How Do I Change My Spare Tire

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Sometimes this can be a lot like putting together a puzzle. All the pieces fit, and each tool has a purpose. Let’s go over this in steps.

How do I Change My Spare Tire Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Spare Tire Jack Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

1. Make sure your vehicle is on stable ground. When your tire is flat, you need to park on concrete or asphalt. If you are on soft ground, you will need to drive your vehicle until you find hard ground. Take it slow until you get there. It is too unsafe to jack your vehicle on soft ground, dirt, or gravel.

2. Retrieve the Spare Tire and all tools to do the job.

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Spare Tire Tools Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

3. Loosen the Lug Nuts. Don’t unscrew them totally. A half turn will do. You may need to step on the Lug Wrench with your foot to loosen the nuts.

Lug Nut Loosening Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

4. Set the Jack and Raise the Tire off the ground. Setting the Jack can be tricky. If you have no experience doing this, go to the Owners Manuel and read the section about this.

5. Now totally remove the Lug nuts. Never have your feet or legs under the vehicle or tire. Stand clear while performing this task. Once the lug nuts are off, remove the flat tire and set it to the side.

6. Make sure the Spare Tire has a full amount of air in it and install it on the Vehicle. It’s a good habit to check the air pressure in your spare tire once every few months. If your vehicle is at an Auto Repair Shop, they should be doing this for you.

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7. Snug the lug nuts as best that you can while the tire is still off the ground.

8. Lower the jack so the tire is on the ground.

9. Tighten the lug nuts. Step on the lug wrench with your foot to insure they are all very tight.

10. Put the tools and the flat tire in the trunk and head to a Tire Shop Near You. The Mechanic will Repair or Replace the Flat Tire and put all the puzzle pieces back together.

I hope this helps the next time your Low Tire light comes on and you find yourself with a flat tire on the side of the road.

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What’s The Hold-Up? Understanding Car Repair Delays

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair in Greenville SC 29615.

By Alicia Lewis. Service Advisor for Cobb Tire and Auto Repair.

We’ve all been there: you bring your vehicle into an Auto Repair Shop for a seemingly simple repair job, only to be told that it’s going to take much longer than expected.  You may find yourself wondering, “What’s taking so long?”  One common reason for delays in Car Repair is the availability of parts.  In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the parts availability issue and what you can do to minimize the delay.

First, it’s important to understand that Auto Parts availability can be a real issue.  Cars are complex machines made up of many different parts, and it’s not always easy to find the exact replacement part needed for a repair.  This is especially true for older or rare cars, where replacement parts may no longer be in production or difficult to source.  In these cases, Mechanics may need to search for the necessary parts online or from third-party suppliers, which can take time.

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Another factor that can contribute to parts delays is the location of the Repair Shop.  If a shop is located in a remote or rural area, it may be more difficult for them to obtain the necessary parts quickly.  On the other hand, Auto Repair Shops in urban areas may have better access to a wider range of Parts Suppliers, however with employee shortages and shipping issues, obtaining them may not be any more convenient.

Of course, it’s not always the parts availability that’s causing the delay.  Sometimes, Mechanics uncover additional problems during the repair process that need to be addressed before the original issue can be fixed.  This can be frustrating for customers who are expecting a quick fix, but it’s important to remember that safety should always come first.  If a Mechanic identifies a safety issue, they are obligated to fix it before releasing the vehicle back to its owner.

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Another tip is to work with a reputable Repair Shop that has established relationships with Parts Suppliers.  If a shop has a good reputation and strong relationships with suppliers, they may be able to get the necessary parts more quickly than other shops that don’t have these connections.  Finally, be patient.  While it can be frustrating to wait for a repair, it’s important to give the Mechanic the necessary time to do the job right.  Rushing the work can lead to mistakes and potentially unsafe conditions down the road.

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Parts availability is a common reason for delays in Car Repairs, but it’s important to understand that getting the job done right takes time.  Cars are complex machines, and Auto Mechanics need to take the necessary steps to ensure they’re safe and in proper working order before releasing them back to their owners.  The best things you can do to minimize delays are to provide as much information as possible about your car, work with a reputable repair shop, and be patient.  With these steps, you’ll be back on the road in no time!

