High gas prices have hit most of our budgets in the Apopka area. If increased fuel costs are consuming a bigger portion of your budget, you may be tempted to skimp in some other areas – like scheduled maintenance at AOK Tire Mart in Apopka.

According to news reports and industry studies, you’re not alone. Nine out of ten personal vehicles on the road have at least one maintenance or repair item that hasn’t been done. Some of these items are serious safety concerns. Others are just more likely to affect the cost of operating your vehicle in Apopka.

In this area, we can take a lesson from professional vehicle owners: fleet owners and operators like trucking companies and delivery services. Because their livelihood depends on it, they have gotten scheduled maintenance down to a science. And the last thing they skimp on is regular maintenance.

Why is that? Well, for one thing they know that routine maintenance prevents expensive repairs and costly breakdowns. They also know that a well-maintained vehicle uses less fuel.  For them, even a small decrease in fuel economy may mean not being profitable.

Here are some AOK Tire Mart services that could potentially save you some gas in Apopka: Fuel system cleaning, transmission service, differential service, wheel alignment, oil change, tune-up.

Ring any bells? Is there at least one thing on the list that hasn’t been done for your family car?

Let’s suppose you chose to spend one hundred and fifty dollars and get caught up on some of these services and that they combine to improve your fuel economy by fifteen percent. What would that mean to your pocketbook?

Well, the average personal vehicle is driven about twelve thousand miles a year. If you get twenty miles per gallon in your family car, over the course of one year you would pay for the hundred and fifty dollars’ worth of service and save an additional hundred and sixty five dollars if gas is at three dollars and fifty cents. If gas is four fifty, you would save two hundred and fifty-five dollars. And you’d rack up savings of three hundred and forty five dollars with gas at five and a half bucks.

Gas Price   $3.50   $4.50   $5.50

20 MPG        165      265       345

From this you can see that the more fuel costs, the more it pays to take care of your family car. Some of us drive trucks for work or recreation – or want a large SUV for family needs. A fifteen percent improvement in fuel economy can generate huge savings – six hundred and sixty dollars a year if gas is four fifty a gallon. Take a look at this table to see where your savings could lie.

Gas Price   $3.50   $4.50    $5.50

10 MPG       480       660        840
20 MPG       165       255        345
30 MPG         60       120        180

So catch up on those services you’ve been neglecting. Talk with your helpful AOK Tire Mart advisor about your family car’s needs. Get a couple done now and a couple next time. Chances are you’ll save a lot of money on fuel this year – and a lot more on repairs in years to come.

Give Don Williams a call at AOK Tire Mart in Apopka.

AOK Tire Mart
407.889.7074
200 West Main
Apopka, FL 32703

At AOK Tire Mart in Apopka FL (32703) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 407.889.7074. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

The Check Engine Light strikes fear into the hearts of some Apopka drivers and is totally ignored by just as many. Just what it means is a mystery to most of us in FL.

First, if your family car check engine light is flashing, that means that something is wrong that could cause severe damage to the catalytic converter or other components. Get that taken care of right away. If your check engine light is flashing, you shouldn’t drive at Apopka highway speeds, tow or haul heavy loads. Take it easy all the way to AOK Tire Mart in Apopka.

If the light is glowing steadily, you should keep an eye on it for a day or two. If the light doesn’t go off, schedule an appointment with your Apopka service advisor to get it checked out.

Some more information from AOK Tire Mart on how the Check Engine Light works may be informative. Most of your family car engine functions are controlled by a computer, not surprisingly, called an engine control computer. The computer is able to adjust many engine parameters for environmental conditions, engine condition and even the way you drive in Apopka.

In order to make these adjustments, the family car computer relies on a network of sensors to provide data. The computer knows the proper operating range for each sensor. When a sensor reading is out of range the computer runs some tests and may turn on the Check Engine Light.

The family car computer will also try to make adjustments to compensate for some readings. If it can do so, it’ll then turn off the Check Engine Light.

If the problem can’t be resolved then the light will remain on and you should get your family car looked at at AOK Tire Mart. Your helpful service technician will plug a scanner into the on-board diagnostic port and read the trouble code stored in the computer. The trouble code will give your AOK Tire Mart technician a starting place as he diagnoses the cause of the problem.

At AOK Tire Mart, we also offer battery service and windshield wipers.

