We have all heard the sayings about the cavemen who invented the wheel so it's not a stretch to say that wheels are an invention going back millennia. However, they have undergone some changes over the years. No longer do we use chiseled stone or wooden hubs and spokes to create the required round shape. The process of making tires is also more complex. Instead of using just one material there are a variety of materials that are used to create strong efficient tires that will withstand thousands [...more]

When it comes to making major purchases there is a lot to keep in mind besides just the price. Everyone these days is on a budget so we want to get the best deal that we can; however we also want support businesses that are giving back to and supporting the community around them. Purchasing new tires is no small expense. And if you live in California you know that there is no end to the number of California tire dealers and it can be hard to choose which one to buy from. While you are shopping [...more]

It's hard to believe when many are still experiencing cold weather and snow that spring break is here again. Whether you are planning an awesome road trip with your friends to a far-off, warmer, destination or just plan to stay at home and relax now is a great time to go through that car maintenance checklist. We rely on our vehicles so much to get us where we need to go, the best automotive advice we can follow is to stay on top of routine maintenance. This way we can usually avoid major fixes [...more]

If there is one thing that we have learned in the last few years it's the importance of living on a budget. Whether it is groceries, bills, or non-essentials keeping a tight budget is how many of us have survived this most recent recession. Try as we might, if there is one thing that can blow our budgets out of the water it's vehicle expenses. As if high gas prices weren't enough routine car maintenance can very quickly add up. Although they typically don't need to be purchased more than every f [...more]

We have all seen the pictures of old car tires stacked up at the landfill or seen the scrapes left littering the sides of the highway. It's a hard thing to look and not wonder if there isn't something better that could be done with them or some other purpose they could serve. Fortunately, there is! Recycling. While the practice of recycling rubber has been in existence for more than one hundred years, it has only been since the early 1990's that a real effort has been made toward recycling tires [...more]

We all like saving money , right? In this type of economy that has become more important than ever. Every dollar counts and every dime earned is carefully tracked in a budget that doesn't allow much wiggle room. It is during times like this that expenses like new Cooper tires are even more difficult to swallow. Fortunately there are some things that you can do to extend the life of your tires and save yourself the expense of purchasing new tires for down the road. As convenient as vehicles can [...more]

If you are in the market for a new set of tires there has never been a better time to learn how to read tire sizes . Fortunately it is based on a standardized system developed by the Department of Transportation so every tire uses the same formula to identify the size and ratings. The tire size can be located on the sidewall of the tire. If the tire is older and been well worn it may be harder to read but it should still be there. You should see a series of numbers and letters that look somet [...more]

Tire pressure. It's something that most people don't give a lot of thought to. As long as the tires look full and the vehicle keeps running smoothly, they assume that everything is okay. Unlike keeping your car clean and waxed, maintaining proper tire pressure is an important part of maintaining your tires and your vehicle. The easiest and fastest way for your tires to loose pressure is if they suffer a tire puncture . Nails, glass, and other materials on the roadway can quickly damage your tir [...more]

There is a lot of freedom associated with vehicle ownership; being able to go where you want to go, when you want to go. However, vehicles are also a big responsibility. On top of insurance costs and the responsibility of operating a vehicle on the road with other drivers, they take a good deal of time and money to keep them properly maintained and running smoothly; especially if you want them to last as long as possible. [caption id="attachment_2581" align="alignleft" width="300"] Car Maintena [...more]

Whether you are an avid car collector, a car enthusiast, or simply a car owner, classic car shows are the place for you. They are the ideal place to look at, and maybe even get your hands on, your favorite classics like the Model T as well as some of the newer designs like the Dodge Charger. But even more than that, classic car shows are a great way to learn about and visualize the history of the automotive industry and how it got to where it is today. The specifications for each car show vary. [...more]

For many shopping for new tires is seen as a stressful and expensive endeavor that they often dread embarking on. But it doesn't have to be this way. Knowing what size and type of tires that you need can make the process of choosing tires easier, and knowing where to look for great deals can make the purchase less expensive. Choosing the right tires is often the more challenging part of the process. Getting the right size, type, and brand for your vehicle and lifestyle can be challenging with s [...more]

There are a lot of benefits to owning a vehicle; being able to go wherever you want, whenever you want and getting from point A to point B in a timely fashion are all great things that typically can't be accomplished with public transportation. However vehicle ownership also comes with a good deal of responsibility and sometimes monetary expense that should be taken into consideration before investing in a vehicle. One of the biggest expenses on a vehicle is new tires. If you have ever bought a [...more]

Winter is a unique time of year. Even with the cold weather and sometimes harsh conditions we still love getting together for the holidays, planning outdoor activities on the mild days, and even taking road trips. Road trips --whether they are to visit family and friends, to carve it up on a ski trip, or a just a relaxing time away --can be a lot of fun. But before you head off here are a few maintenance and winter road trip tips to keep you safe and make sure that your trip is filled with good [...more]

Accessorizing your vehicle is on the great, and more fun, aspects of vehicle ownership. Adding unique pin striping, investing in custom seat covers, and maybe even splurging on a lift kit are just a few of the ways you can add your own personal touch to your vehicle. But the most popular customization by far is purchasing a new set of et wheels . The nice thing about purchasing new car wheels is that there are a lot of options to choose from for a variety of budgets. The best place to begin you [...more]

Nothing puts a damper on your day like a flat tire. Without fail it always seems to happen as you are rushing out the door on the way to work or in an unfamiliar part of town running errands. Changing to a spare tire can take a lot of time and, unless you have a full size spare, there are limitations on how fast and far you can drive safely. Calling a tow truck can also be a very time consuming option with wait times being as much as several hours. Fortunately there is another option that is qui [...more]

There are many things about winter to enjoy; cooler weather, picturesque views of trees without leaves and the snow covered earth, sledding and snowman-building with the family. On the flip side, winter can create some really adverse driving conditions that can make leaving the house downright dangerous. That is why when you are buying winter tires you should be able to trust that they will be able to get you where you need to go as safely as possible. To reassure customers and continue to impro [...more]

Proper vehicle maintenance is a process that takes time and just a little bit of money. Performing monthly checks of the oil level, tire pressure, and tread wear may take a little time but it can save you a good deal of money in costly repairs. Getting the oil changed in accordance with your vehicle's owner's manual as well as getting your tires rotated and realigned is also an important safety check that can some trouble down the road. [caption id="attachment_1015343" align="alignright" width= [...more]

When it comes to replacing your tires, unless you are a mechanic or very familiar with tires, you are likely to go with whatever the tire dealer gives you. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, especially if you go to a trusted dealership. However, if you would like to be more involved in the process and have a greater understanding and input on what tires go on your vehicle then understanding tire ratings is a good place to start. To create a standard for tire quality and performance the Nationa [...more]

We live in a fast paced world that is constantly discovering new things and modifying old thoughts. When it comes to creating new technology and reinventing the old, there is no limit to what they will come up with next. This is even true for the automotive industry. One of the most recent revelations is tires filled with nitrogen rather than compressed air. Like most new ideas there is usually some debate as supporters for both sides argue the pros and cons of each, but let's just skip that [...more]

Keeping your vehicle properly maintained and operating smoothly takes time. This includes monthly maintenance checks on things like the oil level and tire pressure as well as the "as needed" repairs like oil changes and new tires. Typically oil changes don't cost that much or can be done yourself for nothing but the cost of the oil. New tires on the other hand are a more costly investment and a longer process but they play an important part in your vehicles operation and safety. Buying tires ba [...more]

Winter is upon us yet again. In fact most of the country has already faced a couple big storms that have left behind freezing temperatures and several inches, if not feet, of snow. With spring time several months away there is no time like the present to buy some winter tires, if you haven't done so already. Buying winter tires is a very similar process to buying any set of new tires . It's important that you know your primary driving conditions and tire size so that you can get the best set of [...more]

Flat tire. Just hearing the words make you cringe. We have all "been there done that" when it comes to getting a flat and although routine car maintenance can help prevent many of these instances there is nothing like that stray nail or screw to put a wrench in your day. While you could spend hours stranded on the side of the road waiting for help to arrive or pulling out the donut tire and hoping it lasts until you make it to the next service station there is an alternative that could you back [...more]

Snow. It's beautiful and fun to play in but it can also cause some pretty treacherous driving conditions. Everything from slick, icy roads to snow packed highways can be a real danger if you and your vehicle are not properly prepared for the loss of traction that you experience under such conditions. Living where it snows, winter tires are a must. The type of winter tires that you get depends a lot of where you live. If you live in an area that receives most rain and only trace amounts of snow [...more]

For many of us our vehicles are an essential part of every day life. We use them to get to work, take the kids to their activities, and run errands all over the place. Our lives would be a lot different without cars. But as essential as our vehicles are in our lives we often neglect, or take for granted, one of the vehicles most important elements...the tires. Tires are a key element in our vehicles functionality. They help to give us a smooth and comfortable ride, provide traction to keep us o [...more]

Vehicles are one of those great inventions that we tend to take for granted. Kind of like cell phones until we loose reception and then we don't know what to do. Cars are great until we blow a tire and are left wondering what happened. Unlike cell phones we do have a good deal of control over whether or not they work. With proper maintenance your car will run smoothly and you'll be able to identify the problem and take care of it before it blows up in your face.   One of the biggest probl [...more]