DIY: Tire Rotations

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Osceola Garage

Periodic tire rotations are necessary to insure even tire wire on all four tires and will extend the life of your tires.

A tire rotation should be performed every 6-8,000 miles.

Do it yourself.

Always check and adjust tire pressure to the correct specification. You can find the correct tire pressure specification on the driver’s door or in your car’s owner’s manual. When the tires are off the car, carefully inspect the tires for unusual wear and damage.

When putting the tires back on the car, make sure all the wheel lug nuts are properly tightened (torqued). If you do your own tire rotations, it’s probably best to invest in a torque wrench to insure that the wheels are tightened to factory spec. Torque specs are usually found in your owner’s manual or shop manual. Your service professional can also supply you with the correct torque spec.

Please note that some vehicles have a different size tire on the rear wheels than the front wheel. For these models, a tire rotation cannot be performed. In addition, if rotate your tires yourself you probably don’t have a wheel balancer. Tire can get out-of-balance and should be checked if you feel a wheel shimmy or if you have hit a lot of potholes. Lastly, check the owner’s manual for correct rotation pattern.

Why Buy Tires From Osceola Garage?
Click here for details.

Summer Driving Tips For Seniors

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Osceola Garage

Summer time is the busiest time of the year as people take to the roadways for vacation and enjoyment. Summer heat and unexpected breakdowns are hard on seniors and those with disabilities.

High summer temperatures also take their toll on the engine. Always follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual and speak with your auto service professional about maintaining your vehicle during the summer months.

Here’s a quick list of service items:

Have your air conditioning tested and inspected, along with belts and hoses.
Make sure your radiator and cooling system is thoroughly inspected.
Have your battery tested. It’s a lot easier to replace a battery before a trip than replace a dead one on the side of the road.
Have a professional inspect your brake pads and linings for wear.
Change the engine oil and filter according to the service schedule and check all fluid levels.
Replace wiper blades once a year.
Have your tires inspected and tire pressure checked, including the spare.
Check all exterior lights
Change the air filter. A dirty filter lowers gas mileage and reduces engine performance.

Buckle up and don’t leave home without your cell phone and your disabled parking permit.

Learn about our Roadside Assistance Program.

June Is National Tire Safety Month

Posted on June 14, 2012 by Osceola Garage

The Rubber Manufacturers Association has declared June National Tire Safety Month in order to increase the awareness among drivers about proper tire care and maintenance. Osceola Garage is committed to educate the public on the importance of properly maintained tires.

Properly maintained tires:

improve overall vehicle performance,
increase tire life,
maintain fuel economy
and help prevent accidents and breakdowns.

It’s important for everyone to be aware of tire safety to protect themselves and other drivers on the road.

Tire Safety Tips:

Check and adjust tire pressure a least once a month.
The correct tire pressure specification is found in your vehicle owner’s manual and on the driver’s door pillar.
Rotate your tires every 8 to 10,000 miles to maximize tire life.
Visually inspect your tires every month for wear and damage.
A wheel alignment and tire balance should be checked once a year.
When purchasing tires, ask your service personal for advise on the right tire for your car.
Consider snow tires if you need to drive during winter months.

Stop in Osceola Garage during the month of June and ask for your free tire gauge with any service!

How To Purchase Your Next New Car

Posted on June 12, 2012 by Osceola Garage

Reserve Your Seat Today for Osceola Garage’s
Next Consumer Car Clinic

How to purchase your next car.

“How To Purchase Your Next New Car”

Topics will include:

Should I lease or own my next vehicle?
How to get your best price and negotiate?
Should I purchase an extended warranty?
Is a hybrid or electric car in my future?
Are some car makes less expensive to maintain?
How long can I expect my new car to last?
What about pre-owned vehicles (pro’s & con’s)?
What does certified pre-owned really mean?
Once I buy a new car, do I really need to go back to the dealer?
What “Free Maintenance” means — what are you really getting?

SAVE THE DATE
August 23, 2012 6-7pm Somers Library

Don’t wait, sign up today, Seating is limited!

To reserve you seat please call signup at Somers library
or call Osceola Garage 845-629-7900

Senior Safety Tip: Car Rental Advice

Posted on June 8, 2012 by Osceola Garage

Going on Vacation and Renting a Car?

Planning your road trip.

Renting a car unfamiliar to you can be a source of frustration, especially when not driving in your hometown. It may be a good idea to rent a navigation system, if the car is not already equipped with one.

Also, take the time to familiarize yourself with the controls of the car being rented:
mirrors, lights, seat position, signal switch, radio, heater, air conditioner, windshield washers and wipers.

You don’t want to be fumbling around for the proper switch while you are driving in unfamiliar surroundings. Make sure your headrest is adjusted properly too. Do a walk around with a rental company agent to inspect the car for damage. You don’t want to be responsible for damage that was caused by someone else.

A few simple steps taken before you head out in a rental car will ensure your safety and the safety of others.

Joe Marconi is an ASE-Certified technician and owner of Osceola Garage, serving Putnam and Northern Westchester County, New York. Osceola Garage never compromises on quality, training or equipment and offers you only the best in automotive car care.