Engine Gaskets

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Do It Yourself Cabin Filter Replacement

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Dash Board Glove Box Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Car Glove Box Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Have you ever wondered if you could handle a Cabin Filter Replacement yourself?  It’s not as difficult as you may think. most Cabin Filters are behind the glove box.  To gain access to the filter, the Glove Box will need removing out of the way.  To start the process, all the belongings need removing from the Glove Box.  Next, the side retaining clips will need unclipping.  Sometimes you can pinch inward on the sides to clear the Glove Box Catch.  Once done, the Glove box can be removed or pivoted down and out of the way.  Next, locate the Cabin Filter plastic cover and unclip it from the filter box.  Next pull out the Cabin Filter, being careful to keep the trash from dropping down into the HVAC box.  Next, discard the old filter and install the new one.  The filter Assembly will have arrows pointing downward.  Slide the filter in and make sure the arrow is pointing down.  The arrow shows the direction of the air flow.  Once the filter is seated, snap the filter cover back on and begin resetting the Glove Box back into the dash.  If you don’t see a filter box behind the glove box, it may not have one. Sometimes the filter location is behind the center of the dash.  If this is the case, contact an Auto Repair Shop.  Your filter is more difficult than most and an Auto Mechanic will know how to gain access to it.

Glove Box Clip Removal Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Glove Box Removal Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Cabin Air Filter Replacement Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

What Are The Benefits Of An Air Quality Service?

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

By Alicia Lewis. Service Advisor at Cobb Tire and Auto Repair.

What are the Benefits of an Air Quality Service

Taking care of your vehicle is a critical part of car ownership. Routine maintenance is essential to ensure that your vehicle is operating correctly and remains safe while on the road. One of the most commonly overlooked services for vehicles is an air quality service. You might be wondering, what exactly is an air quality service, and is it something you really need? In this blog post, we will dive into these questions and explain why an air quality service should be a part of your car’s regular maintenance.

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Air quality, as the name suggests, deals with the air flowing through your vehicle. An air quality service is the process of cleaning, refreshing, and conditioning the air that is pumped into your car’s cabin. This service often includes replacing the cabin air filter, cleaning the air intake system, and checking the overall condition of your vehicle’s HVAC system. The cabin air filter traps dust, pollen, and other airborne pollutants, preventing them from entering your vehicle’s interior. Over time, the filter gets clogged, reducing air flow and negatively impacting air quality.

If you have allergies or other respiratory issues, a dirty cabin air filter can be especially problematic for you. Moreover, it can also affect the efficiency of the heating and air conditioning system of your car. By regularly replacing the cabin filter and cleaning the air intake system, your vehicle’s HVAC system can function as it should, preventing premature wear, and increasing fuel efficiency.

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A well-maintained air quality system not only keeps you healthy but also keeps your vehicle healthy. When you neglect the air quality system of your car, caked-on dirt and debris can accumulate on the AC evaporator, which prevents the system from removing moisture, eventually leading to damp or even moldy air. This, in turn, can spread an unpleasant odor within your car, making it an unpleasant environment to ride in. A properly maintained air quality system can also help you avoid costly repairs to your AC system in the future.

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Routine maintenance is a crucial aspect of owning a vehicle, and an air quality service should be a part of your vehicle’s regular maintenance. A clean and efficient air quality system not only keeps you and your passengers healthy, but it also improves fuel efficiency and prevents costly repairs in the future. So, if you’re not sure about the last time you had your cabin air filter replaced and your air intake system cleaned, then it’s time to schedule an air quality service appointment with a trusted mechanic. Your car and your health will thank you for it!

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Why Does My Car Squeak When I Turn

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair in Greenville SC 29615

One thing that bothers me about my car is hearing a high pitch squealing noise when I turn the Steering Wheel.  Noises can be an indication of mechanical problems.  We deal with a lot of noise issues. Sometimes it requires an Auto Repair Mechanic spending time to Diagnose this problem.

Why Does My Car Squeak Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

There are many reasons for Squeaking Noises.  Let’s go over the most common ones.  If the noise is occurring when turning the Steering Wheel, the problem may be with the steering System.  The Steering System includes the Power Steering Pump, the Steering Rack and Pinion, and the Steering Column. The Chassis and the Suspension can also come into play here.

