose April and October to pay particular attention to the auto repair in Nashua, NH for your vehicle.
Why did they choose April?
That is a good question, and carcare.org has answered why they decided April was one of the months for Car Care Awareness. April is typically the first month that spring tends to come in full swing. Especially in New Hampshire, where a rogue snowstorm can happen at any time, it is important to remember that with the last melting of snow, there are a lot of things that your car will need. Washing your car, anything that may have gone wrong in the cold of winter, and even the worry of new issues that are coming with the spring rains, it is important to make sure you are up to date.
Why choose October?
The other month selected for car care month is October, similar to the reason that they chose April. With the end of summer and the start of winter, it is time to start winterizing your car and making sure that you are ready for the snow to come. It could mean getting snow tires in Nashua or any other needs that have to get done, such as brake and exhaust issues. Having a safe car in the winter is key to being able to continue the same mobility that you had during the summer months.
When we get into the full swing of the summer months, it is important to remember that auto repair in Nashua, NH should not be limited to these two months that we commemorate. In fact, you should follow your maintenance schedule for your vehicle rather than trying to make your own. Your car will thank you if you take good care of it, and you will be able to get more time with your vehicle.
At RK Auto, we like to remind you that with Car Care Month, it is time to review your car’s needs for monthly and yearly maintenance. From oil changes to tire rotations, it is important to remember that your car depends on you as much as you count on it. So, for any needs, call RK Auto at (603)-595-7575 to make sure that your vehicle keeps you going.
With April in our midst, that means plenty of showers to allow for the flowers of May to bloom in beauty. The important thing to remember, though, is that the water needs somewhere to go. The water will not always drain into sewers or drainage ditches on the side of the road. Sometimes you will come across some puddles. The scary thing is, they can be deeper than they look and cause hydroplaning. It is important to know how to handle these scenarios because if you lose control, you could end up having to get some costly auto repair in Nashua, NH when you didn’t expect it.
What is hydroplaning?
If you have ever been driving and felt a little skid over some water, you have experienced hydroplaning. While it is scary to witness, once you know what happens, it can help the experience. When you hydroplane, you go over water that your tires cannot adequately disperse to get traction on the road. The loss of traction causes the skidding and sliding of the tires on the surface which is the long and short of hydroplaning. Typically, when you hydroplane, you lose control of steering and brakes. It is why many accidents happen in the rain.
When the water mixes with oil, it increases the chances that the wheel will not be able to break through the water and receive the traction that it needs. As you drive along the road, you will be able to skid on the water more if you are going faster on the road, which is why it is a good idea to slow down during the rain, especially if it is heavy.
How to stay safe on the road?
There are a few standard rules to follow when it comes to staying safe during a rain storm. Avoiding a costly auto repair in Nashua, NH while practicing these habits means that your wallet will thank you later.
- Be careful at the start of the rain storm. When the rain first falls, it can stir up oil and things that could be slippery. It is best to slow down when the rain stops, especially if you aren’t sure of the road conditions.
- Properly inflated tires are essential to being able to control the vehicle as well. Your tires should stay inflated to the proper psi at all times. Lack of proper psi could mean they have low traction. Also, check the treads and keep the tires rotated correctly.
- Slow down for your wheels to continue to maintain traction on the road. The faster you go, the more likely you are not to scatter the water.
- Follow the cars in front of you. Following the tail lights will ensure that you stay in lines during torrential rains, but also you are following in the tire treads through the already established water.
- Avoid puddles and lanes that tend to accumulate pools of water. You never know how deep they are and what is underneath.
- Don’t slam on the brake or make hard turns. When you do that, you are more likely to skid than if you were to take it slow.
There are ways to pull yourself out of the skid once you get into it as well.
- Understand what is going on with the skid. Know that if you start getting pulled in various directions, you could be hydroplaning.
- Relax and wait for it to stop (which is easier said than done). Avoid slamming on your breaks and take your foot off the gas slowly.
- Steer in the proper direction slowly. Ease into the direction you want to go. Don’t just jerk on the wheel. Then slowly brake by pumping, never make any jerky or fast motions if possible.
If you follow these tips and tricks when you find yourself hydroplaning, then you could save yourself from disaster. If something does go wrong, however, you have the folks at RK Auto to help you with any auto repair in Nashua, NH you may need. Give us a call the next time you need a qualified mechanic at (603)-595-7575.
A lot of customization can lead to your dream car, but it is important to know your costs financially and physically. Always consult with a mechanic before you begin your customization journey. Furthermore, keep an eye out for these accessories that can easily damage your car if you use them to make your car look cool.
Observe a few of them below. If your car needs some TLC beyond customization, consult RK Auto Repair for some of the best auto repair in Nashua, NH.
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Tinted Windows
Not only are they heavily scrutinized by the law and illegal if abused, they are also dangerous. Tinted windows may look kind of edgy, but come with very big risk once they are installed.
Darker windows can distort and limit visibility, which can lead to poor vision. Poor vision is a recipe for terrible accidents on the road. If you are going to go for it, install them in your back windows – that way, you can have the cool look you want without affecting your driving seat vision.
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Colorful Fog Lights
This also ties in to visibility. Having standard issue fog lights will allow you to be seen in dark, limited visibility situations. It is important to keep them bright and tuned up. White lights are best, since they are able to properly cut through fog with scientific accuracy.
Yellow fog lights are often considered, but are in poor taste. They are unable to shine as bright or cut through fog as well as white lights, and will limit your light’s visibility. Other cars in traffic are not going to see dim lights, so modified fog lights are a visibility hindrance at best, and an accident waiting to happen at worst.
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Televisions
It’s true: car trips can be long, tedious, and boring if you do not have the proper enthusiasm or entertainment. However, the remedy to boredom should not come with safety risk. While a television installation may seem like top-quality, cutting-edge entertainment for passengers, it is not safe.
Even if they are behind the driver’s seat, these screens can distract the driver. Loud noise levels can cause a driver to lose focus and not properly hear any hazards that could appear on the road. Keep the Netflix to portable mediums like iPads or laptops.
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Blackout Kits
These also deal with headlights. Blackout kits are made to cover up your headlights slightly, and are able to mask the visibility and brightness of headlights. This is extremely dangerous.
It is important to be visible and have a reliable, strong light source, especially in darker driving conditions. Not to mention these kits are illegal, so legal consequences are at play here as well. If you want to get your headlights looking right, go to RK Auto for great auto repair in Nashua, NH.
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Lift Kits
Making a car look tall and detached from its wheels is one of the more unique ways of customization. This requires a lift kit, which will lift the body up and make the car more top heavy.
Get ready for some quick physics: a top heavy vehicle is bound to flip. The heaviness on top will cause the bottom to not pick up the slack, and throw off the center of gravity.
Keeping a vehicle balanced is key, and the natural mechanics of a vehicle should not be tampered with.
Be sure to avoid these dangerous accessories. If you need some work done on your vehicle, it is always best to talk to the professionals. For any time you need auto repair in Nashua, NH, call RK Auto Repair at (603) 595-7575!