Johnson City Auto Repair

What Is Tire Tread Depth & How Can I Monitor Mine? Tires are crucial, providing the necessary grip and traction to ensure safe driving conditions. However, the tread on tires can wear out over time, affecting their performance and compromising safety. Understanding tire tread depth and monitoring it regularly is essential for maintaining optimal tire performance and security on the road. Introduction Regarding tires, one key factor to consider is the tread depth. The tread depth refers to the vertical measurement of the tire's rubber surface that makes contact with the road. It is vital in providing traction, stability, and control while driving. This article will delve into the importance of tire tread depth, how to measure it, and why monitoring it is crucial for your safety on the road. Importance of Tire Tread Depth Tire tread depth is an essential aspect of tire performance and safety. It directly affects the tire's ability to grip the road, especially in challeng ... read more

Tips To Help New Drivers Maintain Their Vehicles If you're a new driver, it can be overwhelming to think about all the different things you need to do to keep your car running smoothly. However, vehicle maintenance is an essential part of car ownership, and neglecting it can lead to expensive repairs or even accidents on the road. 7 Tips For New Drivers To help new drivers, we've compiled a list of essential tips for maintaining your vehicle. Follow these tips, and you'll be able to keep your car in top shape for years to come. Read the owner's manual Your vehicle's owner's manual is a wealth of information about how to maintain your car. It provides information about oil changes, tire pressure, and other essential maintenance tasks that you need to perform regularly to keep your car running smoothly. Make sure to read it thoroughly and follow the instructions provided. Check your oil regularly Your car's engine needs oil to function correctly. Check y ... read more

The Five Signs You Might Need To Replace A Spark Plug Spark plugs are an essential component of your car's engine ignition system. They ignite the air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, which allows your car's engine to run smoothly. Over time, spark plugs can wear out and may need to be replaced. In this article, we'll discuss five signs that may indicate it's time to replace your spark plugs. The Five Signs You Might Need To Replace A Spark Plug Spark plugs are small but mighty components that are essential to your car's engine ignition system. Without functioning spark plugs, your car's engine wouldn't be able to start or run smoothly. While spark plugs can last for thousands of miles, they can wear out over time and may need to be replaced. Knowing when to replace your spark plugs can help you avoid engine issues and costly repairs. Rough Idling or Acceleration If you notice that your car is idling roughly or accelerating poorly, it could b ... read more

  Cool Hacks To Keep Your Vehicle's Air Conditioning Running Strong Keeping your car's air conditioning system in top condition is essential for driving comfort. Nothing can be more frustrating than being stuck in a sweltering car on a hot summer day. Fortunately, you can implement several simple hacks to keep your vehicle's air conditioning system running strong. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most effective tips for keeping your car's air conditioning system in excellent condition. Regularly Change the Air Filter The air filter is one of the most critical components of your car's air conditioning system. The air filter prevents dust, pollen, and other particles from entering the system, which can clog and affect performance. Replace the air filter regularly; it's essential to ensure optimal performance. Keep the Condenser Clean The condenser is a component of the air conditioning system that converts the refrigerant gas into a liqui ... read more

The 5 Most Common Reasons For A Check Engine Light In Johnson City, TN The weather in Johnson City can be unpredictable. One day it's sunny and warm, and the next day you're driving in a snowstorm. But no matter the weather outside, if your car's check engine light is on, you should get it checked out as soon as possible.   At Ponder Auto Repair in Johnson City, TN, we know that a check engine light can be stressful. That's why it helps to know the five most common reasons why this warning light appears so you can better understand what might be causing the issue. Let's take a look at those five reasons now. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap A loosening gas cap is one of the most common reasons a check engine light comes on. It's an easy fix: inspect your gas cap and see if it needs to be tightened or replaced. If you need to replace it, get one that fits your vehicle properly from Ponder Auto Repair in Johnson City, TN. Faulty Oxygen Sensor Your car's oxy ... read more

