Frequently Asked Questions About
Car Repair and Maintenance

Tires:

Q. Why should I check my tire’s air pressure?

A. Proper inflation can also improve gas mileage by more than 3%, when maintained regularly. Keep this in mind: Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.4 percent for every 1 psi (pounds per square inch) drop in pressure of all four tires.

Q. When should I check my tire pressure?

A. Check the tire pressure before driving when the tires are “cold”.

Q. How do I check my tread depth and why is it important?

A. The best way is to measure tread depth with a tread depth gauge. When using a tread depth gauge, tires need to have at least 1/16-in. of tread or more (this is the minimum amount of tread allowed by law). Regular tread depth checks are important to ensure that your car’s tires are safe. Excessive wear can result in a loss of traction, especially on wet and slippery roads.

• Stop at any Tire World, Inc for a free tire pressure and tread depth check.

Brakes:

Q. What are some of the symptoms that I need a brake job?

A. If your vehicle makes loud grinding or squeaking noises when stopping, car pulls to one side during braking, brake pedal pulsates when you apply the brakes, or brake pedal feels “mushy” are the most common symptoms.

Q. How much is a brake job?

A. Shops charge many different prices for their services. Here at Tire World, Inc we charge $129.95 for a disc brake service (nearly all passenger vehicles) and $99.95 for a drum brake service (nearly all passenger vehicles). . This includes replacement of current pads or shoes with premium brake pads/shoes, turning the rotors or drums (if needed and they can be turned), bleeding of the brake fluid, a brake fluid top-off, and an inspection of your cars other brake system components.

Alignments:

Q. How often does my vehicle need an alignment?

A. We recommend having your alignment checked once a year. If your vehicle is pulling to one side or you have irregular wear on your tires, you should have it checked at your earliest convenience. Keeping your vehicle’s alignment up-to-date will increase the tire life.

Preventative Maintenance

Q. Do I need to go to the dealer for 30/60/90K services?

A. Absolutely not. Our qualified technicians can perform the needed services. Check your manual for required services. Some dealers add extra items that do not need to be done by the manufacturer at that time.

Filters

Q. I was told I needed a cabin air filter. What is that?

A. A filter used to clean incoming air for the car's HVAC system. It is recommended to be replaced usually every 15,000 miles. Having a clogged filter can lead to heating and cooling air flow problems and smells.

Q. Why should I get my oil changed so often?

A. Your oil is the life blood of your vehicle. Any dirt or contaminants in the oil will damage your engine. Changing just the oil isn’t enough, the filter is just as important. Different manufacturers recommend different oil change intervals. We recommend every 3500 miles to insure an engine that will run strong for many years to come.

Q. What kind of oil do I need?

A. Many newer cars come with higher grades of oil, like 5W20 or synthetic? We do not know until your vehicle is in the shop if it has these types of oil. We always recommend what is in the vehicles manual. This is what the car manufacturer recommends, not what a dealer or shop wants you to purchase. Refer to our oil page for more details on oil.

Engine Light

Q. My engine light just came on. What now?

A. Our ASE certified mechanics can scan your vehicle and find the problem. It you choose to have the work done at our facility, the diagnostic fee is waived.

Q. My car runs good, can I ignore the light?

A. Sure, you can ignore the light. BUT, it may end up costing more money. The light is on for a reason. It may be as simple as a loose gas cap or more complicated like a bad sensor. The thing to remember is that if one part is not working, it can ruin other parts in that system.

Miscellaneous

Q. My repairs cost more than I have. What kind of financing do you offer?

A. You can apply for credit through Credit First right from our website. They often have 90 days no interest or other programs. You can be ready to go before you step inside our showroom.

Q. Do you charge for wi-fi?

A. We provide FREE wi-fi to our customers at the LaVergne and Murfreesboro stores (Smyrna coming soon).