by hudsonautocarecom on November 10, 2010
Toronto Star Wheels
Saturday, October 30, 2010.
Now is the time to buy winter tires. Not tomorrow, not next week and certainly not next month.
The reason for this is that by mid-November, there will be nary a winter tire in the manufacturers’ warehouses. All of the 2010 winter tires will be at dealers and tire distributors. The racks will be empty waiting for next spring’s tires to start trickling in.
For the consumer, that means choices in brands and haggling ability over price diminish as the clock ticks. This is especially true if you have a size that is not common. By mid-November, the tire dealer will be telling you what brand you can have and what price you will pay.
When you start shopping for winter tires, arm yourself with some basic information. Start by knowing what your tire size, speed rating and load index numbers are. READ MORE
by hudsonautocarecom on November 2, 2010
It’s time for winter tires and with forecasts of a cold and snowy fall and winter season, don’t delay in getting prepared!
While most new vehicles are equipped with all-season tires from auto manufacturers, there is a definite difference between all-season and winter tires. In light snow road conditions, all-season tires provide enough traction, but in heavy snow, slush, and ice conditions, winter tires are the proven answer to better road grip, cornering, braking and overall handling.
In one recent independent tire test, a BMW equipped with ani-lock brakes and winter tires stopped in 17.28 meters (59 feet) on a snow-packed road, while the same vehicle with all-season tires did not stop for another 9.17 meters.
Testing of acceleration and cornering determined that vehicles equipped with tires designed specifically for winter driving out-performed all-season tires in every test. Even vehicles equipped with traction control and stability systems achieved safer and more efficient handling with winter tires.
Winter tires simply provide better traction and vehicle control, as well as safer winter driving. So consider these factors as the season changes and take advantage of our October specials on several quality brands of winter tires!!
by hudsonautocarecom on October 29, 2010
With the winter season fast approaching, it’s that time of year to get your car geared up with Winter Tires. Winter tires’ treads have more biting edges for better grip on snow and ice, while their softer compound remains flexible even in extremely low temperatures.
Learn more by watching Winter Tire Demonstration videos here!
by hudsonautocarecom on September 13, 2010
As September approaches, it’s back to school time. If your children are high-schoolers or college students who drive, make sure they are safe and prepared for their driving experiences. Take some extra time to discuss driving habits with your kids so they are properly educated about safe motoring. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that 77% of accidents are due to driver error. The leading causes of injuries and deaths among teenage and early 20s drivers are alcohol use, speeding, and not using seat belts.
Tips for Safe Driving:
- Don’t drink & drive
- Don’t speed
- Always use seatbelts (drivers and passengers)
- Avoid distractions (texting, cell phone use, etc.)
- Maintain a proper distance between your car and other vehicles
- Make sure tires are properly inflated to enhance vehicle control and improve stopping capability
- Check rear view and outside mirrors every 20 seconds for approaching vehicles
- Avoid aggressive driving – leave that to race car drivers
If your kids are college bound, some added tips may be appropriate, especially if they are driving long distances or in potentially inclement weather:
- Make sure their vehicles are properly serviced and prepared for winter driving BEFORE they leave for school
- Replace worn tires
- Carry a roadside emergency kit that includes battery cables, a flashlight, first aid kit, safety flares, gloves, and other emergency items
- Make sure your kids belong to a Roadside Assistance Program in the event of breakdowns or other emergencies
Get ready for Back to School!
Prepare your student’s and your vehicle before hand and help ensure this school year is all about learning and growing and not memories of the inside of the breakdown shop they visited. Bring your vehicle into Hudson Auto Care today!
by hudsonautocarecom on July 21, 2010
Shocks and struts are important to maintain as they affect your vehicle’s stopping distance, tire wear, and steering control.
The main purpose of shocks, struts, and even coil springs is to absorb the pressure when driving so you encounter a comfortable ride. Shocks dampen or eliminate spring oscillation (up and down movement) by using a plunger, a cylinder, and non-compressible liquid.
When you drive over rough roadways or encounter a pot hole, shocks and struts go to work to help maintain an even ride so your vehicle’s steering system is more in control and tires remain on the road surface.
Longterm spring oscillation or bouncing can cause shock and strut components to wear allowing for added bouncing and poor tire wear. It also takes longer to stop your car or truck when these parts are worn.
If you are encountering a bumpy ride, nose dives when stopping, or unusual tire wear, make sure to have your shocks or struts checked for worn parts. It really is all about driver safety and being able to properly steer, control, and stop your vehicle.
Bring your vehicle into Hudson Auto Care and have your shocks & struts inspected!
by hudsonautocarecom on January 4, 2010
Be sure to be safe this winter season! Bring your car or truck in to Hudson Auto Care and take advantage of our Winter Maintenance Special (
click here for coupon).
Winter Maintenance Special includes:
- Oil and filter service
- Multi-point inspection, including brakes
- Coolant Flush Service
- Inspection of all heater and radiator hoses
- Tire inspection, rotation and balance (if needed)
- Check and top off all underhood and vital fluids
- And more!
And while you’re out there on the roads, keep these following tips in mind:
- Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
- Drive with your headlights on.
- Avoid using cruise control or overdrive. Don’t let your car make a bad decision for you.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
- If you lose traction and your vehicle feels like it’s floating, gradually slow down. Don’t slam on the brakes.
- Use caution when driving on bridges or concrete highways. These surfaces are the first to freeze and become slippery when the temperature drops.
- Slow down in advance of shaded areas, especially on curves. Shaded areas are cooler and may have ice that is difficult to see.
- Don’t pass snowplows or sanders, and don’t follow them too closely.
- Don’t get overconfident with four-wheel drive. It won’t help you stop any faster.
- Winter road conditions often result in longer stopping distances. Give yourself room. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal.
- Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. These all have potential to develop black ice.
- Avoid abrupt actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen your chance of losing control.
- Look farther ahead in traffic. Actions by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra reaction time.
- Trucks take longer to stop. Don’t cut in front of them.
And just in case, make sure you pack an emergency kit in your trunk with the following items:
- Rechargeable flashlight
- Cell phone and car adapter
- Extra food and water
- Flares
- Tools: jack, lug wrench, shovel
- Road maps
- Blanket/sleeping bag(s)
- Extra warm clothes, boots, hat and gloves
- First aid kit (if you take prescription medicines, keep a few handy in your kit)
- Pocket knife
- Matches or lighter
- Battery jumper cables
- Ice scraper and snow brush
- Paper towels
- Extra washer fluid
Be safe and be warm out there!
Russ
by hudsonautocarecom on November 7, 2009
Look for the peaked mountain with snowflake symbol when you purchase your winter tires. Tires marked with this symbol meet specific snow traction performance requirements and have been designed specifically for use in severe snow conditions.
Tires marked “M + S” (Mud and Snow), or “all season” tires that do not have the peaked mountain with snowflake symbol, may provide safe performance in most weather conditions, but are not designed for snow and ice-covered roads.
At temperatures below 7°C, standard tires begin to lose elasticity, resulting in reduced traction. Winter tires retain their elasticity to grip at much lower temperatures.
Wide, high-performance tires, other than those specifically designed as winter tires, are not suitable for use on snow-covered roads. As a tire wears, traction is reduced. Tires that are worn close to the tread wear indicators should not be used on snow-covered roads.
We carry a wide selection of tires. Call us today to find out which tires are best for your vehicle and driving needs.
Cheers,
Russ