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We start the Diagnostic Procedure by first Test Driving the car. We want to be sure that we can recreate the noise consistently.  The next step is to recreate the noise in our Auto Repair Shop.  Once we hear the noise in the shop, we can then use our Shop Testing Tools to isolate the noise and pin it down.  Sometimes this requires several Technicians and everyone’s help.  A very quiet Service Shop is also needed to help with the Noise Diagnosis.  A lot of times we will shut the shop down to make the area as quiet as possible. While we are hearing the squeak from the car, our Technicians will now be able to find the noise. We then make our recommendation to Repair the Car and fix the noise.

Chassis and Suspension Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Most of the time, we find the cause of the noise to be at the Chassis or the Suspension. Worn out Ball Joints, faulty Control Arm Bushings, and Sway Bar Links, are usually the cause. Worn out Suspension Struts can also be the problem. Replacing these worn components and resetting the Alignment will rid your car of the annoying squeak.

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The Truth About Rodents And Your Car: Preventing Engine Damage.

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

By Alicia Lewis. Service Advisor at Cobb Tire and Auto Repair.

We’ve all heard the rumors about rodents chewing through Wire Harnesses and Engine Hoses in cars.  It seems like an urban legend, right? Unfortunately, it’s not.  Rodents, especially mice and rats, love to take up residence in warm, cozy places like your Car’s Engine Compartment. And once they’re in there, they can wreak havoc on your Vehicle’s essential components.  In this blog post, we’ll explore the truth about rodents and your Car, and provide you with helpful tips on how to prevent them from getting into your Engine Compartment in the first place.

Why do rodents like Engine Compartments? Rodents are notorious for seeking out spaces that make them feel safe and secure.  Engine Compartments are perfect for them because they provide shelter from predators and harsh weather conditions.  Additionally, the warmth generated by the Engine can be very appealing to rodents, especially during the colder months.  Once inside, rodents will often begin to chew on anything they can find, including the Wires and Engine Hoses, which they use for nesting material.

How common is Engine Compartment damage from rodents? It’s more common than you might think.  According to a survey conducted by the National Pest Management Association, 29% of Americans have had rodent damage to their Vehicles.  This type of damage can be extensive and costly, with repairs often amounting to hundreds or even thousands of dollars.  Additionally, rodents can cause safety issues if they chew through important Electrical and Brake Components.

How can you prevent rodents from getting into your Engine Compartment? There are a number of things you can do to make it harder for rodents to enter your Engine Compartment. Here are a few tips: Park in well-lit areas. Rodents tend to avoid well-lit areas where they’re more likely to be seen by predators. Use a rodent repellent. You can find a number of different types of rodent repellents on the market, including sprays, granules, moth balls, and electronic devices. Keep your garage clean and clutter-free. Rodents love dark, cluttered spaces, so keeping your garage clean and organized can go a long way in preventing them from entering your engine compartment.

Rodent Damage Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

What should you do if you suspect rodent damage? If you suspect that rodents have caused damage to your Vehicle, it’s important to take action as soon as possible.  Here are a few steps you can take: Contact a Professional Auto Repair Shop.  A Mechanic can help you assess the extent of the damage, do a thorough inspection of your Engine Compartment, look for any signs of damage or nesting material, and provide recommendations for the best course of action. Consider setting traps.  If you suspect that rodents are still present in your engine compartment, you may need to set traps to remove them.

In conclusion, it’s important to take steps to prevent rodents from entering your Engine Compartment.  By following the tips outlined in this blog post, you can help protect your Vehicle from costly and potentially dangerous damage.  If you suspect that rodents have caused damage to your Car, don’t hesitate to seek help from a Professional Mechanic.  With a little bit of know-how and precaution, you can keep rodents at bay and ensure that your car stays in top shape.

Rodent Damage Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Understanding Shocks And Struts

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

By Alicia Lewis. Service Advisor for Cobb Tire and Auto Repair

Understanding Shocks and Struts: Why Suspension Maintenance is Crucial

Have you ever experienced the jarring feeling of driving over a pothole, speed bump, or rough patch of road in your vehicle? Maybe your car felt like it bounced excessively, or you heard a strange clunking noise coming from your wheels afterward. These symptoms might indicate a problem with your Shocks and Struts, two essential components of your Car’s Suspension System. Suspension Maintenance is crucial to maintaining a smooth, safe ride, but many drivers aren’t sure what shocks and struts are or why they matter. In this blog post, you’ll learn all about these critical Suspension Components and why they need regular attention and care.