By ValentineValkov Do You Need New Tires? Here's What to Check For  If you're in the market for new tires, then you know how important it is to ensure you get the right tires for your vehicle. But how do you know if you need new tires in the first place?   There are a few key things that you should look out for that can help you determine when it's time to replace your tires. In this blog post, we'll discuss some of the most common signs indicating it's time to head to your local auto repair shop and buy some new tires.  Tread Wear & Tire Pressure  One of the biggest indicators that you may need new tires is if your tire treads are worn down or if there's low tire pressure. Your car's owner manual will have information on what type of tire pressure is optimal for your vehicle and the minimum acceptable level.   If your tire pressure drops below this level, it may be time to get some new tires. Additionally, check out the ... read more

By Adobe Photo Stock Know When To Replace Your Brakes Before Its Too Late To keep you and your family safe on the road, it is important to know the signs that it may be time to replace your brakes. Although replacing your brakes may seem daunting and expensive, it is necessary to maintain the safety of your vehicle. By being informed on when to replace your brakes, you can avoid putting yourself in danger by driving on worn-out brakes.  1. Your Car Takes Longer To Stop Than It Used To  If you've noticed that it's taking you longer to come to a stop, it may be time for new brakes. Over time, brake pads wear down and must be replaced for your car to operate properly. Putting off replacing your brake pads can be extremely dangerous as it takes more distance to come to a stop, increasing the chances of getting into an accident.  2. You Hear A Squealing Noise When You Brake  If you hear a high-pitched squealing noise whenever you brake, that is a sure sign ... read more

By Weyo   Keeping Cool in Holiday Traffic The holidays are a time for family, friends, and of course, stress. One of the most common sources of holiday stress is traffic. Congested roads, long commutes, and bad drivers can turn even the cheeriest person into a Scrooge. But it doesn't have to be that way! Here are 7 ways you can stay calm during holiday traffic this season.   7 Tips For A Better Holiday Road Trip Keep your cool. This one may seem obvious, but it's worth repeating. Getting angry or frustrated while driving will not get you to your destination any faster. In fact, it will only make the situation worse by causing you to make poor decisions behind the wheel. If you feel angry, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. You'll get where you're going eventually. Plan ahead. One of the best ways to avoid holiday traffic is to plan your trips in advance. If you know you're going to be traveling during peak times, try to leave earlier or later ... read more

By RobsonPhoto   Get your vehicle ready for rainy roads It's raining; it's pouring! Nothing catches unprepared drivers off guard like a surprise downpour. It's all too easy to overlook windshield wipers and tires. As we enter into the rainy season, here are three ways you can prepare your vehicle (and yourself) for wet weather conditions.    1. Check your windshield wipers and washer fluid levels Before the rain begins, take a minute to check that your windshield wipers are in good condition. Worn-out or damaged wipers won't be able to wipe away water as effectively, which can lead to decreased visibility while driving. While you're at it, check your washer fluid levels and top them off if necessary. There's nothing worse than having grimy water streaking down your windshield when trying to see where you're going!   2. Inspect your tires Make sure your tires have plenty of treads and are properly inflated. Driving in wet conditio ... read more

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio   What is "Preventative Maintenance"? Preventative maintenance is defined as regularly scheduled inspections, tests, servicing, and replacements of auto parts and systems. Its purpose is to help avoid expensive repairs or replacements down the road. Many carmakers release recommendations on when you should replace certain parts.   Auto repair shops may offer service packages at a discount. Some preventative maintenance tasks you can do yourself, such as checking your tire pressure and oil level, but others will require the help of a professional mechanic.   While it may seem like an unnecessary expense upfront, preventative maintenance can save you time and money in the long run by keeping your car running smoothly.   What is a "fluid exchange"? Auto repair shops often talk about performing a "fluid exchange" as part of routine maintenance. But what exactly is a fluid exchange?   In short, it ... read more