News

Archive by category: Auto Repair 101Return
31

Spark Plugs – How Often Should They Be Replaced?

posted on 3/31/2017 12:32:59 PM
In the old days, a tune-up was necessary about every 35,000 miles. It would usually consist of setting the ignition timing, replacing the mechanical breaker points in the ignition, cleaning and adjusting the carburetor and replacing the plug wires and spark plugs. Today, of course, the carburetor’s job is done by fuel injection and the ignition timing and spark are controlled by the engine computer. Few vehicles still have plug wires anymore either, as the distributor was replaced by the compu...
Read More
| View Count: (206)
12

Uh Oh…My Check Engine Light Is On

posted on 1/12/2017 12:44:02 PM
So you come out to start your car one morning and the Check Engine light on the dashboard comes on…and doesn’t go back off again. You can’t really notice any difference in the way the car runs and drives, but it’s on anyway. What does it mean? Since the late 80s, most engine functions have been controlled by a central drivetrain computer. This includes emissions controls, fuel metering and delivery, ignition timing, shift points and many other elements of drivability and performance. The dr...
Read More
| View Count: (236)
12

Get Your Car Really, Really, REALLY Clean!

posted on 1/12/2017 12:23:07 PM
It can be a lot of work and attention to detail to get your car really clean…especially if it’s pretty dirty to start with…but here are some ideas for truly thorough cleaning that you may not have thought of! --A cheap foam paintbrush can get into crevices (like A/C vents) that might be impossible otherwise. As you loosen up dust from these spots, keep a vacuum cleaner nozzle at work in your other hand to suck up the dust and prevent it from settling other places. --A soft-bristled brush is ...
Read More
| View Count: (250)
12

Are You Ready For A Roadside Emergency?

posted on 1/12/2017 12:00:39 PM
Yeah, yeah…your vehicle’s fairly new and you take care of it, and you’ve even got a membership in AAA. That doesn’t mean that your chances of ending up in a tight spot are zero. It’s just common sense to be prepared with a trouble bag in your car. Here’s a pretty good rundown of things you should keep in a car emergency kit: Fully charged cell phone: You may want to consider a cheap prepaid “burner phone” with a long battery life and keep it strictly in the car. If nothing else, at leas...
Read More
| View Count: (288)
09

Winter is Coming

posted on 11/9/2016 1:50:00 AM
The days are getting shorter, there’s a snap in the air, and before you know it, the winter months are going to be upon us. Is your vehicle ready?  • Wipers: Even the best windshield wipers are only good for about a year; normal wear, the sun’s UV rays and the elements take their toll on them. Get a good look and check them for chunks, strips or chips missing, and replace if necessary for a streak-free field of vision in wet weather. Hint: a fresh application of R...
Read More
| View Count: (232)
09

Squeeze a Few More Miles Out of That Gallon of Gas

posted on 11/9/2016 1:34:00 AM
If you’re past “a certain age,” you might remember when gas was $1.50 per gallon, or $1.00 per gallon, or 59 cents, or what-have-you…but the truth is that everything has gotten more expensive. After all, when gas was $1.00 per gallon, a nicely tricked-out Chevrolet Caprice Classic was selling for about $6,000 brand new.  Now that we’re well into the 21st century, gas prices are likely to fluctuate, but one thing’s for sure: gas is likely to never be...
Read More
| View Count: (239)
09

So You Think Some Traffic Laws Are Nuts?

posted on 11/9/2016 1:15:47 AM
Yes, there are plenty of traffic laws in certain areas that don’t make much sense. Here, though, we present a collection of traffic laws from other parts of the world that are just bizarre: --In Thailand, the law states that no driver, male or female, shall ever drive without a shirt. --In South Africa, “the driver of a vehicle on a public road shall stop such vehicle at the request or on the signal of a person leading or driving any bovine animal, horse, ass, mule, sheep, goat, pig, or ostri...
Read More
| View Count: (227)
03

The Holidays Are Coming – Is Your Vehicle Ready?

posted on 11/3/2016 6:50:41 AM
Where did this year go? Before you know it, it’s going to be time for the holidays, and that can mean travel in some pretty trying conditions (and we don’t just mean restless kids in the back seat). Is your vehicle ready for some interstate miles?   • Tires: It’s a good idea to have your tires rotated every 5,000-7,000 miles to ensure even wear. With that in mind, it’s easy to just schedule a tire rotation with every oil change, since the vehicle will be up in the air on a ...
Read More
| View Count: (240)
03

Winter Safety Tips – Don’t End Up In the Ditch!

posted on 11/3/2016 6:33:00 AM
Some people love winter. They love the snow, the snap in the air, the short days and cozy nights at home. Others can’t stand it, for many of the same reasons. Regardless of whether you love it or hate it, though, chances are you’re going to have to get out and drive in it at some point. We’ve got a few suggestions to help you through the winter safely: • Make sure you’ve got a well-maintained car. This includes fresh windshield wipers, proper tire inflation, a s...
Read More
| View Count: (241)
03

Differential Service: Too Often Neglected by Drivers

posted on 11/3/2016 6:28:44 AM
Differential Service – Why Is It Important?    Of all the various things on a vehicle that need regular service and maintenance, the differential is too often neglected. But what exactly is it, and what does it do?    Visualize a rear-wheel-drive vehicle making a right-hand turn. As the car turns to the right, the left rear wheel will have to actually cover a longer distance and spin at a different speed than the right wheel. If the rear axle was delivering the same torque to both wheels, the...
Read More
| View Count: (220)
Page 6 of 7 [6]

Visit Our Shop

Contact Us

Email: [email protected]
Phone: (732) 697-9242
Fax: 732-697-1188
Address: 186 New Brunswick Avenue
Perth Amboy, NJ 08861
Powered by Net Driven
Login

Stop By And See Us Today

Rodriguez Tire Service proudly serves the local Perth Amboy, New Jersey area, as well as the surrounding areas such as Edison, Linden, Metuchen, Parlin, Sayreville, South Amboy, South Plainfield, and Woodbridge, NJ and Staten Island, NY. We understand that getting your car fixed or buying new tires can be overwhelming. Let us help you choose from our large selection of tires. We feature tires that fit your needs and budget from top quality brands, such as Michelin®, BFGoodrich®, Uniroyal®, and more. We pride ourselves on being your number one choice for any auto repair. Let us earn your business.