Not everyone is a car expert, and you don’t have to be. With so much information online, it’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole of myths and misconceptions about vehicle maintenance. If you’re on the hunt for a local mechanic, Erick’s Custom Exhaust is here to help separate fact from fiction and answer some of the most common questions we hear from drivers.
Are Winter Tires Better Than All-Season Tires Year-Round?
Winter tires and all-season tires are designed for very different driving conditions. The biggest differences are their rubber compounds, tread depth, and tread design.
Winter tires are made with a soft rubber compound that stays flexible when temperatures drop below freezing. They also feature deeper grooves and thousands of tiny slits that provide extra grip by biting into snow and ice.
While they’re an excellent choice for New England winters, these tires wear down much faster on hot summer pavement.
All-season tires, on the other hand, are made with a harder rubber compound that performs well in warmer temperatures. Their shallower tread pattern offers steady traction on both dry and wet roads, but they become less effective in extreme cold and heavy snow.
To figure out which option is best for you, consider climate. If you experience harsher winters in New England, you may prefer winter tires during the colder months. However, if your location experiences mild winters, all-season tires can save you the cost and hassle of seasonal tire swaps. Regardless of which tires you choose, always monitor your tire tread and keep up with regular tire rotations.
Your Tire Pressure Should Not Match the Number on the Sidewall
One of the most common mistakes drivers make is filling their tires to the maximum PSI listed on the tire’s sidewall.
That number is not your recommended tire pressure; it’s simply the maximum amount of pressure the tire can safely hold.
Instead, follow the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, which can usually be found inside the owner’s manual. Keeping your tires properly inflated improves handling, fuel economy, and tire life.
The Check Engine Light Isn’t Always a Disaster
Seeing the check engine light come on can be stressful, but it doesn’t always mean your engine is about to fail.
Sometimes something as simple as a loose or damaged gas cap can trigger the warning light. That said, you should never ignore it. A seemingly minor issue can become a much more expensive repair if left untreated.
If your check engine light comes on, schedule an inspection with a trusted mechanic as soon as possible.
A Scan Code Is Not the Same as a Diagnosis
Many vehicle owners use an OBD-II scanner to read check engine codes before bringing their vehicle to a shop. While these scanners can point you in the right direction, they do not diagnose the actual problem.
For example, a small exhaust leak doesn’t have its own dedicated error code. Instead, it may trigger a catalyst efficiency code, such as P0420 or P0430.
A quick internet search may tell you what the code means, but it won’t identify the root cause. Proper diagnosis requires additional testing by an experienced technician.
Coolant and Windshield Washer Fluid Are Not Interchangeable
Since both fluids are stored under the hood, they’re sometimes confused with one another, but they serve completely different purposes.
Coolant (Antifreeze)
Coolant regulates your engine’s temperature, preventing it from overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. Depending on the formula, it may appear as green, orange, pink, yellow, or blue.
Using the wrong type of coolant can damage your engine. Always check your owner’s manual or the label on the coolant reservoir before topping it off.
Windshield Washer Fluid (Water, Detergents, and Alcohol)
Windshield washer fluid appears as a blue, pink, or orange liquid depending on the formula. The purpose is to prevent the windshield from freezing over and wash away any grime.
Avoid filling the reservoir with plain water. Water doesn’t remove road grime effectively and can lead to mineral buildup, bacterial growth, or freezing in cold weather.
There are also specialty washer fluids available, including winter blends for freezing temperatures and formulas with water-repelling additives or extra cleaning agents for bugs and road debris.
Your Trusted Local Mechanic | Erick’s Custom Exhaust
As your local mechanic located in Manchester, NH, Erick’s Custom Exhaust is proud to provide honest service, accurate diagnostics, and quality repairs you can count on.
As a small business, we believe in personalized customer service, clear communication, and helping you make informed decisions about your vehicle. Whether you need routine maintenance or more extensive repairs, our team is here to keep your car safe, reliable, and on the road.
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