(610) 681-7262


601 Interchange Rd.

Kresgeville, PA  18333


Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm

Saturday: 10am-12pm

601 Interchange Rd. Kresgeville, PA  18333  |  Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm & Saturday: 10am-12pm  |  (610) 681-7262

LakeSide Tire & Auto Blog

The Vital Role of Timing Belt Maintenance

by LakeSide Tire & Auto • 24 Apr, 2024
In the world of automotive upkeep, few components are as crucial yet often overlooked as the timing belt. This unassuming piece quietly coordinates the engine's movements, ensuring optimal performance. Neglecting its maintenance, however, can lead to catastrophic consequences. Let's explore why timing belt upkeep is so essential and how it can save you from costly repairs down the road. The Timing Belt: Heartbeat of Your Engine The timing belt synchronizes the rotation of the crankshaft and camshaft(s), ensuring that engine valves open and close at the right moments. This synchronization is vital for efficient engine operation. The Dangers of Neglecting Your Timing Belt While the timing belt rarely shows signs of wear until it fails, ignoring its maintenance can result in severe engine damage, such as bent valves or complete failure. Timely Timing Belt Maintenance Is Key Manufacturers recommend replacing the timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Pay attention to warning signs like whining noises, visible wear, engine misfires, or oil leaks near the belt. The Cost of Delaying Timing Belt Maintenance Postponing timing belt replacement to save money can backfire dramatically. The cost of replacing a timing belt pales in comparison to the expense of repairing engine damage caused by a snapped belt. In the intricate machinery of a car, every component matters. By adhering to recommended maintenance schedules and heeding warning signs, you can protect your engine from costly damage and ensure smooth performance on the road. Remember, when it comes to timing belt maintenance, timing truly is everything. For any of your timing belt and auto service needs call Lakeside Tire & Auto at (610) 681-7262!

4 Helpful Tips for Decreasing the Risk of Tire Blowouts

by LakeSide Tire & Auto • 08 Mar, 2024
Whether you're on a road trip or just commuting to work, a blowout can be dangerous, costly, and downright scary. However, with some proactive measures such as tire maintenance, you can significantly reduce the risk of experiencing a tire blowout. At Lake Tire & Auto, we provide expert tire care in the greater Kresgeville, PA area. Here’s a look at four ways to help prevent tire blowouts. Routine Tire Inspections Just like any other part of your vehicle, tires need regular check-ups. Make it a habit to inspect your tires at least once a month for signs of wear and tear. Look for cracks, bulges, or any objects lodged in the tread. Don't forget to check tire pressure as well—underinflated tires are more prone to blowouts. Also, basic maintenance such as tire rotation should be completed on schedule to help prevent blowouts from occurring. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure Proper tire pressure is an important step in preventing blowouts. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's recommended tire pressure and make sure your tires match those specifications. Remember that tire pressure can fluctuate with temperature changes, so check it regularly, especially before long drives. Avoid Overloading Every vehicle has a maximum load capacity. Overloading your vehicle puts excessive stress on the tires, increasing the risk of a blowout. Before loading up for a road trip or hauling heavy cargo, check your vehicle's load capacity and make sure you're not exceeding it. Distribute the weight evenly and consider using a trailer for extra cargo to reduce strain. Replace Old Tires Even with proper maintenance, tires don't last forever. As they age, the rubber deteriorates, making them more susceptible to blowouts. Keep track of your tires' age and mileage, and replace them as needed. Generally, you’ll want to start looking for new tires when your tread reaches 4/32”. And most experts recommend replacing tires every six years or so, even if there is plenty of tread left. Tire Sales & Service in Kresgeville, PA If you need new tires or tire repair in Kresgeville and the surrounding area, contact Lakeside Tire & Auto at (610) 681-7262. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly handle your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

What are common problems that cause the check engine light to illuminate?

by Lakeside Tire & Auto • 08 Feb, 2024
An illuminated check engine light doesn’t necessarily mean that your engine is nearing complete failure. But you should still get to the shop for diagnostics so the mechanic can identify and resolve the issue before it gets worse. At Lakeside Tire & Auto, we provide expert check engine light repair in the greater Kresgeville, PA area. Here are five common check engine light triggers. Faulty Oxygen Sensor One of the more common culprits behind a glowing check engine light is a malfunctioning oxygen sensor. These sensors monitor the amount of unburned oxygen in the exhaust system and play a crucial role in optimizing fuel-efficiency. When they fail, your vehicle may experience decreased fuel-economy and increased emissions. Malfunctioning Mass Airflow Sensor The mass airflow sensor measures the amount of air entering the engine and plays a key role in determining the proper air-to-fuel ratio. A malfunctioning sensor can disrupt this balance, leading to reduced fuel-efficiency, poor performance, and an illuminated check engine light. Failing Catalytic Converter A failing catalytic converter is a more serious issue that can trigger the check engine light. Responsible for converting harmful gasses into less harmful ones, a malfunctioning catalytic converter can lead to increased emissions and decreased engine performance. If you notice a drop in performance or a sulfur-like smell, you may have a catalytic converter issue that needs to be addressed promptly. Issues with Spark Plugs and Ignition Coils Worn-out or faulty spark plugs and ignition coils can disrupt the combustion process, leading to misfires and engine performance issues. The check engine light may illuminate to alert you to this problem. Regular inspection and replacement of spark plugs and ignition coils can prevent these issues and help to keep your engine running smoothly. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap If your gas cap is loose or damaged, fuel may evaporate before it is directed toward your engine. While it might seem strange, a loose gas or faulty gas cap is an issue that sometimes triggers check engine lights. Check Engine Light Repair in Kresgeville, PA When you need auto repair in Kresgeville and the surrounding area, contact Lakeside Tire & Auto at (610) 681-7262. At our nearby auto shop, we can expertly address your vehicle’s repair and maintenance needs. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!
Show More →
Share by: