The Importance of Regular Vehicle Alignments

Alignment is the process of making sure that all four wheels are pointing in the same direction and ensuring that camber, caster, and toe angles are within factory specifications. Camber is the inward or outward tilt of your tires when looking head-on, caster is how far forward or backward your wheel leans, and toe angle determines if any tire points inward or outward. Each of these angles has a substantial effect on steering, suspension, and handling.

Maintaining proper alignment on your vehicle is essential for a smooth ride and preventing excessive wear on tires

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Ideal Items to Put in a Roadside Emergency Kit

Both winter and summer weather present challenging conditions that can make breaking down uncomfortable. You can mitigate the worst of it by keeping tools and supplies to help you through it in your trunk, packed in a handy plastic tub or sturdy bag. Items that come with your vehicle, such as a spare tire or a jack, should be checked occasionally to make sure they’re in good working order.

  • Flashlight 
  • A portable tire inflator 
  • Jumper cables or a car battery charger 
  • Flares, emergency lights or other warning signage
  • Cold weather gear for winter, like a folding shovel, warm blanket…
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Signs Your Tires Need to be Replaced

Individuals who own cars must be aware of when their tires require replacement. Neglecting these indicators can compromise safety and result in expensive repairs over time. Here are a couple of signs indicating that it is necessary to change your tires:

One clear indication that tires may need to be replaced is tread wear. Over time, as tires age and accumulate mileage, the tread gradually wears down. This can be checked using the penny test, where a penny is inserted into the tread, and if the top of Lincoln's head is visible, it is time for a replacement.

Cracks…

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Tire Care Tips: Tread And Pressure

Most tires last between 50,000 and 80,000 miles. One of the best things that you can do to protect your tires is to make sure that you rotate them quickly. Most drivers have to rotate their tires every six months. You should also check to see if your tires are balanced. Balancing your tires will prevent them from wearing out prematurely. You will likely have to get your tires balanced when you have them rotated.

It is also important for you to inspect your tires regularly. It is possible for your tires to get damaged without you realizing…

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Towing Guide

Whether you're hitting the open road with your new camper or taking the family's boat out on the lake, towing can be daunting. Here at Ruxer Truck Center, we understand that towing can be unfamiliar territory for many vehicle owners, and we're here to help. Here are some tips to ensure safe and successful towing:

1. Know Your Vehicle's Towing Capacity. Before hitching up any trailer, know your vehicle's weight limits. Check your owner's manual or ask a sales associate at Ruxer Truck Center for guidance.

2. Get Equipped. Adequate towing equipment is essential…

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How to read tire sizes

For car owners, understanding how to read tire sizes is crucial for vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. To read tire sizes, scan the tire's side to find a series of numbers and letters. The first letter indicates the type of vehicle the tire is designed for, with "P" representing passenger vehicles, "LT" stands for light trucks, and "T" representing temporary or spare tires.

The three-digit number following the first letter represents the tire's width in millimeters, and the next two-digit number is the aspect ratio—the tire's height-to-width ratio. 

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How do brake pads work?

When you press down on the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the brake caliper to squeeze both sides of the brake rotor. The brake pads, held by the caliper, are pressed against the rotor, creating friction. This friction causes your vehicle to slow down or come to a stop.

Brake pads have various features that enhance their ability to provide efficient braking force. These include an abrasive material such as metal shavings that increase friction, channels designed for heat dissipation, and additional cushioning layers that reduce vibration from braking. 

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How extreme temperatures affect car batteries?

Heat: High temperatures can cause a car battery to degrade more quickly. When exposed to excessive heat, the battery's electrolyte (a mixture of water and sulfuric acid) can evaporate, leading to a decrease in the battery's capacity and performance. Heat can also cause the battery's internal components to corrode and deteriorate, reducing its overall lifespan. Additionally, heat can increase the self-discharge rate of the battery, causing it to lose charge faster when not in use.

Cold: Extreme cold temperatures can also adversely affect car batteries.

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What You Should Know About Low-Mileage Oil-Change Intervals

Low-mileage oil-change intervals refer to the frequency at which the engine oil should be changed in a vehicle that is driven for relatively short distances or has low annual mileage. In traditional internal combustion engines, oil plays a crucial role in lubricating moving parts, reducing friction, cooling the engine, and trapping contaminants.

For low-mileage vehicles, it is generally recommended to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for oil-change intervals, which are often outlined in the vehicle owner's manual. These guidelines may take into consideration factors such 

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Fuel Economy Tips

The cost of gas is causing many people to experience financial difficulties. Fortunately, there are still many ways that you can reduce the amount that you spend at the pump. You should avoid letting your vehicle idle. If you know that your vehicle is going to be stopped for more than 30 seconds, then it is a good idea for you to turn the engine off. It is also important to drive the speed limit. Not only does this help you stay safe, but it also conserves gas. The faster you drive, the more gas your vehicle is going to…

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