Ever think about your spare tire? Probably not. Having a flat tire is a pretty rare event. But

Tire changing in the professional car repair service

it you do, in this heat in Florida, your spare tire is going to be pretty important.

If you never check your spare tire, it might not be useful when you need it. Here are some general steps you should take to make sure your spare tire will be ready when disaster strikes.

Think about the most basic thing you check on your tires. That’s right, the pressure on your spare tire should be checked on a regular basis. Most tires should read between 30 and 35 PSI. This could change depending on the type of spare your vehicle is equipped with. A compact spare tire referred to as a donut, could require as much as 60 PSI. Always check your owner’s manual for appropriate inflation guidelines.

Not all vehicles have a spare tire and most vehicles won’t have a new one. If your car is older or maybe you bought it second hand, you will need to watch out for two things. Check the manufacture date on the sidewall of the tire. Believe it or not, tires have expiration dates. A tire that is older than 6 years old becomes substantially more likely to fail. A spare tire might last you as long as 10 years, but a safe bet is to replace it with a new one.

The second thing to watch out for is the condition of the spare tire. In the case of older vehicles, the spare has often been used or is actually the old patched tire from a previous mishap on the road. Examine the tire carefully. If you notice worn down tread, cracks, scarred side walls, or plugs you might want to replace your spare with one you can depend on.

Now that you have a spare that is in good condition, you will want to follow some rules to keep you safe using it. Remember spare tires are only meant to be used in emergencies, not as your everyday tire. You should only travel about 50 miles on your compact spare. You also want to avoid the highway. Most donut tires should only be used while going less than 50 mph.

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.

OK, so you are getting ready to buy a new truck. Maybe you are considering getting one with a diesel engine. I that a good idea? The type of truck best suited for you will depend heavily on your budget and what you will be using your truck for. Is your truck going to be your daily driver on your 40-mile commute, or will you regularly be using it to haul heavy equipment from point A to point B? Diesel Engine or Gasoline Engine?

Cost: It’s no secret a diesel-powered truck is going to cost you a bit more than the gasoline version…$5,045.00 more on average according to Forbes. Along with the higher initial purchase price, it typically costs a bit more to maintain a diesel engine through its life. These costs may be worth it in the long run, though. Diesel engines tend to last longer than gasoline and maintain a higher resale value when it’s time for you to upgrade.

Power: While towing can certainly be done with a gasoline-powered truck, a diesel may be the better choice if you plan on towing heavy loads long distances. Diesel engines have substantially more torque than their gasoline counterparts, and their exhaust brakes and fuel economy will help get your load where it needs to go. If your new truck is going to be used as a daily driver with only the occasional lightweight haul, the increased power and cost of a diesel engine may not be worth it for you.

Overall, the decision to purchase a diesel or gasoline-powered truck comes down to your own preference. To make the best long-term decision, it’s best to do a bit of research, evaluate your budget capacity, and take a hard look at your driving style to determine what your truck will most often be used for. While a diesel may be the best choice for one person, a gasoline may be the best choice for another.

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.