Plymouth Auto and Tire Center

01/28/2026

We all know that rainy driving conditions can add to motorists' stress. But do you know why wet roads cause issues with your brakes and how much they increase your stopping distance? Keep reading to learn how to safeguard your car brakes against the dangers of rainy driving (hydroplaning) and learn helpful tire safety tips for wet weather.
Rainy Driving: Wet Roads
To keep yourself and your passengers safe while driving in wet weather, remember to slow down, stay aware of your surroundings, and reduce distractions. Here are a few more safety tips to consider when driving on wet roads.
Stopping Distance
Did you know that your vehicle’s stopping distance is TWICE as long on wet roads compared to dry roads? First, we must see the need to slow down or stop, which can be more challenging in reduced visibility. Next, we must react to the need by engaging the brake pedal.

We all know that rainy driving conditions can add to motorists' stress. But do you know why wet roads cause issues with your brakes and how much they increase y

01/09/2026

Did you know you need a qualified service technician to perform airbag repairs after a car accident? If the fender-bender was severe enough to deploy one or more airbags, the entire supplemental restraint system must be inspected, replaced, and reset. And sometimes, you may need airbag repairs even if you didn't have an accident. This blog provides basic information on the SRS safety standards and when to schedule a post-collision service for airbag repairs.
Automotive Airbag Safety Standards
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), frontal airbags have saved thousands of lives and help prevent serious injuries. Airbags are part of the supplemental restraint systems (SRS) and work with your vehicle's lap and shoulder seat belts to provide additional protection in the event of an auto collision.

This blog provides basic information on the SRS safety standards and when to schedule a post-collision service for airbag repairs. Keep reading to find out more

12/19/2025

Since the weather got chilly, I've been running my car heater pretty much every time I get in the car. But I've noticed it is taking forever for my car to warm up, and the windows stay foggy. Has this ever happened to you? Well, if it has, I'll let you in on a little secret. Chances are good that your cabin air filter is clogged, restricting airflow from the HVAC system and reducing the effectiveness of your car heater. Keep reading to find out why this happens and how to fix it.
How Your Car Heater Works
Your car heater is part of the HVAC system and is important for both your personal comfort and safety, especially during cold weather. In addition to keeping the cabin warm, your car heater helps defog and defrost windows for increased visibility. It does this by blowing warm air through vents inside the car, no matter how cold it is outside. Click here for more information on the HVAC components and how they work.
What Does The Cabin Air Filter Do?

Since the weather got chilly, I've been running my car heater pretty much every time I get in the car. But I've noticed it is taking forever for my car to warm up, and the windows stay foggy. Has this ever happened to you? Well, if it has, I'll let you in on a little

12/19/2025

When autumn arrives, it brings shorter days and plenty of cool, crisp air. It's my favorite time of the year. Autumn is also a time for some home and vehicle maintenance tasks to prepare for winter. Bringing in the garden hoses, cleaning the gutters of leaves, and swapping out the summer gear for winter gear in the car. It is pretty common to see the tire air pressure warning light turn on when you start your car in the morning. The TPMS warning light usually signals low air pressure in one or more tires, but is it a puncture requiring tire repair or a slow tire leak from something else? Let's review some common causes below and walk you through some basic tire maintenance tasks.
What Is A Slow Tire Leak?
You should monitor your tires regularly, since they naturally lose about 1 psi of air pressure each month. Over time, a loss of air pressure will cause an under-inflated tire.

When autumn arrives, it brings shorter days and plenty of cool, crisp air. It's my favorite time of the year. Autumn is also a time for some home and vehicle maintenance tasks to prepare for winter. Bringing in the garden hoses, cleaning the gutters of leaves, and swapping out the summer gear for wi...

12/19/2025

It's amazing how much automotive technologies have advanced over the last two decades. Car brands advertise their new vehicles with impressive-sounding catchphrases, claiming all sorts of important-sounding safety features. For the average person, it may not be easy to discern the purpose of all of them. In this blog, I'd like to discuss electronic stability control (or the ESC system), which is a driver-assistance safety feature found on all newer vehicles.
What Is Electronic Stability Control?
Electronic stability control (ESC) is an advanced safety feature that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles on slippery roads or during emergency maneuvers. It continuously monitors your vehicle's lateral acceleration, steering wheel angle, and speed through various electronic sensors. If the ESC system detects a need for driver-assistance, it automatically engages to prevent your vehicle from skidding out of control and rolling over.

