Category: Uncategorized

Maintaining your vehicle is essential to extending its life. Would you rather plan for maintenance upkeep or wait for a big breakdown? Most of us would choose the first. Whether you drive a small car or a heavy-duty truck, the goal is the same. You want your vehicle to be safe to drive, to last longer, and to hold its resale value when your done with it.

Here are the most important services for your car or truck:

1. Changing the Oil and Filter: Step It Up

Engine oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle. It lubricates the engine’s internal components, reduces friction, and keeps engine temperatures manageable. There are two additives that can help even more. BG-EPR should be added before the oil change, and the engine should be run for 15 minutes to break down internal carbon. Then, the engine oil is drained, and new oil and a filter are installed. BG-MOA, a super anti-friction additive, is added to the oil. It’s like oil on steroids. We recommend changing the oil and filter every 5,000 miles. Consider using BG additives to do it right.

2. Tire Care: The Foundation for Safe Travel

Tire care is the most important service. Your tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. Good tire maintenance allows for safe and consistent travel. Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles and consider pairing this with an oil change service. Many shops won’t charge for the tire service if you’re getting an oil change. Check and set your tire pressure and balance your tires if the driving isn’t smooth. Never let your tires wear down below 2/32 – we recommend replacing them at 4/32. You can never be too safe.

3. Brake Inspections: Safety First

Another important service is brake inspections. Your brakes are complex. They consist of brake pads, disc rotors or drums. Also brake calipers, brake hoses, and anti-lock brake components. Pairing a brake inspection with your tire rotation and oil change service is a good idea. Many shops won’t charge for the inspection. Keeping your brakes in good condition ensures a safe and comfortable ride.

4. Filter Replacements: Your Vehicle Needs to Breathe

There are two important filters that keep your vehicle clean. The engine air filter lets clean air into the combustion chambers. The cabin air filter cleans the air coming into the driver’s compartment. We recommend checking these filters every time your vehicle is in the shop.

5. Fluids, Belts, and Hoses: The Support System

Maintaining these items can help you avoid a big breakdown. Transmission fluid, coolant, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and 4×4 fluids are all critical items that need attention. Belts and hoses can cause a break down if not maintained. Check these items whenever you’re at your auto repair shop for service.

Think of automotive maintenance as an investment, not an expense. The better you care for your vehicle, the longer it will last. Doesn’t it feel better to be in control of your vehicle rather than at its mercy?

It can be frustrating when a tire shop informs you that your tires are worn out, even if they appear fine on the outside. However, you may not notice that the inside of your tires is worn down to smooth rubber or even metal wire.

Uneven tire wear is not only costly but also poses a safety risk. Here’s a summary of why your tires might be wearing on the inside and what you can do about it.

1. Faulty Wheel Alignment: The most common cause of inside tire wear is improper wheel alignment. If your tires are angled outward (negative toe) or leaning inward (negative camber), they will wear on the inside. This issue can affect both front and rear tires, as most vehicles have alignment settings for both. To resolve this, you’ll need to have your wheel alignment corrected. Reach out to a trusted tire shop to see if they offer alignment services. The cost typically ranges from $120 to $185, as alignment machines are expensive and require specialized bays.
2. Worn Suspension Components: The suspension system keeps your tires in contact with the road. As your vehicle ages, the suspension components can wear out. Key parts include ball joints, control arms, and struts. When these components fail, they can negatively impact your wheel alignment. Performing an alignment with worn suspension parts is ineffective; you’ll need to repair the suspension first, then proceed with the alignment.
3. Worn Steering Components: The steering system connects the steering wheel to the tires. Components such as tie rod ends, the steering rack, and the steering gearbox must be functioning properly to ensure your tires last and that you can steer safely. Your alignment shop should always check these components before making alignment adjustments.
4. Aging Vehicle: As your vehicle accumulates mileage, the suspension can soften, leading to changes in alignment. We recommend checking and adjusting your alignment annually.
5. Be Cautious of Potholes: Even if your car is in excellent condition, hitting a deep pothole can disrupt your alignment. Therefore, we advise checking and setting your alignment once every year.

Try to get into the habit of walking around your vehicle once Monthly.  Kick your tires.  Run your hand over the tire tread.  Try to get a look at the inner tread of your tires.  If you are not sure about your tires, please drive over to our Tire Shop.  We will be very happy to check your tires and your tire pressures at NO CHARGE.  We are here for you.

