Top 5 Wheel Brands You Need to Know About

Written by Herd on October 10, 2018. Posted in Wheels

Top 5 Wheel Brands You Need to Know About

1. TSW Alloy Wheels

2. Black Rhino Wheels

3. Niche Road Wheels

4. Asanti Wheels 

5. Fuel Off-Road Wheels

With our top recommended wheels in your tool belt, there’s no stopping a coveted wheel upgrade for your vehicle. To schedule an upgrade for your ride, contact our team of experts at Elite Roads.

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How to Select the Right Rims for Your Vehicle

Written by Herd on October 4, 2018. Posted in Wheels

How to Select the Right Rims for Your Vehicle

What are the parts of the wheel?

A car’s wheel refers to the entire rotating disc moving your vehicle. Wheels and rims can be made as one unit or they can be assembled later on as multiple fragments. Parts of the one-unit wheel include spokes, lug holes (to secure the rim) and a rim lip.

What exactly are rims?

A rim is the outer edge of a car wheel that holds the tire firmly in place, so the tire can rotate in conjunction with the rest of the wheel. Rims can be comprised of different designs, widths and materials to optimize your vehicle’s riding experience.

How do you match the rims to tires?

The two most important factors to remember while making your decision are size andmaterial. The size of the rim plays a huge role in enhancing your vehicle’s performance.

Altering the size of your rims can change how your vehicle rides, and the material of the rims can also affect performance. Although in this case, bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. While larger rims tend to look more attractive, they can negatively impact the quality of your ride performance. That being said, we all know that performance is key. For the right size, take proper measurements of your wheel’s diameter and width to find the tire’s aspect ratio. Once you secure your aspect ratio, ask a professional to help you select the right rim for your ride.

With the proper knowledge of everything rim related, your custom rim options are limitless.For a smooth transition from old rims to new rims, a professional auto shop like Elite Roads can install your upgraded rims. To schedule an upgrade for your vehicle, contact our team of experts at Elite Roads.

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Tips for Protecting Your Tires During the Summer

Written by Herd on May 11, 2018. Posted in TIRES

Tips for Protecting Your Tires During the Summer

When people think of vehicle maintenance for the summer, they may think about their cooling system and fluids. However, tires can be adversely affected by the summer and require attention. High summer temperatures can damage your tires and put your safety at risk. Humidity and heat can cause your tires to dry out and may lead to deterioration. Tire pressure may be increased and their sensitivity to damage may also be increased. However, there are proactive steps that you can take to protect your investment this summer, including the following:

Check Tire Pressure Regularly

As the temperatures increase, the pressure in your tires also increases. When your tires are over-inflated, tires may be more likely to blow out or have the tread separate from the tire. However, there are also dangers to under-inflation. Under-inflated tires produce more heat and have lower fuel efficiency. They can also make it more difficult to brake or steer your vehicle. The appropriate tire pressure is usually listed on the door handle, usually on the driver’s side door jamb. It could also be in the glove compartment or indicated in the owner’s manual. Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold for a more accurate reading. A tire in good shape will only lose 1-2 psi per month. If you are losing more than this, you may have a leak or other tire damage.

Wash Your Tires

During the summer months, you should wash your tires regularly. Regular washes and waxes can help prevent your tires from drying out or wearing too quickly. After washing your tires, you may wish to apply a protectant designed to protect against the summer heat.

Know Your Tires

The stamps on your tire can help provide you with important information about your tires. The treadwear, traction and temperature ratings are usually stamped below the composition, size, capabilities and speed rating. They could be on the side of the tire size. The temperature grade will be listed as A, B or C. A is the coolest running and the most resistant to heat.

Check Tread Depth

Check your tire’s tread depth. Most new tires have 11/32 inches of tread. Tires that have less than 2/32 inches need to be replaced. You can determine the depth of your tires’ tread by placing a penny upside-down in a groove of the tread. If Lincoln’s head is visible, you need to replace the tire. You can also rotate your tires every 6,000 miles to increase your tread life and improve the comfort of the drive.

Check Your Spare

It is easy to forget about your spare tire when it is out of sight. However, if you have a blowout or need to unexpectedly change your tire, it is important to have a safe replacement tire that you can use. Check its tread depth and pressure periodically as well.

Check for Damage

Analyze your tires periodically for any damage, punctures or leaks. Look for inconsistencies in your tires, like cracks in the tread or sidewall, bulges or inconsistent wear. If you notice any problems, contact Elite Roads for assistance.

Check Your TPMS Sensor

If your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light comes on, your tire may have a problem, such as low pressure. Some systems alert motorists when the tire temperature gets too high.

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When Do You Need Dyno Tuning?

Written by Herd on April 6, 2018. Posted in DYNO TUNING

When Do You Need Dyno Tuning?

Dyno tuning measures engine output, including horsepower, torque and air fuel mixture. Your technician can adjust the air fuel mixture and timing to preferred settings based on your vehicle type. This type of tuning can occur for different engine loads and conditions. It is a special tune-up that enhances your ride and increases the efficiency and performance of your vehicle.