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Let’s start with the basics: what are Shocks and Struts, and what do they do? Your car’s Suspension System is designed to keep your Tires in contact with the road and provide a smooth, stable ride, even on uneven surfaces. Shocks and Struts are part of the Suspension System, and their job is to absorb the impact of bumps and dips in the road, preventing your car from bouncing or swaying excessively. Shocks and Struts work together to keep your tires planted firmly on the road and prevent your car from bottoming out or becoming unstable when turning or braking.

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Like any part of your car, Shocks and Struts wear out over time and need to be replaced. The exact timeline will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of car you drive, your driving habits, and the conditions you typically drive in. However, most experts recommend having your Shocks and Struts inspected every 50,000 miles and replaced if necessary. Signs that your Shocks and Struts may need attention include: Excessive bouncing or swaying while driving. Uneven tire wear. Clunking or knocking. noises coming from your Wheels or Suspension. Nose diving when you Brake.

Difficulty steering or controlling your car.

Electronic Suspension Repair Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait to have your shocks and struts looked at by a professional. Ignoring Suspension Problems can lead to poor handling, safety concerns, and increased wear and tear on other parts of your car.

Now, let’s talk about why Suspension Maintenance is so crucial. In addition to providing a smooth, comfortable ride, your Suspension System plays a critical role in keeping you safe on the road. A well-maintained Suspension System can help you avoid accidents by improving your car’s handling, maneuverability, and Braking performance. Properly functioning Shocks and Struts also help your Tires last longer by distributing wear evenly and preventing premature balding. By taking care of your Suspension System, you’re not only protecting your investment in your car, but you’re also ensuring your safety and the safety of everyone else on the road.

Suspension repair Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

When it comes to replacing your Shocks and Struts, it’s essential to choose high-quality, reliable parts. While cheaper options may be temptingly inexpensive, they often come with hidden costs in terms of quality and longevity. Choosing a trusted Mechanic Auto Repair Shop, to use trusted brands known for their durability, can give you peace of mind and ensure that your new parts will last for many miles to come. It’s also crucial to have your Shocks and Struts installed by a qualified Automotive Technician to ensure that the job is done correctly and safely.

In conclusion, Suspension maintenance is a critical aspect of keeping your vehicle running safely and smoothly. Shocks and Struts are essential components of your car’s Suspension System, and they need regular attention and care to perform their job effectively. Regular inspections and timely replacement of worn or damaged shocks and struts can improve your car’s handling and safety, prevent premature Tire Wear, and ultimately save you money and hassle down the road. So, next time you hit a rough patch of road, pay attention to how your car feels. If you’re experiencing any signs of suspension trouble, don’t hesitate to have your car checked out by a qualified Auto Technician. Your safety and comfort are worth the investment.

Why Are My Headlights Hazed

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

By Alicia Lewis. Service Advisor at Cobb Tire and Auto Repair.

Your Headlights are made of a very heavy plastic, but plastic, nonetheless.  As the sun impacts the plastic over time, it starts to yellow or cloud.  Your Headlights start to lose their primary function, lighting your way in the dark.

After Headlamp Lens Restoration Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

Most are under the misconception that their Headlights need to be replaced, not so!  There are Auto Repair Shops in your area that have trained their Mechanics on the techniques and products to Restore your Headlights to an as new condition for a fraction of the cost.

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Call your trusted Auto Repair Shop and ask if their Mechanics are trained in Headlight Restoration.  If not, your Auto Repair Shop should be happy to refer you to a shop that provides that service.

So, remember if your Headlights get hazed, you’ll be amazed with Headlight Restoration!

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What Is A Blinking Check Engine Light?

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair in Greenville SC 29615

By Alicia Lewis. Service Advisor at Cobb Tire and Auto Repair.

