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Replacing a flat tire can seem like an intimidating task, but it doesn't have to be if you are prepared for the eventuality of having a flat tire while driving down the road. If you have the correct tools and have practiced changing a tire prior to it actually happening, you can be confident in your ability to change a tire.

To practice, make sure you have the proper items: a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench. Loosen the lugs on the wheel slightly and then use the jack to lift the car. Remove the lug nuts…

If you are like most drivers in the Springfield, PA region, then chances are that you want your brakes in absolute tip-top condition at all times. Your brakes are one of the most important systems on your car, truck, or SUV. The function that they perform is a pretty heavy-duty one, so it is no surprise that they experience some of the heaviest wear and tear over time.

Parts will have to be replaced from time to time, and when that happens, it is helpful to have an understanding of how the system works. When you step on the brake…

To safely jump start another vehicle, you will need to have a pair of work gloves, safety goggles, and a good pair of jumper cables. Once the two cars are nose-to-nose, turn off the car lights, the engine, and open both hoods.

The jumper cables will have two red and black clamps. The first red clamp goes on the positive end of the good car battery. The other red clamp goes on the positive end of the bad battery. 

At Piazza Honda of Springfield, car shoppers sometimes ask us about the difference between front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive transmissions. We are happy to share our knowledge in this brief post.

In a front-wheel drive car, the transmission transfers the engine's power to the front wheels, which then pull the car. This setup puts most of the car's weight over the front tires. As a result, FWD cars produce good traction on rain or snow. In fact, families can find reliable winter transportation in a front-wheel drive car with snow tires.

If you notice it takes longer to start your car in the morning, it might be an indication that extreme weather has finally taken its toll on the car battery.

When the heat becomes unbearable, it is causing havoc inside the car battery too. The chemicals could start to evaporate, and that means that there will be less to ignite the chemical reaction needed to get the car started and power all your devices. Running the headlights, powering the doors and windows, and making certain the charging stations are working will get more challenging.

All cars and trucks require oil to work and function properly. While visiting your local automotive store, you may have noticed oil labeled synthetic next to conventional oil on the shelf. Have you ever wondered what makes synthetic oil different from conventional oil?

Synthetic oil comes from the ground like conventional oil, but that's where what's the same about them ends. Instead of being refined, synthetic oil is distilled. The purifying process for leaves synthetic oil in a state where it can be designed for particular uses. For instance, it can be customized to meet the...

When you're driving a vehicle, an important component is a braking system. One of the parts of this system is brake fluid. This fluid is important to have in the vehicle because it allows the different parts to stay lubricated and moving in a smooth manner so that you can stop the vehicle.

Brake fluid moves through the system lines and delivers force when you depress the brake pad. This force is sent to each of the brake rotors and the wheels. If there are issues with the brake lines, then the fluid can leak out of the vehicle…

While you may have learned the importance of having your oil changed every 3,000 miles, this is no longer the standard for vehicles on the road today. This myth still exists as those who provide oil changes continue to benefit from more frequent oil changes.

So, how often does your vehicle need an oil change?

This all depends on the make and model of your vehicle. At Piazza Honda of Springfield, we suggest reviewing your owner's manual to see how often you should be changing your oil. For most vehicles, changes are necessary only every 7,500 miles…

Almost everyone has been told to change their oil at the 3000 miles mark. For years, it's been go-to for many people. Many people have always changed their oil at this point -- but what no one tells you now is that 3,000 miles are far too soon.

With the many advancements in oil and car technology, newer cars can often go twice as far without needing an oil change. While it is, of course, always best to consult your owner's manual -- or, alternatively, consult with your local dealer. So if the 3,000 miles myth is moot…

If you are going anywhere in your car, you should always do a pre-check. Check your fluids, your tire pressure, and make sure that you have plenty of gas. There is nothing worse than running out of gas or getting a flat tire because you just didn't take the time to do your pre-check before you left. A little bit of maintenance goes a long way.

Before you head out for your trip be sure to bring your vehicle to us here at Piazza Honda of Springfield so that we can get your vehicle tuned up and ready to…