Main Reasons for Dyno Tuning

Dyno tuning helps to tune your vehicle so that you have a more cost-effective and smoother ride. This procedure also helps with common issues, such as poor gas mileage, surging, pinging, difficulty starting the vehicle or lack of power. If you need performance work done on your vehicle, you may consider getting a dyno tune to have optimum performance of your vehicle. A dyno tune can help resolve many of these problems.

A dyno tune uses the preferred settings that are matched to your vehicle and its equipment to enhance its performance to optimum levels. A dyno tune commonly provides for maximum power, better drivability, good fuel economy and a smoother ride. It increases the horse power of your vehicle and returns the vehicle to stock fuel economy. It also prevents or minimizes backfire.

Dyno tuning can also save you from costly repairs in the future. A dyno tuned engine does not have to work as hard as a vehicle that has not been dyno tuned. Additionally, dyno tuning reduces the wear and tear on the vehicle. The life of your engine is also extended.

Systematic Approach to Engine Tuning

The first step that a technician takes in dyno tuning is to conduct an interview with the vehicle owner. The technician will ask if there are any particular problems to look for, such as a lack of power, gas mileage, difficulty starting or surging.

A technician checks the engine compression for any potential problems and also performs a visual inspection for problems that may be causing the issue, such as burnt wires, a dirty carburetor or a broken vacuum line. The technician then determines the proper heat range for your vehicles based on how you use the vehicle.

The next step is for distributor is removed and placed in a special machine where it is tested thoroughly. This test monitors the distributor under actual operating conditions, providing us with a better idea of its mechanical soundness. After we determine if the distributor is mechanically sound, we modify the centrifugal advance rate and make other adjustments to match the vehicle’s optimum settings, including maximum gas mileage. We inspect the ignition components and replace these as necessary.

Your vehicle is placed on the dynamometer while the engine is running. We use different conditions to test your vehicle, including different speeds and load conditions as we monitor your vehicle’s performance. We also monitor each circuit of your carburetor during this testing. We adjust the circuits to provide for maximum drivability and efficiency.

After dyno tuning, customers receive a detailed test sheet that includes the tune-up specifications. Our qualified technicians can walk you through this report and explain all of the specifications.

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Tire Maintenance Tips for Every Driver

Written by Herd on March 22, 2018. Posted in TIRES

Tire Maintenance Tips for Every Driver

Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Tires lose 1-2 psi per month as part of the natural process. If tires do not have enough pressure, they may not be able to support the weight of the vehicle, which can ultimately result in a tire blow-out and loss of control of the vehicle. Low inflated tires also result in a loss of fuel economy. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that fuel efficiency can be improved by up to three percent. You should check your tire pressure when the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours. The proper tire pressure may be listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, on the driver’s side door edge, on the door post or on the gas tank lid. Also, periodically check the tire pressure in your spare in case you need to rely on it.

Get an Alignment

Your tires may get out of line because of hitting a pot hole or a curb, resulting in your front end getting out of line or damage to your tires. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread-wear and should be corrected by a tire dealer. Have the alignment checked periodically as specified by the vehicle’ owner’s manual or if trouble such as a “pulling” sensation or vibration is experienced.

Rotate Tires Regularly

Tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Front tires often wear much more quickly than the rear tires. Periodically rotating the tires from the front to the back and vice versa can help the vehicle achieve even tread-wear on all of the tires. This can help increase your vehicle’s fuel efficiency and performance. In contrast if you do not rotate your tires regularly, you may have irregular tread-wear patterns that cause vibrations and discomfort while driving.

Check Tire Tread Depth Normally

Balded tires can result in tire blowouts and accidents. Proper tire tread depth can also provide good traction on wet roads and prevent accidents from occurring. You can check the depth of your tire treads by inserting a quarter upside down into the groove of the tire. If you can see above George Washington’s head, it is time to replace your tires. This is equal to about 4/32. Also, check for tread-wear at the bottom of the grooves on your tire. If the tread-wear bars appear flush with the groove, your tire needs to be replaced.

Visually Inspect the Tires Regularly

Another important maintenance technique is to visually inspect tires on a regular basis. Regularly observing your tires can help you identify any potential hazards that could result in an accident. If you hit a pothole, curb or other road debris, your tire may have developed a tear, cut, bulge or other damage that should be tended to immediately to avoid a blow-out.

Balance Your Tires

Tires that are properly balanced minimize uneven wear on your tires and also extend their life. Balanced tires limit vibration of the tire and wheels as they rotate. Tires should be balanced when you notice any vibration in them. Balancing is also necessary when a tire is removed from the wheel.

Avoid Road Debris

Avoid debris on the roadway, especially large pieces of tread that was removed from commercial vehicles. This debris can damage your tires and other parts of your vehicle.

Keep It Light

If you are traveling a long distance, consider packing less than you normally would. Overloading a vehicle can shorten the life of your tires. Every extra 200 pounds reduces your fuel economy by one mile per gallon. Your owner’s manual should contain information about the maximum load your vehicle can handle.

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