Dashboard's a Funny Name (Instrumental Panel Warning Lights)
December 10, 2023
Every day you drive, you're sitting behind the dashboard. But how in the world did it get that name? Back in the days of the horse-drawn carriage, horses would kick up dirt and mud on the driver and passengers, "dashing" debris against the carriage. So those who built carriages began installing a... More
Problems with Suspension Solved at Tuffy Cincinnati (Fields-Ertel) in Cincinnati
December 3, 2023
A vehicle's suspension system is tough. It can last for years and after lots of driving for Cincinnati drivers. But it can be damaged quickly by hitting a pothole, curb or rock, and it can wear more quickly if you frequently drive off-road or on bumpy roads. A workhorse vehicle one that hauls he... More
Not-So-Smooth Operator (Transmission Signs of Trouble)
November 26, 2023
You are heading down a flat, newly paved street when all of a sudden you feel it. Your vehicle jumps a little bit when you're accelerating and changing gears. You know it's not the surface of the road because it's smooth as silk. So what did you just feel? That kind of jumpingor grinding or sl... More
Alleviate the Creaks and Squeaks (Chassis Lubrication)
November 19, 2023
If your vehicle creaks and squeaks when you drive down the road, it may mean that some of the metal parts are rubbing against each other and need to be lubricated. Those could be parts of the suspension, steering system and the drivetrain. Years ago, most vehicles had to have their chassis (wha... More
Suspension Service at Tuffy Cincinnati (Fields-Ertel) in Cincinnati
November 12, 2023
During an inspection at Tuffy Cincinnati (Fields-Ertel) in Cincinnati, your friendly and knowledgeable automotive service technician will check for worn, broken or missing parts. Here's a quick rundown of suspension system components: There are the springs which hold the weight of your vehicle.... More
Straight to the Point (Alignment Signs of Problems)
November 5, 2023
Its just common sense that your vehicle will drive better if all the wheels are lined up with each other and the road the way the engineers intended. When theyre not, that is called being out of alignment. Here are some signs that your alignment has problems. Your steering wheel isnt straight... More
For Brakes' Sake (Brake Rotor Service in Cincinnati)
October 29, 2023
Think of how much abuse your brakes take. Day in and day out, they stop your vehicle when it's going fast and when it's going slow. Maybe your vehicle has been vibrating when you brake, or maybe it seems like your stopping distance is a little bit longer than it used to be. Then it's time to get ... More
Why You Have an O2 Sensor (Oxygen Sensor)
October 22, 2023
If someone asked you what gas made up the largest portion of the atmosphere, what would you guess? Well, it's not oxygen; it only makes up 20.9 percent. But since we're talking about oxygen, you should know that your vehicle uses oxygen sensors to make sure your engine is running the way it shou... More
No Fountain of Youth (Aging Tires)
October 15, 2023
Can you think of anyone who enjoys aging? Wrinkles where you don't want them, gray hair, eyes that won't focus any more, no stamina. Believe it or not, your tires age, too, and they don't get better the older they get. And here's the important thing to know, even if they can still pass a tread... More
Timing Belt
October 8, 2023
Ever heard the sad tale of a staggeringly steep repair bill from a broken timing belt? Bad news. Let's take a lesson from their woes and remember to think about our timing belt.First, let's review what a timing belt does. The top part of the engine over the cylinders is called the cylinder head.... More