The Check Engine Light on your dashboard is there to alert you to a potential problem with your car’s Engine. While it is normal to feel worried when you see it appear, it does not always mean that your car is about to break down. However, if that light starts to blink instead of remaining steady, you should take immediate action. In this blog post, we will cover what it can mean when your check engine light blinks and why you should not ignore it.

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What is a blinking Check Engine Light?

A blinking Check Engine Light is a warning sign that indicates a severe issue with your engine that demands attention. When that light flashes on and off, it means that your engine is misfiring or has a failure that could cause damage if you continue driving. Your car’s Computer System immediately switches to emergency operating mode, restricting your engine’s performance to avoid further damage. It is not safe to drive with a Blinking Check Engine Light, and you should pull over to a safe spot and turn off your vehicle.

Check Engine Light is On Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

What can cause a Blinking Check Engine Light?

Several problems could cause your Check Engine Light to blink, including a malfunctioning Ignition System, damaged Spark Plugs, or Failing Fuel Injectors. However, it is essential to note that there could be various underlying issues with your vehicle, from minor to severe, that could trigger that warning light. It is vital to have your vehicle professionally Diagnosed from a trusted Mechanic to prevent potential Engine Damage or costly repairs down the line.

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What should I do if my Check Engine Light is blinking?

If your Check Engine Light is blinking, the best course of action is to pull over to a safe spot and turn off your car. Remove any unnecessary equipment or loads. Then, call a Certified Mechanic for advice or have your Car Towed to a garage. Do not attempt to continue driving, even if you notice no apparent issues with your car’s performance. Ignoring a blinking Check Engine Light will only cause more damage.

The Check Engine Light blink is a warning that you should not ignore, as it indicates a severe issue with your car’s Engine. When ignored, it could lead to more severe and costly repairs or even cause a safety hazard. Upon seeing the blinking warning, pull over to a safe spot, and have a professional look at your vehicle. Knowing what causes the warning and how to address it promptly will prevent any additional damage to your car and ensure that you stay safe while on the road.

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My ABS Light Is On, Is That Serious?

Cobb Tire and Auto Repair Greenville SC 29615

By Alicia Lewis. Service Advisor for Cobb Tire and Auto Repair

 

My ABS light is on, is that serious?

If you are driving on the road and suddenly you see the ABS light turn on, you might feel worried and confused about what it means and what you should do about it. This warning light can take any driver off guard and cause them to panic, especially if they have no idea what it means. So, is the ABS light something that should concern you? The short answer is yes, and in this post, we will try to explain why.

First, let’s understand what ABS means. ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System which is a system designed to improve the safety of a vehicle by preventing the wheels from locking up during braking. This system works by detecting an impending wheel lock and then quickly releasing and reapplying brake pressure several times per second, ensuring that the wheels don’t lock up and the driver doesn’t lose control of the car.

When the ABS warning light appears on the dashboard of your car, it indicates that there is something wrong within the ABS system. It could mean that the system is malfunctioning, there is a problem with the sensors, or other components in the system. If the ABS system is not working correctly, it may not engage when you are stopping or driving on slippery surfaces, which could lead to a loss of vehicle control, a collision, or an accident.

One common cause of the ABS light coming on is a fault with the ABS sensor. ABS sensors are located on the wheels and they detect the rotation of the wheel. The computer then uses this information to determine if a wheel is about to lock up. If the sensor or the wiring that connects it to the computer has become damaged, it may cause the ABS light to turn on. Other causes may include low brake fluid, a faulty or damaged brake master cylinder, or a problem with the brake system’s hydraulic valves.

While it is possible to continue driving without ABS functioning properly, it may not be safe to do so. If your ABS light turns on, it is essential to have your car inspected by a qualified mechanic at the earliest opportunity. They will be able to diagnose the problem, identify the cause, and fix the problem before it becomes a more severe problem. Continuing to drive with the ABS light on could lead to additional damage to your vehicle or cause dangerous driving conditions.

The bottom line is that the ABS warning light is not something you should ignore or take lightly. It is better to be safe than sorry. Suppose you see your ABS light on. In that case, you should have your car inspected as soon as possible by your trusted, qualified mechanic to determine the cause and figure out what needs to be done to get your ABS working correctly. Don’t take the risk of driving without the essential safety mechanisms that are built into your car, and always remember to follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule to avoid unexpected issues and stay safe on the road.