Auto Repair Blogs

Avoiding Expensive Car Repair Costs Car repair costs can be a significant financial burden for vehicle owners. Unexpected breakdowns or major repairs can quickly disrupt your daily life and empty your wallet. In this blog, we’ll explore the world of car repair costs, including the factors contributing to them, and provide valuable tips to avoid costly repairs.  Understanding the Factors Behind Costly Vehicle Repairs On the surface, the costs to repair a vehicle can sometimes seem excessive. However, there are several factors to consider when calculating the total cost. Mechanic Labor Costs: One primary factor that can drive up the ...

What is a Manual Transmission? For anyone researching vehicles or shopping for one, chances are you’ve come across the option of choosing an automatic or manual transmission. Essentially, you’re in charge of shifting gears (manual), or you let the car do the shifting for you (automatic). Although choosing a manual transmission or stick shift is becoming a seemingly less popular option for daily drivers, it has kept hold of a niche audience of automotive enthusiasts to remain resilient in the marketplace.  How a Manual Transmission Works Manual transmissions, also known as “stick shifts” or standard transmissions, require the driver to ...

Anatomy of a Tire Tires are the unsung heroes of every vehicle, playing a vital role in performance and safety. While they might seem like simple rubber circles, much more is going on beneath the surface. Every tire is a complex assembly of various components, each with a specific purpose contributing to its functionality. As you venture into the world of tires, it's crucial to understand the parts of a tire to make informed decisions. In this guide, we'll break down the critical components of tires and help you identify quality options. The Key Components of Tires and How They ...

5 Signs of Tire Wear To Watch For Hitting the road for daily commutes, adventurous road trips, or routine errands, we often overlook a crucial aspect of vehicle safety: the condition of our tires. Proper tire maintenance and awareness of tire wear signs are paramount for road safety, as the tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. Your tires’ condition can significantly influence your car’s handling, braking, and overall performance. Let’s explore the five signs of tire wear you should watch for and the potential dangers of driving on worn-out tires.  Sign 1: Uneven ...

Missouri Safety and Emissions Test: What You Need To Know The state of Missouri requires an emission and safety inspection be completed for most vehicles. When it comes to keeping your vehicle on the road in Missouri, there are two main types of testing that you need to be aware of: safety inspections and emissions testing. Both are required to keep your vehicle registered, so it’s important to know what to expect. Both types of inspections are essential, and we at Telle Tire & Auto Centers are here to help you through the process. We’ll ensure your vehicle is up ...

How to Change a Tire Flats happen. Knowing exactly what to do when you get a flat tire or if you experience a tire blowout is the best way to get through the inconvenience quickly and efficiently. At Telle Tire, we’re dedicated to keeping you safe on the road, so we put together a step-by-step guide on how to change a tire. It’s important to note that you should always pull your vehicle into a safe environment to change a car tire. Never put yourself in a situation where you might be struck by another vehicle. A Step-By-Step Guide ...

Avoiding Alternator Repairs The alternator in your vehicle is an essential part of keeping it running -- literally. It's responsible for keeping the car going while the engine is on and supplying power to many of the electrical components while driving or idling, several of which are essential for safety. Although this part is designed to last anywhere between several years or up to the vehicle's lifetime (especially when checked as part of routine vehicle maintenance) alternators can go bad due to various causes. When they do begin to fail, there are a variety of bad alternator symptoms your vehicle ...

What is Power Steering and How Does it Work? All of us enjoy a smooth ride. The ease of the steering wheel, the rhythmic hum of the motor. If you’ve ever experienced driving without power steering, you know how crucial it is to an enjoyable trip. The first power steering system was introduced in 1900 by Robert. E Twyford from Pittsburgh, however, it wasn’t until Cadillac released the Chrysler Imperial in 1951 that power steering became an American standard. What is power steering? And how does it work? Let’s cruise into the details of all things pertaining to a ...

Safely Diagnose an Overheated Car Engine If you are having an emergency or suspect serious issues with your vehicle that could lead to a car fire, call 911 immediately. Imagine this: you're driving down the road when you notice your vehicle's temperature gauge climbing. Suddenly, what appears to be smoke begins coming from the engine, emitting a strange smell. You immediately pull over, turn off the engine, and wait. What is happening? How much is this going to cost to repair? Can I keep driving? How far is the nearest auto repair shop? Your car overheating is not something you ...

How Do New Tires Save Gas Mileage? With the ever-increasing cost of gas, it's no wonder drivers are looking for any way they can to save money. Purchasing a more fuel-efficient vehicle is a great start, but achieving the best fuel efficiency of your vehicle depends on a variety of factors, from driving habits to regular maintenance, and even the tires themselves! In this blog, we'll discuss how tires improve fuel efficiency, which fuel-efficient tires to choose, and how to ensure your new tires are properly installed. The Role New Tires Play in Gas Mileage Achieving better fuel economy in ...