DOG FOOD IN YOUR ENGINE (Keeping Rodents out of your Engine)
March 19, 2023
A technician was telling us the other day that he was servicing an engine and spotted something he'd never seen before: A collection of dry dog food siting on a horizontal metal ledge near the base of the engine. It was neatly stashed and was in a spot where the food pellets couldn't have simply... More
Move it or Lose It (Dormant Vehicles)
March 12, 2023
When it comes to your vehicle, driving it too much can cause some issues. But what about not driving a vehicle enough? That has consequences as well. Here are a few things that can happen if a vehicle isn't driven enough. When the engine doesn't operate, the oil isn't lubricating. That means so... More
Restore Your Get-Up-and-Go (Fuel and Air Induction Cleaning)
March 5, 2023
You may have heard the old saying, "My get-up-and-go got up and went." If your vehicle's engine's fuel economy is noticeably worse, your engine is idling roughly or stalling or your vehicle's acceleration isn't what it used to be, ask your service advisor if you might need your vehicle's fuel and... More
Keys to a Long Lasting Vehicle
February 26, 2023
We live in a disposable society. Everything from elaborate packaging to our clothing. Even cell phones are disposable. When replacement is cheaper than repair, the term "built to last" goes by the wayside. An exception is our vehicles. They're still a very big investment and Plainfield drivers wa... More
Shifty Letters PRNDL (Transmission)
February 19, 2023
You probably figured out those shifty letters. They're what you see on your automatic transmission shifter and stand for Park, Reverse, Neutral, Drive and Low. Your automatic transmission is one of the great automotive inventions; here are some ways you can keep yours working well. Maintain you... More
Automotive Tips from Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield: Knowing When Your Timing Belt Should Be Replaced
February 12, 2023
The timing belt in your engine controls the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust valves. Plainfield drivers need to replace it on a schedule to avoid failure.Timing belts are very difficult to get to, requiring quite a bit of labor to access. Timing belt replacement is one of the more ex... More
Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Plainfield Automotive Tips: Alternator
February 5, 2023
Your alternator makes electricity to start and run your engine and all of the vital electrical systems in your vehicle. Thats everything from the on-board computers to the turn signals. And of course there is the entertainment system, seat heaters, power windows and everything you plug into the p... More
Road Trip? Check! (Trip Inspection)
January 29, 2023
After months of postponing travel far away from home, a lot of us can't wait to hit the road and scream "Road Trip!" again. But how long has it been since the vehicle you're planning on taking has had a thorough inspection? And is it roadworthy for several days on the highway? Time to schedule a... More
Plugging Away (Spark Plug Replacement)
January 22, 2023
If you drive a vehicle with a gasoline engine, thank the spark plugs for igniting the gasoline/air mixture in each cylinder that keeps your vehicle traveling smoothly down the road every day. Your spark plugs work hard, firing thousands of times in a well-choreographed order, and you usually don... More
Do you have a Clue (Get the Most Out of a Service Visit)
January 15, 2023
When you head to the doctor, you probably have it in your mind what you're going to say about why you don't feel good. That way your doctor can use that information to diagnose your problem. You might want to think of that same approach when you take your vehicle in for a repair. Experts say wha... More