Give us a call

AOK Tire Mart
407.889.7074
200 West Main
Apopka, FL 32703

At AOK Tire Mart in Apopka FL (32703) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 407.889.7074. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Most Apopka area car owners don’t service their air conditioning until after it fails. Maintaining your family car air conditioning system means that you always have enough refrigerant to properly do the job. Small leaks in the air conditioning system allow the refrigerant to escape and the system can’t cool the air as well.

Along with the refrigerant, a special oil circulates in the system. The oil lubricates air conditioning components, and keeps the seals resilient. Low refrigerant and lubricating oil means that the air conditioning parts will wear out prematurely, and we all know that air conditioning repairs can be costly in Altamonte Springs.

Air conditioning service at AOK Tire Mart in Apopka starts with a visual inspection of the components for signs of damage or leaks. The compressor is driven by a belt from the engine, most often the serpentine belt, so it’s inspected for cracks or wear.

The air conditioning compressor and other components are checked for proper operation by your AOK Tire Mart service advisor. Then comes the leak test. If a leak is detected, often in a hose or connection, it’s repaired and the family car system is retested. Your AOK Tire Mart technician will also perform a temperature drop test.

If needed, the old refrigerant is evacuated and the system is recharged with clean, fresh refrigerant. A final test insures that the air conditioner is working, and you’re on your way.

How often this should be done at AOK Tire Mart varies from vehicle to vehicle. Your family car owner’s manual will have the manufacturer’s recommendation and, of course, your helpful AOK Tire Mart service advisor can tell you. It’s typically every two years.

Give us a call

AOK Tire Mart
200 West Main
Apopka, FL 32703

At AOK Tire Mart in Apopka FL (32703) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 407.889.7074. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

A lot of people in the Altamonte Springs area want custom wheels. When you do this yourself (over the internet . . .) you could run into trouble if you’re not careful. Sometimes they just don’t fit right: The tires rub in turns or over bumps. Consulting a tire professional at AOK Tire Mart in Apopka can ensure you get the right fit for your family car. First he’ll ask you a series of questions about your driving needs and what you want in your new wheels.

Now, not every wheel can go on every vehicle. Care must be taken so that tires and wheels are not too large or that the wheel is centered too far towards the outside or the inside. If you don’t want to make any modifications to your family car, you would need to focus on a wheel and tire combination that would fit. With trucks, some Apopka people like much bigger tires so they need a suspension lift.

Also, most Apopka people don’t realize that you need to keep the rolling diameter of your new tires – that’s the overall height of the tire – very close to what came from the factory in order for your anti-lock brakes and stability control systems to work properly.

The family car computers that control these systems are calibrated to a certain size tire. When you go bigger or smaller, the computer doesn’t know what changes you made so it can’t tell how fast you’re going. This, of course, means it sends commands to the brakes and traction control that are based on the wrong sensor information. If you go with a different rolling diameter, your family car vehicle control computer can be reprogrammed for the new tire size. At AOK Tire Mart, we can give you information about control computer reprogramming.

Either way, there are hundreds of wheel and tire choices to choose from in Apopka. You can pick the style of wheel you want and then talk with your Apopka tire professional about how big the wheel should be – and select the right tire to meet your style, performance, ride and handling needs – and the best way to do all this is to have your helpful AOK Tire Mart tire specialist see your family car in person so mistakes are not made.

At AOK Tire Mart, we also offer battery service and windshield wipers.

Give us a call

AOK Tire Mart
407.889.7074
200 West Main
Apopka, FL 32703

At AOK Tire Mart in Apopka FL (32703) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 407.889.7074. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

You may not be familiar with all of the items on AOK Tire Mart’s menu board so here is a quick description of some of the typical services that might be listed. Remember, the board is there for reference; speak to your AOK Tire Mart Service Adviser about other possible needs or services.

AOK Tire Mart Fuel System Cleaning: Over time, the fuel system gets gum and varnish built up. A fuel system cleaning at AOK Tire Mart gets rid of that and cleans out the fuel injectors. Saves gas as you drive around Apopka and on Altamonte Springs freeways, by the way.

AOK Tire Mart Headlamp Replacement: Halogen and standard headlamps gradually fade. When one burns out, replace both so they’ll have the same brightness. Also, if your headlamp lenses are yellowed or cloudy, you can have them professionally restored to like new-condition. As your helpful AOK Tire Mart advisor for information.

