Beginning to See the Light (Check Engine Light Diagnostics)

June 25, 2023

It's a light many drivers fear they'll see turn on at the most inopportune time. It's the one on the dash that says "Check Engine," "Service Engine Soon," or it may be simply an engine-shaped light. Your first instinct may be to pull off to the side of the road and turn off the engine. The truth... More

That Vexing Vapor Venting (Vapor Coming out of Vents)

June 18, 2023

You may have noticed sometimes on a hot and humid day, vapor will come out of your vehicle's vents when you have the air conditioning on. Is that something to be concerned about? Well, it depends. Sometimes that steam or vapor can be caused by water accumulating in the vent system after it has c... More

Cooling System Components

June 11, 2023

Today we want to talk about a system in our vehicles the cooling system. It's one of those things that Pelham auto owners don't give much thought to until it fails and then they're stranded by the side of a road in Alabama.Cooling systems fail more often than any other mechanical system usuall... More

I Can See Clearly Now: Wiper Blade Replacement in Pelham

June 4, 2023

About 90% of our driving decisions in the Pelham area are based solely on what we see. So having a good pair of windshield wipers is extremely important.Most Pelham drivers have experienced the frustration and fear of not being able to see clearly during a storm, or when our vehicle windshield is... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Pelham: Serpentine Belt System Wear

May 28, 2023

The primary job of the serpentine belt for Pelham drivers is to provide important traction to spin the accessories. As the belt wears it loses some of its grip and the accessories may not spin at optimal speeds. For example, if your alternator doesnt spin fast enough, the battery will not complet... More

Automotive Tips from Tuffy Pelham: Serpentine Belt Tensioner

May 21, 2023

The serpentine belt tensioner applies pressure to the serpentine belt, maintaining optimal tension to drive the accessories like the alternator and A/C compressor. At Tuffy Pelham we know that the service life of the belt tensioner is the same as the belt itself, so they should always be replaced... More

When Are Your Tires Worn Out?

May 14, 2023

Hey Pelham area drivers, are your tires worn out? What is the standard for our Alabama streets? How can you tell on your vehicle?While there may be legal requirements for the Pelham area, there are safety concerns that go beyond meeting minimum replacement mandates.Two-thirty-seconds of an inch... More

Heat and your Tires (Tire Pressure Monitoring System)

May 7, 2023

With hotter weather and brutal heat waves becoming more common, the pressure in your vehicle's tires goes up. After all, heat causes air to expand, and the air in your tires follows the laws of physics. Overinflated tires can reduce your vehicle's traction, cause a hard, punishing ride and make ... More

Motor Oil?The Synthetic Advantage (Synthetic oil vs Conventional)

April 30, 2023

Youve probably already heard that regular oil changes are extremely important for the health of your vehicles engine. Thats sound advice. But what you might not know is when it comes to motor oil, the real thing may not be the best thing for your engine. There are different types of motor oil: ... More

Water Pump

April 23, 2023

Your cooling system is very important. It circulates coolant through the radiator and your engine to protect your vehicle from overheating. There are five main components to the cooling system: the radiator the radiator cap the hoses the thermostat the water pump The water pump's like the hear... More