Auto Repair Blogs

  • Finger pointing to damage on tire tread. Tire tread problems by improper tire pressure, Wheel alignment

    What Does Uneven Tire Wear Mean? Causes & Fixes Uneven tire wear is a common issue drivers face, but it's one of the easiest to overlook. When tire tread wears down abnormally, it's more than a cosmetic problem. Uneven tire wear can signal alignment issues, tire pressure problems, or suspension concerns that affect your car's safety and efficiency. Recognizing common tire wear patterns early helps you address the underlying issue before it leads to poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, or the need for premature tire replacement. Below, we'll break down what uneven tire wear looks like, the most common causes, ...

  • The Ultimate Guide to Tire Lifespan: How Much Longer Will Your Tires Last in the Fall? Your tires are one of the most critical safety features on your vehicle. They're the only thing touching the road, helping you maintain control and traction as you drive. Despite being seen daily, they often become an afterthought until there's a problem. All tires naturally wear down over time, but seasonal changes can accelerate the process. In the Midwest, we can experience drastic weather changes in the span of 24 hours, putting more demand on your tires. As fall sets in with cooler mornings, ...

  • Mechanic installing front brake caliper and brake pads on vehicle.

    Top 5 Signs You Need to Replace Your Brakes Your vehicle’s brakes are one of the most important safety systems you rely on every time you drive. Healthy brakes ensure you can stop quickly, avoid collisions, and stay in control behind the wheel. But like any other part of your car, brakes wear out over time, and ignoring early warning signs can lead to costly repairs or dangerous situations on the road, making timely brake repairs critical when warning signs occur. Here are the top five signs you need new brakes that should never be ignored. 1. Squealing or Screeching ...

  • Close- up of mechanic pouring new motor oil while doing an oil change at Telle Tire.

    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 ...

  • Stack of new tires in a Telle Tire garage.

    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 ...

  • Person checking the air conditioner and cooling system in the car with their hand in front of the air vent.

    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 ...

  • Tire pressure warning light on car dashboard as triggered by the TPMS sensor.

    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 ...

  • The thick, greasy yellow motor oil under oil cap as signs and symptom of a blown head gasket. Broken a car

    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 ...

  • Close up of a tire sized 295/40 ZR21, showcasing where to see the tire speed rating.

    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 ...

  • Close up of a run-flat tire with a metal nail sticking out from the tread.

    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 ...