AOK Tire Mart Inspections: Apopka drivers get inspections for many reasons. Maybe they’re going on a trip or just want to make sure their vehicle’s ready for summer or winter in Apopka. Maybe they just bought a used car and want to give it the once over. An inspection at AOK Tire Mart may reveal some things that are broken or are getting close to having a problem.

AOK Tire Mart Oil Change Service – there are several options: Some Apopka auto service centers offer just an oil change and new filter as an option. Most will also check and top off all of your other fluids and do a quick visual inspection with a full service oil change. There may also be options for higher mileage fluids or an upgrade to synthetic oil.

AOK Tire Mart PCV Valve Service: PCV stands for Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve. It’s a little part that releases pressure from the engine. It can get gummed up and that can lead to engine damage. Just needs to be changed now and then.

AOK Tire Mart Power Steering Service: Often overlooked. Your AOK Tire Mart technician will evacuate the old fluid, clean out the system and replace it with clean fluid. Keeps the system running well for a long time.

AOK Tire Mart Serpentine Belt Replacement: That’s the belt that powers the engine’s accessories like the alternator, air conditioner, power steering and brakes. You’ll want to replace the serpentine belt at AOK Tire Mart before it breaks or wears down too much, because that’ll lead to other problems.

AOK Tire Mart Shocks and Struts Replacement: This starts with an inspection of the suspension components. Shocks last a long time and wear out slowly, so many Apopka motorists don’t notice when it’s time to change them. If they’re worn or leaking, they need to be replaced.

AOK Tire Mart Transmission Service: This involves removing the transmission fluid and replacing it with clean fluid. It’s like an oil change for your transmission.

AOK Tire Mart Tire Rotation and Wheel Balancing: The tires are rotated from front to back using the recommended rotation pattern. This helps tires wear more evenly. Wheels need to be balanced from time to time to keep them turning without any wobble or bounce. Helps the ride and saves tire wear as you drive around Apopka.

Give us a call

AOK Tire Mart
407.889.7074
200 West Main
Apopka, FL 32703

At AOK Tire Mart in Apopka FL (32703) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 407.889.7074. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Let’s focus on stopping in wet Apopka conditions. In order for a tire to have good contact with the road, it has to move the water out of the way. If it can’t move the water, the tire will actually ride on top of a thin film of water.

That’s called hydroplaning. At AOK Tire Mart we want our customers to know that if it’s really bad, you can actually spin out of control. At best, you won’t stop as fast.

So how does a tire move water? It has channels for water to flow through. Look at a tire and you’ll see channels: channels that run around the tire and channels that flow across the tire. They’re designed to direct water away from the tire so it can contact the road better.

And the deeper the channel, the more water it can move. A brand new tire has very deep channels and can easily move a lot of water. As the tire wears down, the channels become shallower and can move less water. When it wears down enough, it can seriously affect your ability to stop on wet Apopka roads.

So that’s why it’s so important for Apopka drivers to replace the tires on their family cars when they get worn. Consumer Reports and other advocate groups call for a standard of 3/32 of an inch and they have the studies to prove it.

By comparison, you’ve probably seen the wear indicator that’s molded into tires. When tires are worn 3/32 of an inch, the tread wear bar is visible. So the recommended standard has twice the tread depth as a completely worn out tire.

And that little bit of additional tread makes a big difference. Stopping distances are cut dramatically on wet roads. A safe stop from FL freeway speeds with 4/32 of an inch of tread would result in a crash with worn out tires.

There’s an easy way to tell when a tire’s worn to 4/32 of an inch. Just insert a quarter into the tread. Put it in upside down. If the tread doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it’s time to replace your tires. With a Canadian quarter, the tread should cover the numbers in the year stamp.

You’ve probably heard of this technique using a penny and Abe Lincoln’s head. That measure gives you 2/32 of an inch – half the suggested amount.

Of course, tires are a big ticket item for Apopka car owners. Most of us want to get as many miles out of them as we can. But there’s a real safety trade-off. It’s your choice.

At AOK Tire Mart in Apopka FL (32703) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 407.889.7074. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

First, the serpentine belt drives your air conditioning system. Next, the belt powers the alternator.

The serpentine belt may also run the pumps for both the power steering and power brakes. In some family cars, power steering may have an electric drive and power brakes can be vacuum driven.

And, on many vehicles, the serpentine belt powers the water pump (on some cars, the water pump is powered by the timing belt).

Your AOK Tire Mart service technician can perform a visual inspection of the belt to see if it has any cracks that signal the belt could fail soon and will measure the amount of belt material to make sure there is enough.

