How to Get Your Car Ready for Autumn?

Autumn is just around the corner and cold weather is on its way in. This is the best time to prepare your vehicle for the fall. The colder temperatures and continuous rain can negatively impact your vehicle in a host of ways. Cold weather makes it more difficult for your tires to maintain grip and makes the windshield more vulnerable against cracks. You also need to prepare a vehicle for the cold winds of winter. From heavy rainfall causing floods on the roads to mulch piling up under trees causing cars to slip and slide, many unique hazards threaten your vehicle at this time of year. Here is how you can get your vehicle ready for the fall:

1. Check the Belts and Hoses

You should look for cracks, leaks, and wears in the belts and hoses of your vehicle. You should ensure that there are no signs of splitting, fraying, or glazing. One major problem with faulty belts and hoses is overheating and it can occur at any time of the year, including during the colder months. If you notice any problems with these car components, then you should replace them or take your vehicle to your local mechanic.

2. Check Fluid Levels

You must replace your car’s fluid levels, as necessary. These include windshield washer fluids, transmission fluids, coolant, brake fluids, and power steering fluids. All of them are critical to ensure that your car runs properly and smoothly. You should also ensure that the engine coolant is up to par levels.

3. Check Your Tires

You should check the tire tread depth, inflation, and overall condition of your tires. You should also rotate your tires regularly so that the tires wear evenly. Make sure your tires contain the appropriate amount of air. Maintaining proper tire pressure is very important because cold weather causes tires to lose air quickly. It is also the perfect time to change to all-season tires.

4. Stock Up on Supplies

Getting stranded on the side of the road at any time of the year is a problem. As the weather turns cooler, you especially need to be prepared for a roadside emergency. Be prepared if a situation like this were to occur. You should stock your vehicle with the following items:

• Gloves
• Ice scraper
• Blanket
• First aid kit
• Jumper cables
• Flashlight

 

5. Check the Brakes

It is important to get your brakes checked before getting well into the fall and winter seasons. Brakes are crucial for safe driving. Cold weather heightens brake problems since the roads have the potential of becoming slippery from snow and ice. Listen for unusual noises that may point to failing brake pads.

 

Looking to buy top-notch wheels for your car? You can check out the massive collection at AudioCityUSA. You can call 888.814.1158 to contact the team at the online store for more information. The online store offers top quality wheels from brands such as Fuel, Moto Metal, Blaque Diamond, Niche, Rohana, AC Forged, XD, and more.

A Beginner’s Guide to Staggered Wheels

Staggered wheels or staggered fitment is a type of wheel fitment where the back wheels of a vehicle are larger than the wheels at the front. Having staggered wheels or running wheels on the drive means more grip on acceleration and larger lips from an aesthetic perspective. A staggered fitment can also mean larger diameter wheels on rear, for example, a 17” diameter on the front and 18” diameter on the rear. Staggered wheels provide a more muscle like the look and are most commonly used in racing vehicles. Here is a complete guide to staggered wheels:

 

What are Staggered Wheels?

Staggered fitment means that the size of rear wheels and tires are different than the size of front wheels and tires. The rear wheels and tires are wider than the front and tires. The main reason why people choose staggered wheels is because of beauty and performance. People love the look of the big tread on the wheels on the back.

 

Why Should You Have Staggered Wheels on Your Vehicle?

You should consider staggered fitment if you have a vehicle with a rear-wheel drive and you want maximum performance. However, it doesn’t work for vehicles with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. By putting larger tires on the rear-drive vehicle, you can get better cornering, better braking, and more power on the road. The wider rear wheels also provide better traction, especially in the summer and on dry pavement.

 

Pros of Staggered Wheels

Staggered wheels can have a plethora of benefits including:

• Improved Traction: The wider wheels increase the overall surface area that comes in contact with the road. This improves the grip of the wheels on the road, which in turn can improve the vehicle’s acceleration, braking as well as its high-speed stability.
• Better Aesthetic Appeal: Larger rear wheel raise the vehicle’s rear, giving it a fierce and aesthetically pleasing look. This fitment can make the vehicle look sleeker and more streamlined.
• Better Grip: Staggered wheels can enhance grip for driven wheels. This can help achieve optimal traction and deliver quicker starts from a standstill. With square fitment (all the wheels and tires are the same size), the driven wheels may slip during launch.

 

Cons of Staggered Wheels

Despite their many benefits, staggered wheels also have a few disadvantages including:

• Changed Feel: When you use staggered wheels, even the slightest size difference can impact the overall feel of the car. It can take some time to get acclimated to the changed response and behavior of the vehicle, especially for first-time drivers.
• Increased Stopping Time and Distance: Due to the rear wheels being larger than the front wheels, they require more powerful brakes to bring them to a halt. Without such brakes, they will continue to roll for a little longer and the stopping time of the car will increase.

Where can You Buy Staggered Wheels?

If you’re looking to buy staggered wheels, you should take a look at the exquisite collection at AudioCityUSA. The company offers aftermarket wheels from a plethora of world-renowned brands including Moto Metal, Blaque Diamond, XD, AC Forged, Niche, Fuel, and others.

How to Prevent Corrosion of Wheels and Rims?