Rotating your tires is an easy service most auto repair shops offer. At Cobb Tire and Auto Repair, we sell all tire brands and want them to last. Tire rotation is crucial and should happen every time you get an oil change.

We believe informed drivers are safer drivers. Here’s why tire rotation matters:

1. It Ensures Even Tread Wear: Front and rear tires have different roles. Front tires handle steering and braking, so they wear down faster. Rotating them to the back helps all four tires wear evenly. This way, they’ll need replacement at the same time.
2. Extends Tire Lifespan: Tires are a significant investment. Without rotation, uneven wear can lead to early replacement. Regular rotations can add thousands of miles to your tires’ life.
3. Helps Maintain Your Tire Warranty: Most tire manufacturers require proof of regular rotations for their mileage warranties. Skipping rotations could mean paying full price for new tires if issues arise.
4. Improves Fuel Efficiency: Unevenly worn tires make your engine work harder, using more fuel. Smooth, even tires can boost your gas mileage.
5. Enhances Safety and Traction: Uneven wear affects how your vehicle handles. This can be dangerous in rain or snow, where consistent tread depth is vital for safety.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires? Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles. A good rule is to get a rotation with every oil change. At Cobb Tire and Auto Repair, we offer a free tire rotation with your oil change service.

If your car feels bumpy or it’s been a while since your last service, call us at 864-268-2588. You can also book an appointment online at cobbtire.com or find us on Google.

Cold winter mornings can be very frustrating when your vehicle doesn’t start.  We have all been there.  You hop into your freezing vehicle, turn the key and get nothing but a “Click Click” or a slow dragging crank.  Cold weather is extremely hard on the Electrical Starting System.  Here is a breakdown on reasons why your car is struggling when it’s cold outside.

                                                                                                                                It’s a Chemistry Thing:

The Chemistry inside your battery severely slows when the temperatures are low. The strong chemical reaction needed to crank over a cold engine may not be present if the Battery has age on it. Battery strength can drop 50% on cold days.

                                                                                                                                       Cold Engines Have More Resistance:

When the engine and the oil that lubricates your engine is cold, it will take a strong Battery presence to crank your engine over. A cold battery and a cold Engine may cause the cranking to seem slow. Once the engine is warmed up, you may find that the starting is better. This is normal.

                                                                                                                                           Increased Demand Due To Cold Weather:

During winter, we demand allot from our Electrical Systems. From Heated Seats to high powered heating systems and defrosters, the battery is constantly being stressed. Add the fact that repeated short distance driving does not allow the Alternator time to properly charge the battery. You can understand why winter cold can affect your battery.

How Can I Stop My Battery From Dying:

1. Have the battery tested.  The Tester stresses the Battery and checks how strongly it recovers.  The Battery CCA, “Cold Cranking Amps”, is also checked.
2. Replace your battery every 3 to 5 years.
3. Be sure the Battery Terminals are tight and free of corrosion.
4. If only making short trips, try to take a long drive at highway speeds once in a while.
5. When purchasing a new battery, make sure to buy a good quality brand with a high CCA rating.

If you are ever concerned about getting your vehicle started on a cold winter morning or being stranded away from home, have your Electrical Starting System Tested by a professional Auto Repair Shop. We can help with this. You can call us to set an appointment or find us on Google and set your own appointment.

Dealing with tire cupping can be quite frustrating. Cupped tires tend to be noisy and may cause your vehicle to vibrate at higher speeds. Here are the most common reasons for tire cupping:

                                                                                                                                EXTENDED DRIVING WITH UNBALANCED TIRES:

When tires are unbalanced, they experience uneven forces that lead to vibrations and bouncing. You might have noticed a vehicle with a front tire rapidly bouncing at high speeds; this is a sign of tire cupping. To resolve this, schedule a tire balance at your local repair shop. While balancing will improve your ride’s smoothness, the cupped tires will still need to be replaced.

                                                                                                                                       EXTENDED DRIVING WITH A MISALIGNED VEHICLE:

Driving for long periods with a misaligned vehicle can lead to tire cupping. Misalignment creates uneven stress and friction, resulting in a feathered wear pattern that can develop into cupping. Proper alignment angles (toe, camber, and caster) are essential for even tire wear. If you notice uneven wear, please reach out to your local alignment shop for a wheel alignment.

