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Different tires are recommended based on the area you live in. If you live in an area that has a lot of snow and covered roads, then you might want to choose from among the winter tires that are available. The whole point of winter and snow tires is so that you can have traction on the road.

If you live in an area that does not have a lot of snow but still gets cold, you are still going to need winter tires. However, you might have to choose some that are more performance based. The performance winter tires…

There are a ton of things that a properly inflated tire can protect against. For one thing, the road is not always going to be consistent and friendly to the vehicle. There are a lot of obstacles that can get in the way of the vehicle and even cause damages.

One example of an obstacle that drivers may come across is a pothole. If the tire is not properly inflated, then this might impact the wheel in a way that can knock it out of alignment in an easier way. However, a properly inflated tire can protect against that. A…

Cleaning your vehicle doesn't have to be a chore when you don't have time. Here are a few ways to clean the entire vehicle in under ten minutes.

Use the hose to soak the vehicle so all that dirt and debris is washed away. Soak a cloth with polish, and run it over the exterior quickly, including the tires. Drive the car around the block to keep from water droplets from leaving stains on the paint surface.

Take the floor mats and bang each one on the ground to remove any dirt. Wet a clean cloth with glass…

Along with checking your vehicle's transmission fluid, oil and coolant and other items like hoses, belts, tires and similar components, it is also important to change out the differential fluid on a regular basis. Why is that? Well, the differential fluid can deteriorate or become contaminated over time and cause the differential to not function properly.

The differential is the gearbox that is between the drive wheels of the vehicle. In four-wheel drives, there will be a differential in the front and one in the back of the vehicle. 

When you are ready to wash your vehicle, the tires are probably not at the forefront of important parts that need special attention during the process. However, the tires actually need as much care as the rest of the vehicle, due to the collection of corrosive brake dust that can accumulate on the wheels.

The Perkins Motor Plex team can help. First, pick the correct cleaner for your vehicle, as marked on the cleaner container. For tough jobs, pick a tough but non-caustic cleaner. Use separate brushes for the wheels and the tires and wash the tires before washing the…

Testing the car battery with the voltmeter is easy when you prepare with a few safety tips. Always wear safety eye-wear around the car battery and put on a pair of good heavy-duty gloves. The car ignition and lights have to be turned off to get an accurate reading, too.

The voltmeter has a pair of cables that are color-coded, red for positive and black is negative. The red cable goes on your positive battery side first. Now attach the black cable to the battery negative terminal. 

Taking the time to make your own roadside emergency kit could make all the difference in keeping you safe and getting you back on your way quickly. Keep a small box of tools in the emergency kit. In addition to the tools, a roll of duct tape is one of those things that can be used to make numerous small repairs.

Always keep a flashlight and batteries in your kit because you never know when you might get stranded in the dark and need to flag help or make small repairs. 

Four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles tend to be among the most popular models for drivers across America. Drivers simply love how they handle in snow, mud and other wet environmental conditions. But unless you maintain that piece of equipment unique to four-wheel drive vehicles known as a transfer case, you won't be able to drive very far.

The transfer case ensures that power is available and split between the front and rear wheel axles. 

We commonly see problems with mufflers and exhausts for all makes and models of vehicles here at the Perkins Motor Plex locations. This is no reflection at all of how well you take care of your vehicle, so don't worry if you notice there is a problem with this area of your car. Just normal, everyday use of your vehicle is all it takes for a small hole or crack to begin in your muffler or exhaust pipe. Depending on the size of the issue, we can sometimes patch it up, but there are also times when the damage…

Maintaining reasonable gas mileage is a concern of every driver, but many may not be aware of the effects that suspension systems can have on mileage. The suspension not only insulates you and your passengers from vibrations, it also stabilizes the vehicle-body and aligns the tires, among other things. For example, tires that are out of alignment can cause premature tire wear and failure and can also cause component-fatigue.

By the same token, old or damaged springs can compromise the overall stiffness of your suspension.