STRAIGHT TALK ABOUT STEERING (Loose Steering)

February 5, 2023

Perhaps you've heard someone use the term "loose steering." And it's pretty much what it sounds like. You turn the steering wheel and the vehicle's wheels don't seem to go exactly where you thought you were pointing them. You have to constantly make steering adjustments. Loose steering is slop... More

Keeping Your Cool (Water Pump Replacement)

January 29, 2023

No matter what the temperature is outside, it's important for your vehicle's engine to remain cool, calm, and collected. Well, cool, anyway. If your vehicle has a gasoline engine, it's powered by a bunch of explosions involving spark plugs, pistons, gasoline, and air. And the by-product of all ... More

Drive Train - What You Need to Know in Aurora

January 22, 2023

One Aurora automotive service issue that doesn't get much attention is driveline service. Drivelines don't get talked about very much around Aurora, but they're very important. First let's define what the driveline is:Taking a small step back, the power plant is comprised of the engine and transm... More

Winter Watch List (Winter Maintenance Items)

January 15, 2023

Don't love winter weather? Here's a list of four things you need to keep a watch on during the winter months. Let's start with coolant levels. Coolant is as important in cold weather as it is in hot weather. Think of the term "anti-freeze." Your coolant needs to be adjusted for climate and temp... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Aurora: Serpentine Belt Tensioner

January 8, 2023

The serpentine belt tensioner applies pressure to the serpentine belt, maintaining optimal tension to drive the accessories like the alternator and A/C compressor. At Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Aurora we know that the service life of the belt tensioner is the same as the belt itself, so they shoul... More

The Key Won't Turn! (Ignition Problems)

January 1, 2023

You've just arrived at the store shopping and you're ready to head home. You put your key in the ignition and oh, no! The ignition won't turn! What do you do now? Don't panic. There are some things you can do to get going again. The first thing to do is see if you have a locking steering wheel... More

Steering You Right (Tie Rod End Replacement)

December 25, 2022

For drivers, S stands for safety. And there are three other words that start with S that are all equally important: starting, stopping and steering. For your vehicle to be at its safest, all three functions must be in top shape. Steering is one of those things we take for granted. After all, y... More

Wasteful Thinking

December 18, 2022

With the weather getting colder, you might be tempted to start your vehicle up, let it idle for 15 or 20 minutes and then get in the nice, cozy cabin. Some vehicles offer remote starting that let you do that from the comfort of your home or apartment. But is letting your vehicle idle like that ... More

Getting from E to F (Fuel Gauge Problems)

December 11, 2022

Who thinks about their fuel gauge? You probably don't until it doesn't work any more. Then you have to guess how much fuel is in your tank, and that's no way to live life on the road. Fuel gauges, like every other part in your vehicle, can fail. And when yours stops working, you will probably... More

Can Car Scent Keep You Safe on Illinois Roads?

December 4, 2022

Here's a travel tip that'll I'll bet you didn't know, and it might keep you safer...The average American commuter in Illinois spends two and a half hours daily in their vehicle.The government says 100,000 auto accidents yearly are caused by drivers who fall asleep at the wheel. (Aggressive drivin... More