Posted on 3/29/2022

A hard-to-turn steering wheel is not only excruciating to deal with, but it can put your safety at risk. When your steering system lacks maintenance or becomes worn out, you may experience this symptom. Fortunately, you can rely on the experts at River City Tire & Automotive to pinpoint the exact problem at hand. Here are some possible problems that can cause a stiff steering wheel: Low power steering fluid - This fluid is necessary to power and eases your steering functions. We'll check for leaks and top your car off on fluid if necessary. Faulty power steering pump - This component needs to produce the right amount of pressure to offer effortless steering. When the pump is damaged, it may make a buzzing or humming noise when you turn the wheel. Defective serpentine belt - This rubbery belt can crack and break over time. It runs through your power steering system, so you may experience stiffness as a result o ... read more
Posted on 3/25/2022

Your vehicle's brakes are constantly under pressure as you drive along the road. You rely on them to slow or stop your vehicle when you need to, and an issue with your brakes can be scary. Now, you may have heard that resting your foot on the brakes can do damage. This is actually true, because it makes your brakes hotter and more susceptible to wear and tear. However, what about whether or not braking hard can do damage to your brakes? Having to brake quickly and suddenly can definitely be stressful, because it means you need to stop at a moment's notice to avoid hitting another vehicle (or pedestrian). You have no choice but to do this in some instances. However, can it cause damage to your brakes? The short answer is, yes, it can. Braking hard constantly can heat up your brakes more than usually and can lead to the brake pad wearing down excessively. In order to avoid this, we always recommend that you keep a very safe distance between your car and the car in front of you ... read more
Posted on 3/22/2022

Throughout the year, the weather can change in an instant. That is why it is so important to be prepared for any weather condition when on the road, especially rain. Having a good set of windshield wipers on your car can make a huge difference in visibility and your safety on the road. Most people neglect changing their wipers, which can be a shock at the moment when they actually need them and they aren't working properly. So, how do you know if you need to replace your windshield wipers? First, think about how long it has been since you last changed them. More than likely, it has been a while. Wipers should be replaced every 6 months to a year. They can dry out aggressively during the summer, which is usually the best time to change them. However, you can also pay attention to some tell-tale signs which can indicate its time for new blades. The wipers leave streaks of water across your windshield. Rather than wiping away water, they just spread it around. You hear squeaking n ... read more