Not-So-Common Sense (Sensor Failures)
April 14, 2024
So your vehicle won't start. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Battery dead? Starter motor worn out? Out of gas? Well, those are all reasons that make sense. But your vehicle may be refusing to start because one of its computers is being warned that to do so might damage it. Here's ... More
What Is an EGR Valve? (EGR Valve Service)
April 7, 2024
If you've ever felt your vehicle hesitate, go, then hesitate again, you might think there's something wrong with the transmission. After all, it's not moving smoothly down the road. But there are plenty of malfunctions that can cause those symptoms, one of them being something you may have nev... More
Tuffy TIre & Auto Service Center Orland Park Automotive Tips: Diagnostic Service
March 31, 2024
Imagine waking up one morning with a stomach ache. You pick up the phone, call the doctors office and say, Ive got a really bad tummy ache. How much will it cost to make me feel better? Of course you wouldnt do that. You know that there could be a lot of reasons for your symptoms and that the doc... More
I NEED All Wheel Drive (Pros and Cons of AWD)
March 24, 2024
So winter has arrived and you don't feel confident in how your 2-wheel drive vehicle does in the snow and ice. You envy all those people with all-wheel-drive (AWD) and 4-wheel-drive (4WD) cars, trucks and SUVs. You start thinking, "I need one of those. I'll be able to go anywhere without any w... More
I Want a New Vehicle. Or Do I? (Vehicle Maintenance Payoffs)
March 17, 2024
Spring is a peak season for vehicle sales; companies aggressively market new models and offer all sorts of incentives. So you may be tempted to buy a shiny new beauty. But should you? If you've regularly maintained the vehicle you're driving now, you probably don't NEED a new one. Even if your... More
Orland Park Alignment Service
March 10, 2024
Your car might have an alignment problem if: it drifts or pulls to one side, your steering wheel is off center, you have uneven tire wear or your car doesn't feel like it handles right. When all of a vehicle's wheels are lined up exactly with each other, your wheels are in alignment. Running into... More
Tuffy TIre & Auto Service Center Orland Park Maintenance Tips: The Belt Goes On
March 3, 2024
All Orland Park service advisors know that without the alternator, the battery will go dead in a few miles. The serpentine belt may also run the pumps for both the power steering and power brakes. And on many vehicles, the serpentine belt powers the water pump. The water pump circulates coolant... More
Oh, Stop! (Disc Brake Service)
February 25, 2024
Every time you drive your vehicle, you wear down your brakes just a little bit. And after a while, that adds up. Gradually, your stopping power isn't like it used to be. Since brakes are one of your vehicle's most important safety features, it just makes sense to keep them performing well. Mos... More
Rubber Match (Tire Replacement)
February 18, 2024
A set of new tires isn't probably high on anyone's list of exciting purchases. But since your life is literally riding on them, it's probably a good idea to know when it's time for you to buy new ones. If you've been feeling your vehicle slipping more in wet weather or it takes a longer distance... More
Cold Weather Vehicle No-Nos (Items to Avoid Storing in a Freezing Vehicle)
February 11, 2024
It's always easier to leave a few things in your vehicle so you'll have them on hand. But in cold weather, while it's a good idea to carry items such as a phone charger, blanket and shovel, there are some things you shouldn't store in your vehicle. Medicines and drugs. Cold temperatures can af... More