For most people, when you open the hood, all that stuff underneath is a mystery, except maybe the battery. There are all those belts. What do they do? In order to maintain your vehicle’s performance, your belts are something you should be familiar with.What Car Belts Do. timing bestThe major belts in your vehicle are the serpentine belt and timing belt.

Serpentines are responsible for power steering pumps, cooling fans, injection pumps, air conditioning, and a variety of other functions depending on your vehicle. Sometimes serpentine belts can do it all!

With one long snaking path, the serpentine belt winds in and out of several different components in your vehicle. It is made of extremely durable rubber with a smooth side controlling some parts and a ribbed side controlling others. If this belt breaks you will hear a squealing noise, your engine may overheat, and your power steering will stop working.

Timing Belts connect the upper engine to the lower engine. They are often called camshaft belts because they control the camshaft. Camshafts control the opening and closing of valves. Timing belts are equipped with specifically spaced teeth to control the frequency of valve openings and closures.

A bad timing belt can cause the valves to remain open and be struck by the pistons. This can cause a lot of damage, so you want to make sure you know the signs of a bad timing belt. Common signs include Engine misfires, leaking oil, trouble starting the engine, and ironically a ticking noise.

These belts are important to the operation of your vehicle and will give you plenty of signs that they need replacing. If you want to keep your belts running smooth, give them a quick check for cracks and wear. You can also consult your owner’s manual for estimated lifespans on your belts or take your vehicle into your local auto shop for inspection.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.

Buying new tires is a big investment. But it’s not one you should put off when the time thumbs upcomes. Do you need new tires? Take a close look at your tires and determine if you actually need new tires. Tread is the best place to look. You can measure the depth using an old penny or by looking at the tread wear indicators built into most tires. If your tread is worn down to less than 2/32 of an inch you need new tires.

Who to buy new tires from can be a challenge. One option is the car dealer, but they are often the most expensive. You will have better luck with a tire retailer or local auto shop. Always check for promotions and coupons going on in your area. Tire sellers will often run specials on mounting, balancing, and rotating tires when you purchase a new set of tires from their location.

Now it is time to select the right size tire. Most tires are branded with a number that tells you all about the product you are about to purchase. For example, P195/70R15 43H M+S, shows you the type, width, aspect ratio, diameter, tire speed rating, and indicates the tire is an all-season tire. That’s a lot of information in a small space! For most of us, these numbers can be confusing and a little intimidating. The good news is most tire shops offer a handy tool that lets you select your vehicle make, model, and year and the tool finds the tires that will fit your vehicle.

Now you know what tires will fit and where to look for them, but what tire is going to fit into your life? Weather, driving habits, and your own personal preference can all play a role in making this decision. If you live in an area that gets snow you might consider an all-season or winter tire. But if you experience sun all year round this might not be the best choice. Know what type of tire you want! Do you need high-speed performance, a comfortable ride, traction in snow, durability in high temperatures, or the ability to carry heavy loads?

Once you purchase your perfect set of tires, don’t forget to protect your investment. Regular maintenance is key. After your tires have been selected and mounted by a professional technician, you will want to make sure to keep your tire pressure in check. Always refer to the specifications for your particular tire but PSI should normally be 30-35. Tire rotations, wheel alignments, and tire balancing will also be regular maintenance items you should keep in mind.

I hope this helps you make your next tire purchase. Remember to check your tread to determine if you need new tires, pick a trustworthy dealer, and hunt down those deals. The right type of tire can change your driving experience and deliver the results you want. With proper care and preparation, your new tires can take you anywhere and with proper maintenance, you can make them last.

Lim’s Auto Body is a full service auto body and mechanical repair shop locally owned and operated in Largo, Florida. For more information, go to our web site www.limsautobody.com or call (727) 422-3232.