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Have you ever wondered exactly what causes your windshield wiper blades to squeak, chatter or leave your windshield looking a streaked mess? Windshield wipers such as these need replacement. In general wiper blades should be replaced at least once annually or every six months. Here's why they break down and what to look for.

Windshield Wiper Blades 101

According to the seasoned team members of our Ruxer Truck Center service department, windshield wiper blades are basically automatic squeegees. Their main components are rubber and metal.

Like any natural and synthetic materials...

Keeping the interior of your car clean is an important part of preserving its value and making your ride all the more comfortable. Using additional floor mats helps to keep debris and liquids off of the original floor carpets.

You may find yourself choosing between all-weather car mats and carpet mats. The all-weather car mats are generally the way to go if you think that you will be in contact with plenty of dirt and liquid in your regular travels. They clean up fairly easily and do an effective job of trapping dirt and water before it makes a bigger…

There is a certain level of confusion that is commonplace in regard to the how the electrical elements in a car are powered. Many people think the battery powers the electrics in a vehicle. In fact, the battery provides power to the starter motor which in turn activates the car. While the engine is running, the alternator provides the energy for the electrical elements of the vehicle and to charge the battery.

Historically, the alternator was called the generator because it functions in much the same way. The crank wheel on the alternator spins to create energy.

National Tire Safety Week is at the end of May each year. This is a great time to learn about the different ways that you can tell if your tires need to be replaced at this point in time. Ruxer Truck Center has compiled a list of some helpful tips.

• You can measure what's left of the tread on your tires. You should see a minimum of 1/16th of an inch of depth.
• Check to see if all four of your tires are wearing down at the same rate. One or two tires that are showing a lot…

Distractions are easy to come by in the car, but they must be avoided and controlled at all costs. Being a distracted driver is not only dangerous to the driver, but it poses a real threat to everyone on the road.

It is recommended that you store your cell phone away in a safe area where you cannot access it unless there is an emergency. You need to do this just while you are actually driving, but it is still important. Yes, there are some special emergency circumstances in which you may need it, but that should be literally the…

It can be extremely difficult to make the decision to let go of a vehicle that you have had for some time. People find it challenging to make this call because they don’t necessarily want to back down from something that has provided them such joy and value over the years. It is understandable to be in that position, but it is also worth understanding how to do these things properly.

Trade-in the vehicle or refinance it? This is entirely dependent on what you want to get out of it. Trading it in means losing a lot of the…

An auto alignment is an important yet often overlooked form of maintenance. Here at Ruxer Truck Center, we are providing some information that will hopefully convince you just how important regular alignments are.

What is an Alignment?

An alignment involves adjusting your wheels and tires so that they meet the angles recommended by the manufacturer. This ensures safe handling of your vehicle and prevents your tires from wearing out prematurely.

Signs you Need an Alignment

Vehicles needing an alignment will not handle as well as they once did. 

When it comes to your child, safety is key. That is why it is of chief importance that caregivers know how to correctly install a child's safety seat to avoid potentially fatal injuries that can be the result of a collision.

Whether you're a first-time parent or a new caregiver, it can feel intimidating installing a car seat for the first time. But by following a few guidelines, you can set up your child's safety seat properly and efficiently.

The first thing you'll want to do before attempting to install a car seat is to read…

Spring is known as a time for rebirth and renewal. Why not extend that sentiment towards your car? Winter weather keeps people inside. Once the temperature picks up, you can take advantage of the climate and get some things done. Caring for your car is one of those things.

Taking the car in for an oil change and a multipoint inspection might be wise. Even if the oil is fine, it won't hurt to have the car's other fluids such as coolants, power steering, and the like checked. The mechanic can also look at the hoses and other…

Air filters are important in the engine and in the interior of the vehicle for various reasons. The cabin air filter is designed to ensure the air inside the vehicle remains free of dust, mold spores, pollen and other contaminants. Clean cabin air filters are especially important for anyone suffering from allergies or other respiratory problems. By having the filter checked and replaced periodically, vehicle owners ensure that the air quality is safe.

Engine air filters help the powertrain function