How often should I have my engine oil/filter changed?

January 15, 2010

Regularly scheduled oil/filter changes are the single most important item for prolonging engine life. Most new vehicles have recommended oil/filter change intervals of 7,500 miles and some new vehicles have recommended oil change intervals of 11,000 to 15,000 miles under normal operating conditions, with ”normal” operation described as the operation of the vehicle for at least 20 minutes at a medium speed, with a steady throttle and in a clean driving environment. Short hops to the store, stop-and-go rush hour driving, driving on dirt roads and inclement-weather operation are all considered severe operating conditions that can cause impurities to build up quickly in the oil, resulting in increased wear and tear on internal parts. That is why most owner’s manuals and mechanics recommend changing the oil and filter every three months or 3,000 miles (whichever comes first) to assure that maximum engine lubrication occurs while a minimum of impurities are suspended in the oil. To find out what the recommended oil change frequency is for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual or talk with your automotive service professional.


What’s the correct tire pressure for my vehicle?

January 12, 2010

The correct tire pressure for a vehicle is determined by the size and weight of the vehicle, the type of tires it uses, load hauled, and the type of driving the vehicle is intended for. The vehicle manufacturer places a tire inflation placard in each vehicle that gives the proper tire inflation pressures for that vehicle. This placard is located on the inside of the glove box door, inside the fuel-filler door, or on the driver’s side doorpost (depending upon manufacturer). Most manufacturers also list tire inflation levels in the owner’s manual.


Tires in good condition are important to the safety of your care

January 8, 2010

85% of vehicle owners don’t check their Tire pressure regularly! It’s just one of those things we don’t think about until it’s obvious there is a problem, or it’s too late. Even with all the hi-tech goodies found in today’s modern automobiles, tires are probably the single most important safety feature on your vehicle. Without tires you’re not going anywhere. One of the easiest ways to maintain the performance and longevity of your tires is to keep them properly inflated. Check air pressure in all four tires at least once a month, or before a long trip, and inflate them to your vehicle manufacturer’s recommended level. This information is also often located on a placard in the vehicle’s doorjamb. Here are a few things you can do to keep your tires properly inflated and in good shape:

- Invest in a good pressure gauge. Remember, gas station gauges are often inaccurate.
- Hot air expands. For accurate pressure readings, always check your tires when they are cold.
- Beat the Heat. In summer, it’s best to inflate tires in the morning before the day heats up.
- Check valve stems for cracks or damage. Make sure all valve stems are capped tightly to minimize air loss.


Get your tires rotated at Daly City Tire & Auto

January 3, 2010

Regular tire rotation will extend the life of your tires and save you time and money. Tire rotation ensures even wear and will help your tires last as long as possible and maintain ride, performance and traction on the road.

You should rotate your tires every six months or 5,000 miles for most vehicles. If you have performance tires, rotate them every 3,000-4,000 miles since softer tread compounds often tire wear more quickly.


Some quick car care tips from Daly City Tire & Auto

January 1, 2010

- Regularly change oil and filter as needed for your vehicle.

- Have all fluids checked, including brake, power steering, transmission/transaxle, windshield washer solvent and antifreeze. These fluids play a large role in the safety and performance of the vehicle.

- Check tire inflation. Under-inflated tires can result in a loss of fuel efficiency. This is the least expensive form of preventive and safety maintenance. Tires should be checked once a month.

- Keep your engine tuned. A fouled spark plug or plugged/restricted fuel injector can reduce fuel efficiency as much as 30 percent.

- Have the chassis lubricated frequently. This step extends the life of the moving components of the vehicle’s suspension system.

- Check battery cables and posts for corrosion and clean them as needed. The battery fluid should also be checked and filled if it is low, except in the case of maintenance-free batteries.

- Have the lighting system checked frequently, including headlights, turn signals, and brake and tail lights.

- Check windshield washer blades for cracks, tears and windshield contact. Replace them approximately once a year or sooner if streaking begins.

- Inspect engine belts regularly. Worn belts will affect the engine performance. Look for cracks and missing sections or segments.

- Have the air filtration system checked frequently. The air filter should be checked approximately every other oil change for clogging or damage. This system ensures that the vehicle is performing at its peak condition.

Always consult the vehicle owner’s manual for individual service schedules as manufacturer maintenance requirements vary greatly.


The Best Tire & Auto Service in Daly City!

December 30, 2009

We’ve been in business since 1954 and are locally owned with a National presence. The Bay Area has come to recognize that there is no better place to bring your vehicle than Daly City Tire Pros. From tires to automotive repair to custom wheels and accessories, lowering/lift kits and performance upgrades, we can accommodate your needs!

Stop by our store and let us get to know you. We offer superior service at a great price. When it comes to taking care of your car or making it stand out from the crowd, take it to Daly City Tire Pros, the best place for all your automotive needs! Some of the services we provide at Daly City Tire & Auto:

Factory Service30/60/90/120k service
BrakesTune Ups
Shocks/Struts
Timing Belt
Diagnostics
Electrical
Belts/Hoses
BatteryAlignments
Oil Change
Check Engine Light
Handwash and Auto Detail
Air Conditioning

We are located at 6888 Mission Street in Daly City. Phone 650-756-8775


Great service at Daly City Tire & Auto

December 20, 2009

We have expert technicians and friendly professionals at Daly City Tire & Auto…but, don’t just take our word for it, happy customer review from Yelp!:

great service!

i needed to drive back to san diego but i had a doughnut on my passenger front- they got me a great price on a replacement tire and thought to check my brakes…
good thing they checked, i had to replace my brake pads! im really glad i didnt find out about that when i was already on the grapevine.

go here, they are nice and they have pinball machines in the waiting room.

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Daly City Tire & Auto located at 6888 Mission Street in Daly City. Phone 650-756-8775


Let us help you select the right tires for your car!

December 16, 2009

A majority of people forget that selecting the right tires is important to make the car ride smoother. It can also affect the amount of money that you have to spend because the wrong ones will make you replace tires sooner.

Call us today! (650) 756-8775


Customer review: Daly City Tire & Auto

December 11, 2009

Another customer review of Daly City Tire & Auto:

My first time here and I have no complaints. I came in for 2 new front tires and asked for their cheapest rate. The tires I ordered were due to come in the next morning so I was requested to come back. I came in the next morning as instructed and unfortunately 1 of the tires in my order did not come in. Since I was already charged and was told to come back, the same kind representative who had rang me up the day prior gave me an upgrade in tires which would of normally costed me almost $100 more but, he only charged me $10 more for the inconvenience. Now thats excellent service!

My car is running much smoother now and I’ll definitely be back in 2 wks to get the rear tires replaced. My car was ready in an hour.

I forgot the name of the kind gentleman who helped me but I think he was Filipino, either way thanks again!


An easy fix for tires that will not stay properly inflated

December 9, 2009

Q: I have a 1998 Subaru Legacy Outback with 100,000 miles. The current Michelin tires were new at 70,000 miles. The problem is trying to keep them properly inflated. Three of the four constantly drop to 20 psi, and I have to fill them each week. If there were a leak, wouldn’t they go flat?

A: Most likely, the problem is with the rims. It’s not unusual that the rims rust out on the Subaru cars. However, we don’t have to throw these rims out. Most shops that sell tires can grind down the rust on the rim bead. After all the rust has been removed, a bead sealer compound is applied to the bead edge of the rim and allowed to dry. At that point, the tire is remounted on the rim, inflated, leak-tested and balanced. And just like that, your problem is resolved.