News

It used to be as common as falling leaves in autumn for people to work on their own cars.  And while this red-blooded American pastime has not completely disappeared from our world, the expense and complexity of newer cars make some repairs best left to the professionals.  Here is a quick list of, "Don't try this at home"' auto repairs: 1.  Check Engine Diagnostics - With everyone from big box parts stores to smartphone app developers making it possible to talk to the computer in your car, many...

Few things typify the holidays like hitting the road to share the magic of the season with family and friends. But with the road choked with other drivers, winter weather hazards, and long empty stretches of sleepy asphalt, a holiday road trip can quickly turn ugly. Keep the joy meter pegged by taking a few precautions to prepare for your trip. 1.  Get Your Pre-drive ZZZZZs - Drowsy driving is a largely unheralded hazard, taking a back seat to more socially active no-no's like texting and drink...

North American roads cover millions of miles of landscape through habitats that vary from desert and grassland to mountain or forest and everything in-between. While we enjoy the freedom of the open road, we are nearly always crossing through the homes of wild creatures which may venture out on the road at the worst time possible.  Follow these tips to avoid a collision with our natural neighbors. 1.  Pay Attention - It may seem like the most basic of instructions, but in our tech-crazy world t...

In many parts of the US and Canada, it is common to have two sets of wheels and tires to tackle seasonal differences in driving conditions. You know what to do with them while they are on your car, but what is the proper way to store the ones you put up for the season? Here are some tips to ensure your seasonal tires are ready to go when it is time to swap them out. 1.  Clean Your Wheels - Contaminants and road grime can degrade the finish on your wheels while they are in storage. Before you pu...

If you’re in the market for tires then you know that the options often endless and confusing. Here at Don Owen Tire, we want to make sure you have all the knowledge you need to pick the right set of tires for you. With so many different options, sizes, styles, and brands, shopping for tires is no easy task.  Here are some key tips for making tire buying easier. Do you need new tires? If it’s not broke don’t fix it.  There are a lot of tricks for determining if you need new tires. The penny ...

There are various things that can go wrong with the electrical system in your vehicle.  Many drivers think that changing your oil, having good tires, and filling up with gas is all you need to keep cruising down the road.  But your vehicles electrical system requires maintenance and care just like all the other parts. The electrical system is a complex network of parts within your vehicle.  The car battery is the centerpiece from which a web of connected wires, fuses, and relays branch off to v...

No matter the time of year Don Owen Tire wants to help you keep air conditioning and heating system running strong.  That's why we offer comprehensive year round service on your climate control system. A properly working air conditioning system not only keeps you comfortable during warm weather driving, it also keeps the air dry inside your car which is important for defrosting and defogging your windows.  Without AC  you may have a hard time getting a safe view of the road.  And modern air con...

Buying a used car can be a great experience or a complete nightmare, depending on what you know when you sign on the bottom line or hand over your hard-earned cash to the seller.  While most used car establishments are reputable, there are still some that will be happy to sell you a little less car than you bargain for.  As a matter of fact, some dealers and individual sellers simply don't know the history or the problems with a car when they offer it to you. Check these ten important things be...

The cornering and rolling forces on each of your tires are different.  If you have a front wheel drive car, the power and most of the force is transmitted to the front tires while the rear tires pretty much just follow along like fixed wagon wheels.  A rear-wheel drive car or truck sends power to the back while steering forces are handled by the front wheels.  All-wheel drive and 4wd have their unique power, steering and cornering characteristics as well.  The point is, your front left tire is ...