It's amazing how much automotive technologies have advanced over the last two decades. Car brands advertise their new vehicles with impressive-sounding catchphrases, claiming all sorts of important-sounding safety features. For the average person, it may not be easy to discern the purpose of all of....

08/14/2025

Have you ever experienced a weird situation where your car suddenly won't slow down or stop? It feels like your brakes are completely useless, and it scared the bejeezus out of you? Maybe it was when you were towing your trailer to the campground up in the mountains. Or when driving home for hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic. But after a while, the brakes worked again perfectly - like nothing was wrong. You're not going crazy. If your brakes don't work intermittently, you don't need emergency auto repairs; it's just that your brake pads or brake fluid are too hot, causing brake fade. Let me explain.
What Is Brake Fade?
Brake fade is an unexpected reduction in braking effectiveness. Have you ever been in stop-and-go traffic for a while and noticed your brake pedal feels spongy? Or you're driving down a long hill and it takes longer (or requires more effort) to stop your car? Congratulations! You have experienced brake fade.
Types Of Brake Fade
So, what causes brake fade?

07/28/2025

If you drive an internal combustion-powered vehicle, there is a hidden part that acts as the cornerstone of the whole operation. It may not seem like much, I mean, it's a relatively simple design and only performs one function. But if it fails, it can cause catastrophic damage to your car's engine. What is this wondrous component, you may ask? The oil pump. Yup, the oil pump moves engine oil to all the internal engine parts and prevents low oil pressure, which can cause an overheating engine.
What Does An Oil Pump Do?
An oil pump pressurizes oil and moves it through various moving parts in a combustion engine. As you know, engine oil provides lubrication, reduces friction and wear, while absorbing excess heat. An oil pump running optimally with adequate oil levels helps prolong the life of your engine's components. With routine maintenance, oil pumps typically last the lifetime of your car.
Where Is The Oil Pump?

Did you know that the oil pump moves engine oil to all the internal engine parts, preventing low oil pressure that can cause an overheating engine?

07/28/2025

Transportation has come a long way since the horse-and-buggy days of yesteryear. And not only in terms of speed and convenience. Rider comfort in today's vehicles is vastly superior, too. You can thank the inventors of the modern automotive suspension system, including car axles in both front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive vehicles. Let's explore the details of car axles and how they improve your life every time you drive your vehicle.
What Are Car Axles?
A car axle serves two main functions. It supports the vehicle's weight and helps maintain the position of the wheels relative to each other and the chassis. Car axles are a central shaft or rod that connects and supports a vehicle's wheels. They transfer power from the engine to the wheels, allowing a car to move forward and backward. Car axles are vital for your vehicle's stability, balance, and overall performance.
Suspension System Axle Types
There are several types of car axles.

Let's examine the details of car axles in the suspension system and how they enhance your driving experience every time you drive your vehicle.

06/12/2025

Well, it's official. Summer is gearing up to be a hot one this year. If you haven't tried out your car's A/C yet this season, you might want to fire it up quickly. Don't wait until the pavement is hot enough to fry an egg before you bring your car in for A/C service.
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The auto HVAC system is complex, so if you suspect your car's A/C has low refrigerant and needs recharging, compare your issues with the following symptoms.

05/02/2025

Many of us are pinching pennies every way we can, so it is understandable to question if we can put off some of our car maintenance tasks this spring. If your fuel injector's cleaning interval is due, you may wonder if you need it. The answer to that question depends on a few factors. Older model cars often require more service appointments than newer cars.

Do car issues like bad gas economy and poor engine performance indicate clogged fuel injectors that may require a routine auto maintenance service appointment?

04/01/2025

Do you struggle to figure out what the spots of leaking fluid are under your car? I mean, does what it is really matter? The short answer is yes. These helpful tips will help you identify the auto fluid leaks under your car, whether it is leaking brake fluid, coolant, or gasoline. Because leaving those fluid leaks unaddressed can lead to expensive repairs, damages, and health issues.
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Let's review some helpful tips that will help you identify the auto fluid leaks under your car, whether it is leaking brake fluid, coolant, gasoline, or...

03/11/2025

While winter weather can be beautiful while sitting indoors enjoying a hot beverage, driving in it can pose visibility risks if unprepared. Maintaining a clear view out of your front windshield and rear window helps keep you aware of your surroundings. Below are a few helpful windshield wipers maintenance tips explaining how to spot and remedy worn wiper blades and window streaking.
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Winter Driving? Let's look at a few helpful windshield wipers maintenance tips explaining how to spot and remedy worn wiper blades and window streaking.