The Right Stuff (Choosing Replacement Parts)
December 10, 2023
Let's face it. Vehicles are complicated machines, each having thousands of parts. And since they're subjected to heat, cold, vibrations, bumps and much more, these parts wear out and need to be replaced. When your service advisor says you need a new part, you may have many options. Let's say ... More
Defensive Driving in Pelham, Alabama
December 3, 2023
There was a man in the Pelham area who learned that most car accidents occur within a mile of home so he moved. (Just kidding!)When we think of defensive driving, we often focus on our local Alabama highway situations. The fact of the matter is we need to be just as careful close to home in Pe... More
Slippery When Wet (Driving on Wet Leaves)
November 26, 2023
When the leaves fall, you might take a sightseeing trip to see them at peak color. Or you may simply live in a spot where there are a lot of trees. When those leaves get wet, you'd be surprised to learn just how slippery they can be. We all know ice is slippery to drive on. What causes tires ... More
Clean Air for Your Engine: Engine Air Filters In Pelham
November 19, 2023
Every Pelham car owner who has taken their car in for an oil change has been told that their engine air filter's dirty. Here's what goes into the determination of when to change the filter: First, your vehicle owner's manual will have a recommendation of when the filter should be replaced. So be... More
Automotive Tips from Tuffy Pelham: Air Conditioning Inspection
November 12, 2023
Most auto manufacturers recommend an interval for an air conditioning system inspection. The inspection uncovers leaks, worn hoses and assesses the condition of the other components.Environmental laws in some around Pelham require leaks to be repaired before refrigerant can be added. Also some pa... More
Straight Ahead (Wheel Alignment)
November 5, 2023
If every road was straight and smooth, we wouldn't have to worry much about wheel alignment. But they're not, so we do. Hitting potholes or driving on rough pavement can knock your vehicle out of alignment and you'll notice it in one of several ways. Your steering wheel may not be centered when ... More
Timing Belt Replacement in Pelham
October 29, 2023
Today we want to talk to Pelham drivers about timing belts. They're something that many drivers don't know much about and yet your vehicle won't run if it's broken and it could cause many thousands of dollars damage if it does break. A broken timing belt is usually a tale of woe. Even though ti... More
Maintaining Your Diesel in Pelham
October 22, 2023
Diesel engines have been used extensively in Europe and Asia for many years. They haven't been as common in the Pelham area because of the high sulfur content in our diesel fuel. But the government is now mandating lower sulfur content and, as a result, we are going to see more Pelham diesel-fue... More
Have a Ball! Know your Ball Joints (Ball Joints)
October 15, 2023
We all have joints in our own skeletal system, but did you know your vehicle has some joints of its own? One of the most important is called a ball joint. One of the interesting things is that it's somewhat similar to the ball and socket joints we have in our hips and shoulders. A ball joint all... More
Automotive Tips from Tuffy Pelham: Battery Testing
October 8, 2023
The simple fact is that 70% of car batteries fail within 4 years. They just need to be replaced at Tuffy Pelham when they are no longer able to hold a full charge.Batteries are a big ticket item for most Pelham drivers and its tempting to put off buying a new one as long as possible. But a batter... More