Beware of Potholes! (Avoiding Pothole Damage)
April 18, 2021
You may live in a region where roads become pockmarked with craters known better as potholes. They're caused by moisture seeping through a compromised road surface that can freeze, expand and literally punch holes in the road. And when your vehicle hits one of those holes that's big enough, the... More
Breathe Deep in Bradenton With a New Cabin Air Filter
April 11, 2021
Poor interior air quality is nothing to sneeze at, and Bradenton auto owners might be interested to know that more and more new cars are coming equipped with a cabin air filter. Check your vehicle owner's manual, but they typically need to be replaced at around 12,000 to 15,000 miles (19,000 to ... More
Fall and Spring Checkup in Bradenton
April 4, 2021
When I was a kid, my dad always made sure he took the cars in for Spring and Fall checkups. I was telling a friend that it's about time to get into Tuffy Bradenton for a checkup and he said that he read on the internet that modern cars don't need seasonal service.My friend is (technically) right ... More
Don't Start with That (Bad Starter Motor)
March 28, 2021
We've all heard that expression, "That's a non starter." When it comes to your vehicle, that's not music to a driver's ears. That sickening sound when you start the ignition and instead of hearing the engine crank, you hear it slowly turn over and your dash lights go dim. There can be many reaso... More
Ask Tuffy Bradenton: What Happens When a Serpentine Belt Breaks?
March 21, 2021
The serpentine belt is aptly named since it snakes around under your hood. It may lack its namesake's fangs, but it sure packs a wallop when it breaks.The serpentine belt powers a lot of engine systems. It runs the alternator, which charges the battery; the water pump (on some vehicles), which co... More
Automotive Tips from Tuffy Bradenton: Making Your A/C System Last Longer
March 14, 2021
Bradenton drivers know that if their air conditioning system isnt making cool air like it used to, there is a problem. It may be as simple as adding more of the right kind of refrigerant.Your A/C requires special compressor oil, which circulates through the system along with the refrigerant, to l... More
In a Fog (Fogged Windows in Cold Weather)
March 7, 2021
It's bad enough in cold weather when ice and snow block your visibility. Add to that fog on the inside of your windows and you could be driving blind. So here are a few tips on how to keep your windows from fogging up when there's a chill in the air. You probably know fog is really condensation... More
Don't Be Fuelish
February 28, 2021
If you smell gasoline in your vehicle, pay attention to your nose. That's because it has an important message for you. Newer vehicles should never have a gasoline smell inside. One of the most dangerous conditions can come when your fuel line system has a leak or multiple leaks. Vehicles with fue... More
Your Biggest Fan (Radiator Fan Problems)
February 21, 2021
Your vehicle's engine makes a lot of heat when it's powering you down the road, so it needs a way to get rid of that energy. That's why your vehicle has a cooling system, complete with a radiator and one or two radiator fans, also called cooling fans. Those fans make sure air keeps moving acros... More
The Right Oil for the Season (Engine Oil Viscosity)
February 14, 2021
As the temperatures plunge, certain types of engine oil may not flow as easily as they did when it was warmer. Makes sense, doesn't it? Just like molasses gets thicker as the temperature goes down, engine oil does the same thing. So, maybe you're wondering if you have to change your oil as the s... More