Articles:

What to Know Before Buying New Tires

What to Know Before Buying New Tires

Every driver will have to replace their tires at least once in their lifetime. While most people dread doing it because of its cost, it must be done to stay safe on the road. To make the entire process a little easier, we wanted to offer you some things to think about before making this considerable investment. Below is a quick and easy guide to finding, buying, and maintaining a new set of tires.   Do you know how to determine whether you need new tires? The tire tread is the best indicator. You can measure your tire's tread depth using an old penny or by looking at the tread wear indicators built into most tires. If your tread is less than 2/32 of an inch, it is time to replace them.   Knowing who to buy your tires from is the next step, and it can be quite challenging. The first option that comes to mind for most people is their car dealer, but they are often the most expensive place to get your tires. You will have better luck going to a trusted tire retailer or a ... read more

Quick Fixes for Aggravating Windshield Wiper Problems

Quick Fixes for Aggravating Windshield Wiper Problems

There's nothing more annoying than dealing with ineffective windshield wipers, as they could worsen your visibility. The most common problems we've seen with wipers at Tri Star Automotive, Inc. are smearing water and rattling wipers. To keep your vision crystal clear while you drive, we've come up with these quick and easy fixes. Here's What to Do When ...your wipers are smearing water all over your windshield - A common cause behind the smearing issue is because they are worn. Wiper blades are usually made of rubber, so they naturally wear out over time and need replacing. If your wiper blades are new (or relatively new) and doing you wrong, then you can do the following: Clean your wiper blades by wiping them down with a rag and warm, soapy water. And wipe the edges with rubbing alcohol. If you still are experiencing issues with smearing after cleaning them, try changing your wiper fluid instead. ...your windshield wipers are rattling. - If your wipers are annoyi ... read more

What To Do If You Have a Transmission Fluid Leak

What To Do If You Have a Transmission Fluid Leak

Just like how your engine oil lubricates the motor engine, transmission fluid serves the same purpose for your car's transmission. That's why some people also call it transmission oil. Your transmission needs this essential fluid to grease up its complex system of gears, valves, and other components. These parts need to work in order to transfer power from the engine to your wheels and control the speed of your car. When (and if) your transmission fails, don't count on taking your car anywhere. A transmission fluid leak is one of the first major signs of transmission troubles. Transmission fluid is almost always bright red in color, so it is one of the easiest fluids to recognize when it comes to your car. Some vehicles have a transmission fluid dipstick so that you can check the level of fluid at home. If this is possible for your vehicle model and the fluid looks too low or dirty, then that's another major sign of transmission problems. Ideally, it's not recommen ... read more

Holiday Travel Tips from Tri Star Automotive

Holiday Travel Tips from Tri Star Automotive

The holidays are a particular time of year for families to travel, far and wide, to spend time together. And nothing should stop you from doing that, not stand-still traffic and definitely not a vehicle breakdown. During this time, it appears like the entire country is getting on the highway all at once. Please follow the following tips to ensure you get to your destination for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other holiday you celebrate. Tip #1 - Plan your route and departure time  The day before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after are some of the busiest days of travel; if you can, we recommend hitting the road outside of these dates. If you reside in a densely populated area, you should plan for bad traffic, especially during rush hour. Also, back roads that offer an alternative route might get you to your destination faster. It's always best to review your options using navigational apps. Tip #2 - Rest well In addition to all that time behind the wheel, holiday driving ca ... read more

What Does Steering Wheel Vibrations Mean?

What Does Steering Wheel Vibrations Mean?

Whether your vehicle is new or old and adequately maintained, it is meant to drive smooth and steady. However, at one point or another, people can experience steering wheel vibrations. Steering wheel shakiness often indicates that there's a problem and some part needs to be replaced.   Common Causes for Steering Wheel Vibration Your steering wheel is connected to both your car and the road, which is why your steering wheel is the first to show warning signs. The top reasons for an unstable wheel while driving is: Tires – As you may know, the steering wheel is used to direct the wheels. When tires are unbalanced, you will feel it in the steering wheel, especially at higher speeds than lower ones. The inflation of the tires can also affect your drive. For instance, a deflated tire can cause a steering wheel to shake due to the lack of air and can cause a blowout too. Furthermore, misaligned wheels can also produce vibrations. Wheel  – Another common culprit ... read more