Snake in the Engine (Serpentine Belt)
December 10, 2023
There's a belt that snakes through your engine. It's even named for a snake, the serpentine belt. It'll bite you when it breaks, possibly leaving you stranded. So, it's good to know a little about this snake-like belt. In early engines, there were lots of belts. They were used to convert the r... More
Fuel Injectors
December 3, 2023
The last new American vehicles sold in Columbus with a carburetor rolled out of the Ohio dealerships in 1990. Since then, all new vehicles here in Columbus, and nationally, have had fuel injectors. In very simple terms, a fuel injector is a valve that squirts fuel into your engine. Your engine co... More
A "Mounting" Problem (Motor Mounts)
November 26, 2023
You know how heavy your engine and transmission are, so you can imagine how tough the parts that hold them onto your vehicle's sub-frame must be. Not only must they support the weight, they also have to isolate vibrations and noise from the passenger cabin. Pretty tall order, wouldn't you say? ... More
Helping Columbus Drivers Get the Right Tires
November 19, 2023
Every Columbus vehicle owner has to purchase tires at some time or another, so it's a good idea to understand what the choices are. The best seasonal performance is achieved by purchasing tires to match the season you are driving in. Summer tires are designed for hot temperatures. The tread is e... More
Dashboard's a Funny Name (Instrumental Panel Warning Lights)
November 12, 2023
Every day you drive, you're sitting behind the dashboard. But how in the world did it get that name? Back in the days of the horse-drawn carriage, horses would kick up dirt and mud on the driver and passengers, "dashing" debris against the carriage. So those who built carriages began installing a... More
No Fountain of Youth (Aging Tires)
November 5, 2023
Can you think of anyone who enjoys aging? Wrinkles where you don't want them, gray hair, eyes that won't focus any more, no stamina. Believe it or not, your tires age, too, and they don't get better the older they get. And here's the important thing to know, even if they can still pass a tread... More
Out with the Old (Vehicle Parts that Wear Out)
October 29, 2023
Some drivers don't pay any attention to their vehicles until something breaks. Others take them into their service repair facility for maintenance even before a problem develops. Still, even if you fit into the second group, there are some parts on a vehicle that will simply wear out over time.... More
Something to Latch On To (Hood Latch Safety)
October 22, 2023
The other day, a driver was trying to open his vehicle's hood so he could add some windshield washer fluid. But when he pulled the hood release inside the car, nothing happened. Usually, opening any hood is a 2-step process. You pull the hood release (which is usually a handle under the dashbo... More
Brake Service at Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Columbus in Columbus
October 15, 2023
Brakes really aren't optional equipment for Columbus drivers' vehicles. And taking care of them isn't optional either.A regular brake inspection is on every Ohio driver's vehicle maintenance schedule. At Tuffy Tire & Auto Service Columbus, our team will check your brake system and let you know i... More
Gas Savings in Columbus: Sharpen Your Pencil
October 8, 2023
High gas prices in Columbus increase the cost of living for Ohio drivers. You've probably budgeted a certain amount for vehicle related expenses. Increased fuel costs now consume a larger portion of our incomes, causing some Columbus vehicle owners to skimp in other areas like scheduled mainten... More