                                                                                                                                           LACK OF REGULAR MAINTENANCE (TIRE ROTATION / TIRE PRESSURE):

Neglecting tire rotations or pressure checks can cause uneven wear, leading to cupping. We recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 miles. If you change your engine oil at that interval, consider rotating your tires at the same time. Our auto repair shop in Greenville, SC, offers free tire rotations and can check your tire pressures. We suggest checking your tire pressure monthly.

FAULTY SUSPENSION COMPONENTS:

Worn suspension components can also cause tire cupping. Parts such as shocks, struts, springs, ball joints, tie rod ends, and control arm bushings are crucial for even tire wear. When these components wear out, your vehicle struggles to absorb vertical forces, leading to bouncing and hopping, which contributes to tire cupping. It’s advisable to have your suspension system inspected by a qualified professional. Our auto repair shop is here to assist you, and worn components will need replacement.

Once tires have significant cupping, the damage is typically irreversible and replacing them is the best solution. Minor cupping may be manageable without immediate replacement.

Is it bad if you check your tires and see cracking on the side wall?

Here is a breakdown on if your tire cracking is a problem.

 

1. WEATHER CHECKING: A natural aging process.

As your tires age, the carbon black additive used in tires will begin to dry and crack.  This is normal for tires and can be worse in different areas.  Minor sidewall cracking especially in areas where salt is used on roads during the winter time is expected.  Weather Checking on your tires is normal and should not be an alarm.  If you are concerned about your tires having weather checking, stop by our Tire Shop any time and we will be happy to take a look at your tires.

 

1. SIDEWALL CHECKING DUE TO TIRE GLOSS:

Tire Gloss is the worst thing that you can treat your tires too.  I know that it looks really good after washing your dirty vehicle.  I do the same.  You would just need to understand that these chemicals dry out the rubber and can cause sidewall checking.  At our Tire Shop, if we see sidewall checking on the outside of the tire but not on the inside of the tire.  The checking is from cleaning chemicals.  This is not an issue and your tires do not need replacement.

 

1. DEEP CRACKS IN THE TIRE TREAD AREA: This can be an issue.

If we find deep consistent cracking in the Tire Tread area, This can be an issue for concern.  Here is what can cause deep cracking in the Tire Tread area.

• Age: As tires age, the natural rubber can dry out and crack.  If your tires are 8 years or older and we notice deep cracking, we recommend replacing your tires.  Not only is the external rubber dry and cracked, but the internal bonding materials are old and dry as well.  Replace your tires.  If you are concerned about the age of your tires, you can check this by looking at the DOT number.  The las 4 numbers denote the week and year that the tire was built.  An example would be “4117”.  The tire was built on the 41 week of 2017.
• Low Tire Inflation: Continually driving your car with low tire pressure can cause cracking due to overheating.  Tires driven too long with low tire pressures experiencing extreme flexing and overheating.  This will cause Tire Cracking and may force you to purchase new tires.  Keep a watch on your Tire Pressures or feel free to get in touch with our Tire Shop and we will gladly check your tire pressures.
• Improper storage and minimal driving: Driving your car is the best thing for your tires.  A car in storage, especially parked in an area where sun light beams down on the tires for a long time can cause cracking. I hope this helps if you every happen to observe your tires and notice cracking.  Always know that you can contact our Auto Repair Shop and we would be more than happy to evaluate your Tire Cracking.

There are many reasons why your Tires may be losing air.  Here are the most common reasons for low tire pressure.

 

1. TIRE PUNCTUE: The most common reason for your tires losing air is a puncture.  We see this a lot at our Tire Shop.  Most Tire Punctures will occur at the rear tires.  The front tire will hit the nail or screw lying on the road causing it to tumble and become imbedded into the rear tires.  If this occurs, give our Tire Shop a call and we will schedule a tire repair.  We recommend an internal patch and not a tire plug.  The internal patch will normally last the life of your tire.

 

2. RIM DAMAGE: Damage to your rim can cause your tire to lose air.  Rims are made from steel or aluminum.  If your tire takes an extreme hit from a curb, speed bump or pothole, you may have damaged your rim.  The damaged rim will not seal the tire correctly and can cause the tire to keep losing air.

