Auto Repair Blogs

The Most Dangerous Roads in Kansas City & Tips to Stay Safe While Driving Today, let’s talk about a serious matter: the most dangerous roads in Kansas City. From January to March of 2022, car accident fatalities more than doubled compared to the same time frame in 2021. At Telle Tire, we see it all—some fender benders, and others, more serious accidents. That’s why we wanted to take a moment to drive home the importance of road safety with you. Keep reading to learn about some accident-prone areas to avoid when driving, and discover a few practical tips to protect ...

Vehicle Suspension System Types At the most basic level, you know that your vehicle gets you from point A to point B safely and comfortably – or it at least should. But have you ever considered the intricate system of mechanisms that ensure a smooth ride? The vehicle’s suspension system is an often underappreciated yet vital component to keeping every road trip comfortable and safe. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different types of suspension systems, their functions, how to choose the right one for your vehicle, and tips for keeping it functioning as it should.  What is a ...

Vacuum Leaks: Symptoms, Detection & Repair Solutions for Your Car Maintaining your vehicle’s health involves more than just keeping up with regular oil changes and tire rotations. Monitoring the condition of your vacuum system is a crucial yet often overlooked part of that maintenance. A well-functioning vacuum system ensures optimal performance and fuel efficiency, but experiencing a vacuum leak can disrupt the delicate mechanical balance, leading to various complications. In this guide, we’ll explore what vacuum leaks are, how to detect them, and the available solutions to keep your car running smoothly. Understanding the Role of a Vacuum System All ...

How Can I Improve My Gas Mileage? The average American faces hefty expenditures, with gas prices on the rise. Wouldn't it be great if there were simple ways to stretch each gas tank further, saving you money in the long run? Well, good news: there is. Keep reading to discover a few simple tips to improve your gas mileage! 5 Things You Can Do Today to Improve Your Gas Mileage 1. Check Your Tires Believe it or not, your tires play a significant role in your vehicle's fuel consumption. According to studies, tire-related issues account for 20 to 30 percent ...

Winter Car Maintenance Checklist Winter is upon us and as the weather continues to get colder and the roads begin to become a bit more treacherous, it’s time to ensure your vehicle is prepared. Cold weather can be harsh on vehicles and combined with holiday travel and worsening road conditions, it makes winter vehicle maintenance absolutely essential for your safety. Ensure your vehicle is ready to take on winter driving with our winter car maintenance checklist, then visit your nearest Telle Tire location for comprehensive auto service. Get Your Vehicle Ready for the Cold Ensuring you’ve completed the winter car ...

ID/OD Inspection Vehicle inspections are necessary for road safety and environmental responsibility and, in the case of an ID/OD inspection, to ensure the safety of those purchasing a used vehicle. These inspections are essential to vehicle ownership, ensuring legal compliance and financial responsibility. In this blog, we’ll explore an ID/OD inspection, how much it costs, the state regulations, and where you can get one performed.  What is an ID/OD Inspection? An Identification Number/Odometer Reading Inspection (ID/OD) is required in Missouri if vehicle ownership is transferred to a buyer on a title issued by another state or country. Essentially, the vehicle ...

8 Reasons Your Car Battery Won’t Hold A Charge Many vehicle components require regular maintenance to ensure the best safety and performance. However, some pieces, such as your car battery, may last for some time, meaning you don’t think about them much – until they become an issue. Without a functioning battery, your car can’t start, and the electrical components of the vehicle – such as lights, audio, internal computers, and navigation – will malfunction or not work at all, so if you’re able to, we suggest keeping a spare battery on-hand in the event of an emergency. If your ...

How Much is a Car Diagnostic Test? When that ominous check engine light illuminates in the dashboard, it’s a clear signal that something is most likely wrong with your vehicle. To avoid potentially costlier issues in the future, it’s essential to have the cause checked promptly. Unfortunately, concerns regarding the cost of diagnosing the problem can deter many from taking this important step. To fully understand car diagnostic services, you must first understand what diagnostics include and why they’re a crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance. Average Cost of Car Diagnostics Car diagnostic costs can vary, impacting the overall budget for ...

What Should You Do If You Have a Tire Blowout? Tire blowouts can be unnerving for any driver, but should one occur, staying calm and following the right steps to ensure your safety and get back on the road is essential. First, do not panic and follow these immediate steps:  Turn on your emergency lights to alert other drivers you are experiencing an issue so they can give you space and the necessary opportunity to pull off the road safely. Slow down gradually and pull over in a safe location. Gently reducing speed is ideal to maintain control of the ...

AWD vs 4WD Systems, Differences, and Benefits Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or looking for enhanced traction on the road, you’ve probably considered vehicles equipped with an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4WD) system. Both of these options promise improved performance, particularly in adverse conditions, and while they seem similar, critical differences can impact your driving experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the nuances of AWD and 4WD systems, highlighting their unique features, benefits, and which system is ideal for specific driving situations. What is All-Wheel Drive? AWD is a drivetrain system that distributes power to all four wheels ...