Aesthetic appeal of a vehicle is critical to all owners. Wheels are a major part of maintaining the aesthetic value of vehicles. Therefore, you need to ensure that your wheels are in the optimum condition. Wheels endure extreme conditions including rough terrain, heat, cold, and intense friction. A major threat to wheels is corrosion which occurs when iron, oxygen, and water combine to form rust. Rust can not only affect the looks of the vehicle but also degrade their durability and strength as well. Understanding corrosion can help you take care of your wheels better and maintain a good-looking vehicle. Here is how you can prevent corrosion of wheels and rims:

Causes of Wheel Corrosion

Some of the common causes of wheel corrosion include:

• Water: Moisture is a key catalyst for the corrosion reaction. You should remove any water that has pooled in the tires before mounting the wheels. Rims and components can retain water after washing with a hose, you should wipe them with a dry cloth to remove all the moisture.
• Pitting: When the factory clear coat peels off, wheels can easily succumb to corrosion. The clear coat can be compromised due to the elements and curb damage, thereby exposing the wheel to air and water. This can cause pitting of the wheels which diminishes the looks of wheels.
• Iron Contamination: Iron contamination from the braking pad can cause corrosion to wheels. A disintegrating braking pad throws off deposits that end up sticking on the rim. You should have a professional remove the iron deposits off your wheels regularly to avoid corrosion.
• Cleansers: People often use acid-based cleansers to clean the wheels of a vehicle. These cleansers can strip away the factory clear coat if left on the wheel for a long period, resulting in corrosion.

 

How to Prevent Wheel Corrosion?

Here is how you can prevent corrosion of wheels and rims:

• Remove Brake Dust: If not removed, brake dust can accumulate in the tires and can bond with dirt and moisture accumulating around the surface. Brake dust can be easily removed by cleaning the wheels. A special cleaning liquid should be used to remove the dust using a soft brush.
• Clean Thoroughly: You should regularly clean your wheels and rims to prevent any contamination. You should also use a pH balanced cleanser as acid-based can harm your wheels. After you clean the wheels, you should also dry them, so that no moisture remains on the wheels.
• Polish after Cleaning: After you have thoroughly cleaned your wheels, you should polish your wheels. Polishing the wheels will not only minimize the appearance of scratches but also increase the shine of wheels.
• Add Corrosion Inhibitors: Corrosion inhibitors are coatings that are applied to the inside of the tire casing as part of the tire mounting process. These can be applied by the maintenance shop or by a tire service provider.

If you’re looking to buy new wheels, AudioCityUSA is your place to go. The company provides high-quality wheels for an enjoyable ride through any type of terrain. The online store offers aftermarket wheels from a plethora of world-renowned brands including Moto Metal, AC Forged, Niche, XD, Giovanna, Rohana, and various others.

Top 5 Benefits of Wheel Alignment

Wheels are a very important part of a vehicle and are highly essential to the functioning of a car. Any issue with the wheels can jeopardize not only the vehicle but also your safety as well. If you notice irregular tire wear, handling problems, or a crooked steering wheel, it might be the case that your wheels are misaligned. To fix this issue, you need to have a mechanic perform wheel alignment procedure. Even if these issues do not occur in your vehicle, you should have a wheel alignment performed every 10000 miles or 12 months. Here are some benefits you can gain from having a wheel alignment performed:

 

1. Smoother Rides

When your tires are out of alignment, your vehicle tends to pull to the left or right. This can lead to a jarring, bumpy, or even vibration-filled ride. A wheel alignment smooth out your ride and contributes to a better behind-the-wheel experience. It’s much easier and more pleasant to drive a car with proper alignment.

 

2. Fewer Auto Repairs

If your wheels are misaligned, a little jolt could lead to big problems. Hitting a pothole, for example, can causeway a lot of damage to your tires and suspension system with a bad alignment. Spending a small amount of money on a wheel alignment can prevent you from spending more money on bigger auto repairs down the road.

 

3. Fuel Efficiency

Vehicles with misaligned wheels can suffer a decrease in fuel efficiency by up to 7%. Instead of rolling freely, misaligned tires drag which means if your tires aren’t adjusted properly, you could be spending more money on gas. Proper wheel alignment can help you conserve fuel and fill up less often. Properly aligned wheels also cause less pollution as less fuel is burnt.

 

4. Improved Steering

If your car’s wheels are misaligned, the vehicle can be harder to steer. You may even find yourself holding the steering wheel at an awkward angle to drive the car straight, or veering from side to side. This lack of control increases your likelihood of being involved in an accident. Proper wheel alignment allows you to steer clear of those problems and maintain stable control of your car.

 

5. Long-Lasting

Misaligned wheels may lead to premature and uneven tire wear. If you don’t get proper wheel alignments at the right time, you may find yourself buying new tires more frequently. Proper wheel alignment, along with regular tire rotations, will provide more even wear and extend the lifespan of your tires.

 

If you’re looking to buy new wheels, AudioCityUSA is your place to go. The company provides high-quality wheels for an enjoyable ride through any type of terrain. The online store offers aftermarket wheels from a plethora of world-renowned brands including Moto Metal, AC Forged, Niche, XD, Blaque Diamond, Lexani, Giovanna, Rohana, and various others.