Steer Right in Idaho Falls
Posted April 23, 2013 12:00 PMVirtually all vehicles come with power steering, so many Idaho Falls drivers have never driven a car or truck without it. Power steering assists you when you turn your vehicle steering wheel. Without it, it would be very hard to steer.
Now this power assist comes in a couple of forms. In recent years, a lot of vehicles have an electric motor that reduces steering effort and helps improve performance and handling.
The other kind of power steering is hydraulic. This is the kind most older ID vehicles — and a lot of newer ones — have. Power steering fluid is pressurized by a pump and is used to assist steering. Of course, vehicles need the right amount of fluid in the system. If it's too low, your steering is affected and you could damage your vehicle pump.
Also, power steering fluid can become corrosive over time and damage the pump, hoses and connectors, leading to leaks and repairs. Power steering service at All Things Automotive & Diesel Service in Idaho Falls includes removing the contaminated fluid and replacing it with fresh fluid.
A word for Idaho Falls drivers about power steering pumps: Some are powered by an electric motor. Others are driven by the serpentine belt. A worn serpentine belt stresses all of the vehicle components it drives, including the power steering pump, so replace the belt at All Things Automotive & Diesel Service as advised to avoid undue repairs.
Losing your power steering while driving in Idaho Falls can be unsettling – just remember that you can still steer, it'll just be harder. Check with your service advisor at All Things Automotive & Diesel Service to see if it's time to service your vehicle's power steering system.
In addition to power steering service, at All Things Automotive & Diesel Service we offer comprehensive automotive services.
Give us a call.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
208-523-3903
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
Battery Basics for Idaho Falls
Posted April 18, 2013 12:00 PM
It's important for Idaho Falls drivers to know battery basics. First, let's talk about which is harder on a battery – hot or cold ID weather. Most Idaho Falls area drivers think it's cold weather because that's when we call on our batteries to have enough power to start a cold vehicle engine.
However, heat does more damage to a battery than cold. Truth is, our batteries start to die a little from day one. Keeping a full charge slows the process, which is hard with short Idaho Falls trips because the alternator doesn't have time to fully recharge the battery from starting the engine. Idaho Falls drivers can top off the charge with a computer controlled battery charger – say, once a month in the summer and every three months during the winter.
As far as how long a battery will last, statistics show that 70% have given up the ghost within four years. By that time, they aren't capable of taking a full charge like they used to, and your vehicle alternator has to work overtime to keep up. This causes your alternator to wear out early.
If you're pushing 4 to 5 years on your battery, see your friendly and knowledgeable All Things Automotive & Diesel Service service assistant for a battery test to see if it's recommended to replace it. Not only can you avoid getting stranded with a dead battery on a ID road, but you'll save unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle alternator.
Give us a call.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903
Getting New Tires in Idaho Falls?
Posted April 12, 2013 12:00 PMThere are so many tire choices in the Idaho Falls area that selecting the right one can be a bit overwhelming for drivers. And even though it's kind of fun to have new tires on your vehicle, they're a significant investment for most Idaho Falls area folks so you want do it right.
Tip: talk with your friendly and knowledgeable All Things Automotive & Diesel Service tire professional. He'll help you sort through the choices.
Here are some of the issues you'll talk about: One is size – you know, all those numbers on the side of the tire. The right size is . All new vehicles are required to have stability control which, along with other important safety systems, is calibrated to work with specific tire sizes. Your Idaho Falls tire professional can help stay within manufacturer's specifications or program a different tire size into your vehicle's computer.
And you'll want to discuss how and where you drive to determine the type of tire you need: summer, winter, all season tires or all-terrain. There are tires for every Idaho Falls auto owner's needs.
Like we said, tires are a big investment, so you want to get a good value on tires. Now that doesn't always mean the cheapest tire. A top tier tire from All Things Automotive & Diesel Service will last a long time and give Idaho Falls drivers good performance throughout its life. Tires sold in Idaho Falls bargain tire shops may not live up to that promise. Again, your friendly and knowledgeable All Things Automotive & Diesel Service tire professional can give you options that offer the best long-term value within your immediate budget.
Last, with a 2-wheel drive vehicle, it's to always replace both tires on an axle. Modern sensors and computer safety systems for vehicle brakes, stability and traction control need both tires to have the same amount of wear to work properly. And always put the new tires on the rear so you don't fishtail in a turn. With all-wheel drive you should replace all four tires at the same time.
Schedule a tire inspection at All Things Automotive & Diesel Service to see how much life is left in your vehicle tires and seek the help of a professional when choosing new shoes for your vehicle.
Give us a call.
All Things Automotive & Diesel Service
1997 Walton Ave #C
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
208-523-3903