If you ever had a flat tire, you know how stressful it can be. The stress is then compounded, if you have no knowledge on what to do or how to put your spare on. Regardless of a vehicle’s make or model, every vehicle is equipped with a spare tire. If your vehicle doesn't odds are the previous owner lost it or damaged it and never replaced it. A spare tire is like insurance. You don't need it, until something happens. In this blog we discuss the importance of having a good spare tire, as well as keeping it in good condition and ready to use in case of an emergency.

Even if you have an inflation device or fix-a-flat, having a spare tire will always be the best option for a flat tire. There are times when you get a flat, and all you need is a little more air or some fix-a-flat, but for the other times, when air and fix-a-flat won't do the job, ...[more]

It’s that time of year again. It’s time for cold temperatures and wet, slippery snow. Winter time is the season that all car owners dread. Tasks such as winterizing your vehicle, getting the right tires, and maintaining your vehicles heating system are not always easy. Having good winter tires and a good working heating system are a must, when it comes to winter driving. Without these vehicle necessities, you’re better of walking or taking the bus.

If you live in an area where it snows, it's important to maintain and service your vehicle to insure you get the best performance and life out of your vehicle. It is also a smart idea to have your heating system checked, before the cold winter starts. We can live without the power windows, heated seats, and air conditioning ...[more]

     It's obvious that winter tires make an automobile easier and safer to drive in harsh winter climates. It also can be a confusing and difficult decision, when deciding which winter tires to buy for your vehicle. Getting optimum winter performance from your vehicle is important and also requires a little knowledge as to which tires best fit your vehicle.

What makes a winter tire different from any other tire?

The traditional "all season" tire balances dry pavement grip with wet and mild winter performance. However, severe cold can make the rubber compound on the tread brittle and reduce grip. The "M&S" and "M+S" found on some tires stands for "mud and snow". This doesn't mean it is a winter tire. This label only determines the tread depth not the tread compound or col ...[more]

    No one likes driving in the snow, especially during a winter storm. We all try to avoid it, but sometimes we can't, and we get caught in the middle of it. When this happens, it is important to know what to do and how to prepare yourself. The first thing you should do is decrease your speed and give yourself plenty of room to stop. Second, turn on your lights and windshield wipers. Finally, don't try to pass anyone on the road, even if you think your vehicle can handle the conditions. All vehicles including all wheel drive vehicles and trucks encounter problems on winter roads.

     It is important that we all be courteous and respectful to each other, when it comes to driving, especially in the winter. By using common sense and being respectful, w ...[more]

Winter can be a cruel and unpredictable season, with its cold temperatures and wet slippery snowfall. It makes everybody's life a little harder from keeping ourselves warm to shoveling our driveways. It gets especially cruel, when we have to commute in winter weather. Winter driving conditions can make roads slippery and dangerous for all who have to commute day to day. That's why it's important for those who have to commute to have good, reliable winter tires.

            Winter can make roads dangerous with or without snowfall. If the temperature is cold enough, even without snow roads can become frozen, and create patches of black ice. When roads are snowy, that's when all chaos and havoc break loose. That's why ...[more]

Spark plugs play a major role in starting your vehicle. Without them your vehicle wouldn't start, so maintaining them is very important. A standard copper spark plug can last anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 miles. A spark plug that is made with more expensive material, like platinum, can last much longer. Even though spark plugs can last tens of thousands of miles, it is remains important to change them every few years.

There are several parts that make up a spark plug. Each part takes a crucial to how spark plugs function. A spark plug is composed of a terminal, insu ...[more]

      Many car owners know the importance of maintaining their vehicle. Most are aware of the major components that need to be maintained to help make the vehicle run how it's supposed to. However, many overlook one special part that is as important as any other main component. That part is called the serpentine belt.

A serpentine belt is a belt that runs through all the major components on your vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s make and model, the way the serpentine belt runs differs. View the diagram above to get a better understanding of how the serpentine belt works. The belt transfers power through pulleys from the engines crankshaft and any other components or pumps mounted on the engine. In some vehicles the belt can also be guided by an idler pulley and/or a belt tensioner.

Since the serpentine belt connects ...[more]

With the winter season quickly approaching, tire shops all around the country are being asked by customers, what is the difference between a snow tire and a winter tire? What kind of tires should I buy this winter season … snow tires or winter tires?

Winter Tires

• These tires are designed for clear roads with a minimal amount of snow and/or ice.
• Winter tires are engineered with a rubber compound that works well in colder weather.

Snow Tires

• These tires are designed for much heavier snow and or ice at the expense of dry road handling. Yes, snow tires don’t do as well on dry roads, but if you plan on driving around in ...[more]

It’s that time of the season to get your system check-up and find out, if you need any fluids flushed and or filled. Your vehicle relies on a variety of fluids, such as coolant fluids and transmission fluids, to keep it running properly. If you don’t regularly maintain your vehicle’s fluid levels, the result could be catastrophic and costly damages, which could be easily avoided by just maintaining your vehicle properly.

If you’re not sure how often you should have your vehicle fluids serviced, check your owner’s manual, or come by our store, so we can have one of our qualified technicians help you out. If you know you need to get your fluids checked, simply schedule an appointment.

A few of the services we provide are listed below:

Cooling System Flush and Fill

Your vehicle nee ...[more]

Van's Tire is excited to announce the launch of its new website. The site features a fresh look, easy navigation and more focus on what the customer needs.

The new site offers inventory listings with pictures and specs. You can search a variety of ways including by vehicle, brand and size.

With the addition of our blog, we are able to help inform and educate our customers on important tire and service information.

We invite you to visit the new www.TireBargains.com today.