Auto Repair Blogs
What Happens If You Never Change Your Oil? Regular oil changes are one of the simplest yet most important things you can do to keep your car running smoothly. However, busy schedules and a misunderstanding of their importance mean regular oil changes are sometimes forgotten or skipped. A few missed oil changes won't matter, right? Unfortunately, neglecting your oil can lead to expensive repairs and even leave you stranded, causing reduced performance or even complete engine failure. At Telle Tire, our certified technicians help drivers across St. Louis, Kansas City, Springfield, and beyond protect their engines with professional oil change ...
10 Common Tire Myths Debunked Your vehicle's safety and performance require the cooperation of several components, and your tires play a bigger role than you may realize. Unfortunately, there's a lot of misinformation out there about tires—often shared from friends, family, or the internet—that can lead to poor tire care, unnecessary costs, and even dangerous driving conditions. At Telle Tire, we take tire safety seriously and want to share our decades of knowledge to help you make the most informed decisions about your tires and your vehicle. Let's set the record straight and debunk ten of the most common tire ...
How To Check Your Car’s AC System When summer heat sets in, a functioning car air conditioning system becomes more than just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether you’re commuting through St. Louis traffic or taking a weekend road trip across Missouri, you need cool, reliable air to stay comfortable. But like any other part of your vehicle, your AC system can wear down over time. The good news? Catching early warning signs can save you from more costly repairs down the line. In this blog, we’ll walk through how to check car AC systems for proper functionality, what to ...
What is TPMS and What Does It Do? Your vehicle's tires do more than keep you rolling. They play a critical role in your car's performance, fuel economy, and safety. The tire pressure monitoring system, or TPMS, is a vital development in vehicle safety. TPMS is a built-in feature in most modern vehicles that monitors tire pressure and alerts you when it drops too low. When your TPMS light appears on the dashboard, it's not only an inconvenience but a warning that your tires may be underinflated, which can impact everything from handling to fuel efficiency. Understanding how TPMS sensors ...
What Causes a Head Gasket to Blow (and How to Prevent It) Your vehicle’s engine is a finely tuned machine, and every small bit plays a role in its functionality. A car's engine relies on the head gasket to maintain proper sealing between the cylinder head and the engine block, ensuring reliable operation. One of its most critical, although small and often overlooked, components is the head gasket. This vital seal plays a crucial role in ensuring your engine runs smoothly. When it fails, or you experience what’s known as a “blown head gasket,” the results can be catastrophic and ...
What Is Tire Speed Rating? When you think about tire safety and performance, your mind may go to tread depth or tire pressure, but speed rating is just as important. A tire’s speed rating tells you the maximum speed a tire can safely handle over time. Knowing your tire speed rating can help you make safer, more informed decisions on the road, whether you’re on your daily commute or taking longer drives. In this guide, you’ll get everything you need to know about tire speed ratings: what they are, how they’re tested, how to find yours, and how to choose ...
How Do Run-Flat Tires Work? Run-flat tires are designed to keep you moving, even after a puncture. Unlike conventional tires that go flat immediately after losing air pressure, run flats allow you to continue driving safely for a limited distance, giving you time to reach a service center without the need for an immediate roadside tire change. This enhanced safety and convenience make them a popular option for many modern drivers. What Are Run-Flat Tires? Run-flat tires are a type of tire engineered to remain functional after air pressure is lost. The key difference between run-flat tires and conventional tires ...
What Is Hydroplaning & What Do You Do When It Happens? The midwestern weather is always changing, but rainstorms are the least dangerous, right? Wet roads may seem harmless, but they can potentially pose just as much of a driving hazard as snow and ice. Water on the road surface puts you at risk of a hydroplaning incident. But what is hydroplaning? Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water builds up between your vehicle's tires and the road surface, causing a temporary loss of traction. In this situation, your tires no longer grip the road, essentially leaving your car to ...
What Is a Coolant Flush & When Do You Need One? Every time you drive, your vehicle's engine produces a significant amount of heat. If not properly controlled, this heat can result in costly damage to critical engine components. To keep the engine from overheating and ensure a consistently smooth performance, your car relies on an effective radiator and cooling system. At the center of this system is the coolant fluid, which regulates engine temperature and protects various components from damage. Maintaining proper coolant health preserves engine life, helps you avoid costly repairs, and keeps your vehicle running optimally. A ...
Can You Use Winter Tires in the Summer? As the seasons change and the temperatures rise, many drivers wonder: Can you use winter tires in summer? After all, if your winter tires still have plenty of tread left, it might seem cost-effective to leave them on year-round. But while it may seem convenient, using dedicated winter tires for summer driving can lead to reduced performance, faster tire wear, and even higher fuel costs. In this blog, we’ll explain why winter tires aren’t made for warm weather, what alternatives are available, and how Telle Tire & Auto Centers can help you ...
