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The spare tire is an essential part of your car’s repertoire that keeps it on the road. Tires are where all the weight of a vehicle meets the road. When you figure that vehicles weigh from one to two tons, that means each tire supports from 500 to 1000 lbs. of load which does not include the impact pressures created by the road. Spare tires exist as a reserve for when a tire surrenders to the force created while you drive.

Of the types of spare tires available on the market, two are the most prominent—the full-sized replacement…

It is important to keep the right type of motor oil in your engine to ensure that it runs smoothly. At Piazza Honda of Springfield, we like to keep our customers informed about their vehicle. While you may have heard of motor oil viscosity ratings, you may not understand what they mean, which is why we invite you to read our summary below.

Motor oil bottles will have a number that is followed by a W, which is its viscosity rating. The W lets you know its viscosity in colder temperatures, and the number is its viscosity in hotter temperatures…

A car seat is designed to keep children of a certain height and weight safe when they are riding in a vehicle. However, when a car seat isn't installed properly, it can significantly raise the risk of a child becoming injured in the event of a crash. We want to help you keep your young ones safe when you are driving, which is why we have summarized car seat installation tips below.

Before you install a car seat in your vehicle, be sure to read the instructions in the car seat manual. In addition, if you reference your vehicle…

Some car owners prefer to remove the branded decals on the vehicle's body. For some, it's a matter of aesthetics. For others, it makes the vehicle feel more unique and personable. Regardless of the reason, it is relatively easy to debadge your vehicle in a short amount of time.

Many badges are attached with a simple adhesive. You can loosen the adhesive by pouring hot water into the crevices between the badge and body. Avoid using boiling water for this process. Instead, opt for hot, steamy water that can be transported in a temperature-proof container. It may take…

Fall is here and so is what you need to keep you and your family safe while tailgating during this fun season. Here are some tips to maximize your experience.

Let's face it, tailgating is a lifestyle in certain parts of the United States in the fall. The biggest tip is to arrive well before the game, preferably four hours early so you have enough time to cook food and eat. Make sure that you pack all of the essential the night before, such as utensils, condiments and drinks. Packing other items in advance, such as burgers and other…

One of the best ways to feel safe and secure on the road is to make sure your car is current on maintenance. Back-to-school season is a great time to add car maintenance to your list because it will ensure that your vehicle is safe as it can be while transporting children.

Basic maintenance is checking your fluids and changing them if needed, getting your tires rotated and checking your wiper blades. This is all fairly simple but necessary for optimal reliability. If you have any lights alerting you to a problem on your dash, they should be checked as…

Examining how safe a vehicle is for you and your family is a vital aspect to take into consideration when looking for your next car. There are two rating systems established by the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to aid consumers in judging a vehicle's safety.

There are a number of differences between the two groups. The NHTSA uses a 5-star rating system where 1 star is the worst and 5 is the best and bases its ratings around 3 tests. These tests are designed to determine how a vehicle holds…

If you're looking for a vehicle that is smaller but still has some storage capacity, then you should consider a hatchback for your next vehicle. There are a lot of drivers who don't want a big vehicle, but unfortunately, the storage capacity of a sedan doesn't meet their needs. That's why some people look at hatchbacks as a viable alternative to other types of vehicle.

With hatchbacks, the back seats can be folded down, offering more storage space for camping equipment, sports equipment, groceries, or whatever else you might need to stow away. Hatchbacks have also…

Many people turn to roof racks as a way to add storage space without infringing on the passengers' comfort. When hauling expensive or one-of-a-kind items on your roof rack or in a luggage box on the roof rack, be sure to lock it up. You would not want thieves to help themselves while you're at a rest stop.

It is also important to check the weight limits for both the rack and your vehicle's roof. In most cases, the bars of the roof rack will have a higher weight capacity than the roof of your car or truck…

As the seasons start to change, it is important for drivers to keep up with their car's needs. Back-to-school season means going through a maintenance checklist to make sure that your vehicle is prepared for driving your family where it needs to go.

Drivers who have already performed the necessary maintenance should be sure to keep an eye on their dashboard. Warning lights exist for a reason, and drivers who ignore them will often find more complicated problems later.