 

3. DROP IN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE: A drop in temperature out side can cause your tires to lose air.  Compressed air is effected by temperature.  As the temperature drops, so too does your tire pressure.  At our Auto Repair Shop, we find that a lot of clients come in for Tire Pressure Checks when the temperature outside has dropped.

 

4. AIR PERMEATION FACTOR: Tire pressure loss can also occur due to air permeation through the tire.  Rubber is porous.  Air will actually leak through the tire over time  This is why consistently checking tire pressure is important.  We recommend checking tire pressures once a month.

 

 

5. FAULTY TPMS SYSTEM: TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System.  There are Direct TPMS Systems and Indirect TPMS systems.  Either of these systems can fail causing you to think that you have a low tire, when in fact you do not.  Your tire pressure is ok.  Your TPMS system is malfunctioning.  If this occurs, please contact our Tire Shop and we can test your TPMS system.

 

I hope this helps the next time you notice that your tires seem to keep losing air.

A common question we receive is, “How often should I align my tires?” The simplest answer is once a year.

Proper tire alignment is crucial for several reasons, with the most significant being to extend the life of your tires. Here are a few additional reasons why tire alignment matters:

1. Correct Alignment saves fuel. When your tires are aligned properly, they run straight and work together, reducing tire-to-ground friction, also known as the scrub radius. Less friction means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to keep the car moving.
2. Correct Alignment promotes longer tire life. Proper alignment ensures even tire tread wear, allowing your tires to last longer than those that wear unevenly. If your tires are unevenly worn, the more worn areas will lead to earlier replacement than you might expect.
3. Correct Alignment provides a smoother, more comfortable ride. When your tires are aligned, your vehicle handles better, making driving, turning, and cornering much smoother. You want your car to track straight with minimal steering effort, especially at highway speeds. Misalignment can make you feel like you’re constantly fighting with your vehicle.
4. Correct Alignment enhances safety. Misaligned tires can wear out quickly and may go unnoticed until they are worn down to the steel belts, which poses a risk of blowouts. Tire alignment can be disrupted by hitting potholes, curbs, or speed bumps.

As a general guideline, we recommend having your tire alignment checked annually and whenever you replace your tires.

We often see a buildup on car batteries at our Auto Repair Shop. As your battery ages, internal gases leak out and cause corrosion at the terminals. This is the fluffy white and green stuff you see on top of your battery.

Is the corrosion a problem?

A little corrosion on the terminals isn’t a big deal. However, if it gets out of hand, it can become serious. Extreme corrosion can work its way into the terminals and posts, causing performance issues. You might notice problems starting the engine, charging, or even engine shut-off.

You can easily clean off minimal corrosion with water. Simply spray the corroded area with a water bottle while scrubbing it with a wire brush. Wear protective gloves and let the area dry. Then, spray protective coating on the metal areas, available at any Auto Parts Store.

If you’re unsure about cleaning it yourself, our experienced Auto Repair Shop can help. Give us a call or set an appointment online. We’ll clean up the battery corrosion and test the electrical system for any problems.

As vehicles become more advanced, engine diagnostics can become more expensive and time-consuming. So, when is an engine diagnostic necessary? Typically, it’s needed when your Check Engine Light is illuminated or flashing. Your vehicle operates like a complex computer, with its onboard system monitoring everything.

Here are some signs that you may require an engine diagnosis:

• Your Check Engine Light is on.
• Your Check Engine Light is flashing.
• Your fuel economy has decreased.
• Your vehicle is running roughly.
• Your vehicle is making unusual noises.
• You notice unfamiliar odors.
• Your vehicle lacks the power it once had.
• Your gauges are reading abnormally.
• Your vehicle is not performing as expected.

Diagnosing an engine needs special, expensive computer tools that link to your vehicle. This process can take hours or even days, based on how complex the issue is. The first step is to retrieve trouble codes. These codes don’t tell the exact problem but give a general idea of which systems may be failing. Mechanics usually spend time test-driving the vehicle with the tools connected. They use scanner feedback to help find the issue.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please reach out to our auto repair shop for assistance. We offer free loaner cars to help make this process more convenient for you.