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The tires on your vehicle are exposed to wear and tear on a regular basis. They could have unseen damage that increases your risk for tire blowouts. By inspecting key components, you can ensure that your tires are safe for the road.

One of the easiest things you can check is tire pressure. You can check the tire of each individual wheel and your spare with a simple gauge in a matter of minutes. It's also recommended that you check for physical damage. Pay close attention to the treads on both sides of the tires. If you notice any…

Choosing between rubber and carpet floor mats can be difficult for many drivers. Today we look at the reasons why each is beneficial for drivers.

Choose the rubber all-weather floor mats when there is always a mess inside your vehicle. Maybe you work in construction and drag in dirt each time you drive. Perhaps your pets are always filthy, or the kids when coming home from soccer practice. The rubber mats are great for drivers who live in areas that experience longer than normal periods of inclement weather.

The carpet mats are ideal for the driver who doesn't get…

When warranties are developed, different terms are designed to give motorists financial advantages during maintenance and repair situations. If you need help selecting a warranty that will provide benefits on the road, you can simplify the scouting process by considering your driving habits.

A powertrain warranty is a practical choice for a sporty car that's driven regularly, as it will cover the main engine hardware and transmission components. If you drive a vehicle around Hickory on long roads, this warranty will help you protect all of the key hardware that powers the wheels...

Most vehicles either have the front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, while some also have the option of having all-wheel drive. To know which type to buy, you need to understand your own driving habits and how you will use the vehicle you buy and drive in Hickory.

Rear-wheel drive vehicles have a more solid design, which allows them to take more abuse on bumpy roads and in unusual circumstances. They also provide better balance and handling, except in the snow where it's easy to get stuck. A front-wheel drive vehicle is easier to handle when in snowy conditions.

Your vehicle's headlights need to be bright, clear, and in good condition. It is important to maintain them and inspect them often. It only takes a few minutes and is important for safe driving. Headlights are very strong, but sometimes they can crack, break, or chip. Depending on the vehicle, replacing a headlight can be as simple as lifting the hood and unbolting, or it may be more complicated and involved removing the front bumper.

If the headlamp is in good condition and only needs a new light bulb, the bulb can usually be replaced using common household tools…

Having a bag of sand, salt, or litter in your vehicle can save you one day. If you ever get stuck when driving in the winter, you need traction to get out. Your mats will work somewhat, but they will normally end up slipping out from under your tires and prove to be quite useless. If you sprinkle sand, litter, or salt down, it will stay put and help you to get going.

It doesn't really matter which one you use, but sand is the best bet out of the three options since it will not corrode your car…

There are a number of dashboard warnings that you may see when you are driving. Some simply are there to remind you that your bights are on or that you have your cruise control set.

If you get a warning that says that your engine, transmission, or battery needs attention do not hesitate to bring your vehicle to us here at Hendrick Honda Hickory so that we can fix the issue for you. You don't ever want to put off getting your vehicle checked out if your dash indicates that there is an issue. You can only kick the…

Something you probably suspect is that not all winter windshield wiper blades are created equal. Once you get around to realizing that winter wiper blades offer an advantage, the next challenge is to choose the right brand or type for your vehicle. Manufactures design winter blades to fight off harsh snow, ice, and freezing rain conditions.

The good thing is an effect blade won’t ice up. Manufacturers design them with a protective guard, and the blades are often tested at temperatures of -20 degrees or more. There are advantages to buying a manufacturer’s brand that you can trust…

It’s back to school time, and while we’re all preparing to check off the school supplies lists, why not check a few things off your other lists? Routine maintenance is a great idea when we’re heading into the fall season, because there are certain things that need to get done, or should at least be updated in preparation for the cooler weather. While Hickory tends to stay rather nice the majority of the year, it’s important to be prepared for the worst.

The time has come when winter is just around the corner. While Hickory isn't known for its snow storms, it's always good to be prepared. Fortunately, getting prepared for the snowy season is as easy as taking these great winter car care tips in to consideration:

• Are your vehicle's maintenance needs up to date? Now is a great time to check your owner's manual to ensure that they are.
• Check in on your vehicle's heating system and defrosters. Having these systems checked is a great way to ensure both visibility and passenger comfort.