Chicago Safety Systems: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
September 13, 2020
Flats, blow outs, skids and longer stopping distances can all be the result of driving around Chicago on underinflated tires. Admittedly, it's hard to tell when a radial tire is underinflated. If your vehicle manufacturer recommends 35 pounds of pressure, your vehicle tires are considered signif... More
The Truth about Tire Pressure (Tire Inflation)
September 6, 2020
Most light vehicles (under 10,000 pounds/4,500 kg) in North America sold from 2008 model year on have a feature that many people are confused about. It's the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). You may have some experience with it yourself if you own a newer vehicle. Vehicles with TPMS hav... More
Lean Times (Shocks and Springs)
August 30, 2020
You may have noticed your vehicle going through lean times. By that, we mean it's literally leaning to one side. When you notice that, you should get it checked out at your service facility soon because you could have a serious problem. Many things can cause a vehicle to lean. You may have pro... More
Passing the Test (How to Prevent Emissions Test Failure)
August 23, 2020
Vehicle emission testing has become ubiquitous in North America and for a good reason. Clean air quality is important for the environment and all of us. Since vehicle emissions are among the main causes of air pollution, emission testing can alert you to problems in your vehicle than can be fix... More
Start Me Up (Ignition Systems)
August 16, 2020
When you start up your gasoline engine car, you may not know that it's using the same ignition principles as it has for decades. You have spark plugs that require enough power so a spark can jump across a gap at its tip. Years ago, a vehicle's 12-volt system had to produce 15,000-25,000 volts t... More
Out with the Old (Vehicle Parts that Wear Out)
August 9, 2020
Some drivers don't pay any attention to their vehicles until something breaks. Others take them into their service repair facility for maintenance even before a problem develops. Still, even if you fit into the second group, there are some parts on a vehicle that will simply wear out over time.... More
When "Oh, no!" Turns Into, "All right!"
August 2, 2020
Things we don't expect happen to our vehicles. And let's face, no one really wants to spend money on an unexpected repair. But if you are putting off going to your vehicle repair facility because you're dreading bad news, you might just be putting off some good news. There was one minivan driver ... More
Servicing High Mileage Vehicles at Tuffy Chicago (Diversey Pkwy)
July 26, 2020
The price of gas and the uncertain economy are both causing Illinois residents to review their finances. More and more Chicago drivers are opting to keep their vehicles longer and put off purchasing a newer car. It is estimated that two-thirds of the vehicles on the roads of North America today ... More
Differential Service at Tuffy Chicago (Diversey Pkwy): Viva la Difference
July 19, 2020
Every vehicle on Illinois roads has a differential, and it is important to the proper operation of the vehicle. But most Chicago residents don't have a clue what it is.The differential compensates for differing wheel speeds. For example, when you turn, the inside tire on the turn travels a much... More
Rear Window?Not the Movie! (Why Some Rear Windows Don't Go All the Way Down)
July 12, 2020
Alfred Hitchcock once made a mystery thriller film called "Rear Window." It had nothing to do with the rear window of today's cars, SUVs, CUVs and light trucks. But there is one thing that some drivers DO find mysterious. Why don't the rear windows in the second row of many of these vehicles go... More