Apopka drivers should be aware that there’s a special, spring loaded pulley attached to the engine called the tensioner pulley and sometimes an extra pulley call the idler pulley. Their job is to make sure there’s a constant tension on the serpentine belt so that it doesn’t slip. The spring can become worn and no longer provide the necessary pressure to keep the belt tight. That’s why it’s often recommended that the tensioner, and the idler pulley if so equipped, be replaced at the same time as the serpentine belt.

All in all, the serpentine belt’s an important part for the function of your family car. And it’s not that expensive to replace at AOK Tire Mart – so it’s good to do so before it fails.

At AOK Tire Mart in Apopka FL (32703) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 407.889.7074. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

The crankcase is the bottom area of the engine that holds the oil. When the family car engine’s running, fuel is burned to generate power. Most of the exhaust from combustion goes out through the exhaust system. But some exhaust blows by the pistons and goes into the lower engine, or crankcase.

These hot gases are about seventy percent unburned fuel. This can dilute and contaminate the oil, leading to damaging engine oil sludge. It can also cause engine corrosion in your family car. At high speeds, the pressure can build up to the point that gaskets and seals start to leak.

Apopka car owners need to know that over time, the vented gases will gum up the PCV valve and it won’t work well. That can lead to all of the problems I’ve already described, oil leaks, excessive oil consumption and wasted gas.

Fortunately, it’s very easy to test the PCV valve and quick and inexpensive to replace it at AOK Tire Mart. Even so, it’s often overlooked because many Apopka drivers don’t know about it.

Check your family car owner’s manual or ask your AOK Tire Mart advisor. If this is the first time you’ve heard of a PCV valve, you might be in line for a PCV valve replacement.

Please ask us about your PCV valve. For the price of a couple of burger combo meals, you can avoid some very expensive deep engine repairs.

At AOK Tire Mart in Apopka FL (32703) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 407.889.7074. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

In addition to just wearing out, AOK Tire Mart customers need to know that suspension components can be damaged in an accident or by a hard impact – like a pothole, hitting a curb or a rock in the road.

Because the life span of shocks can vary so widely, your family car manufacturer and AOK Tire Mart recommend periodic inspections. During an inspection, your Casselberry service technician will check for worn, broken or missing parts.

Signs that shocks or struts are wearing out: The tires may have a cupped wear pattern. This is from the shocks bouncing unevenly as you drive around Casselberry. You may notice a floaty or drifting sensation when cornering. If the front of your family car dives excessively when stopping, or rocks back and forth after you stopped, your shocks may be worn out. And if they are leaking fluid, it’s definitely time to replace them.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, come into AOK Tire Mart for a suspension inspection. Same if you’ve been in an accident that involved one of your wheels. Worn or broken shocks can cause premature wear or failure on other family car suspension parts such as ball joints and other steering components as well. If your suspension actually fails, it could lead to a serious accident, so let us take care of your suspension components at AOK Tire Mart.

When you replace your shocks, it’s usually a good idea to replace all four at the same time. That’ll give you more even handling. Talk with your service advisor at AOK Tire Mart because you don’t want a big difference between the performance of your shocks from wheel to wheel, and replacing all may be the safest bet.

At AOK Tire Mart in Apopka FL (32703) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 407.889.7074. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.

Now when you hear “severe service”, you may think it doesn’t apply to you because you don’t feel your driving conditions are severe or extreme – it’s just normal everyday driving around Altamonte Springs. At AOK Tire Mart, we discuss the conditions that manufacturers classify as severe so that you can make the judgment on your own driving.

• Most trips are less than four miles
• Most trips are less than ten miles and outside temperatures are below freezing in Altamonte Springs
• You drive in very hot FL weather
• Driving at low speed most of the time (under 55 mph)
• Stop and go driving
• Operating your vehicle in dusty, polluted or muddy conditions
• You tow a trailer, regularly carry heavy loads or carry a car-top carrier on your family car

Most Altamonte Springs drivers operate under severe driving conditions at least some of the time. How do you know which schedule to follow for your family car?

Carefully think about your driving conditions and decide if you should do your preventive maintenance closer to the severe service recommendation or the regular recommendation. Of course, your AOK Tire Mart advisor can help you with your decision.

At AOK Tire Mart in Apopka FL (32703) we install quality NAPA replacement parts. Give us a call at 407.889.7074. To learn more about NAPA AutoCare, visit www.NAPAAutoCare.com.