Rotating your tires is not as simple as it used to be. Welcome to the age of technology. In the last few years however this have become a much more difficult job. Most cars these days have what is called a “Tire Pressure Monitoring System” or TPMS. There are also a lot of “all wheel drive” cars on the road. These two things make rotating your cars tires more difficult. It can still be done, but you need much more info and, in some cases, specialized equipment in order to do this job.

What is TMPS and How Does it Work?

The primary reason that it is becoming harder to rotate tires is because of what is called TPMS or Tire Pressure Monitoring System. This system does just what its name suggests. It monitors the pressure in your tires to be sure that they are properly inflated giving you increased tire life and better gas mileage. It can also alert you if you are about to lose tire pressure while driving.

What’s the big deal you ask? Well the “problem” with these systems is that each tire must have a sensor inside of it that can tell the computer how much pressure is in it. This would not normally pose a problem, but each of these sensors are “marked” by the computer so the cars computer knows which tire is which.

This means that the computer knows the difference between the right front tire and the right rear tire.

When the average person goes to rotate their tires the computer can no longer tell which tire is which and it will turn on a light on in the instrument panel. This light will not go out until it is reset.

How to Reset TPMS Light

Most TPMS sensors have to be reset using a scan tool whenever the tires are rotated and some of them even have to be reset even when you are just putting air in the tire.

Starting in 2008 the government requires that car manufacturers use this system on their cars. This means that your car has this system if it was made after 2008. Many cars that were made before this date have this system so be sure to check your owners manual before you try to do anything related to your tires.

You can buy a scan tool that will re set this system at most any auto parts store or you can take your vehicle to your local mechanic to have it done. Some auto part stores can reset them as well.

Should You Rotate Tires Yourself?

If you have a scan tool that can reset TPMS codes or if your vehicle is not equipped with this system then you can do this job fairly easily. You will need to have a floor jack, jack stands and a basic set of hand tools, including a torque wrench. Then you simply put the tire that is on the front right on the back left and the tire that is on the back left goes on the front right. Then the same for the other side.

I would say that if you have an older vehicle (2000 and older) then yes, you should be able to do this job fairly easily. If you have a newer car that does not have a TPMS system, also yes, but if it does have this system, then I would leave it to a professional.

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.

Over heated cars are not uncommon. Especially here in Florida where it’s hot. But it is not something to mess with. You need to know what to do, and don’t ignore the problem.

Prevent Overheating Your Engine

Ensuring your vehicle is up to date on maintenance is the first step in avoiding engine trouble. There are several systems in your vehicle designed to regulate temperatures.

Engine Oil provides lubrication for the moving parts in your engine. This will reduce friction and reduce heat. Having regular and up to date oil changes will help ensure that your engine stays cool.

Your vehicles cooling system consists of various parts including fans, belts, and coolant fluids. Eventually, your automobile’s cooling system will develop scale deposits which restrict coolant circulation and will require your cooling system to be flushed. Having a correctly educated specialist carry out normal examinations will guarantee your car remains effectively cooled and working for many years to come.

What to do When Your Engine Overheats

• Pullover. Turn on your hazard lights, and turn off the engine.
• Do not open the hood of the car.
• Allow the vehicle to cool for 30 min or until the temperature gauge shows a normal temperature out of the red).
• Check the coolant levels. This is usually in a transparent reservoir near the radiator. If the levels are low, refill the reservoir. It’s always a good plan to carry an extra bottle of coolant during a long hot trip.
• Check hoses for leaks. You can tell the system is still working by squeezing the hose with your hand. Be careful, it’s hot! You will feel the pressure from the liquid in the hose. If not, you have a problem.
• If you remove the radiator cap, do so with caution. Use a rag to protect your hand and tilt the lid away from you. Never remove the radiator cap when the vehicle is hot and never pour water into a hot radiator. It can crack your engine block.

If your worried about your vehicle this summer or just need some routine maintenance, visit your local auto shop today. A skilled technician can help you with an oil change, fluid flush or auto repair you need.

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.