Auto Repair Salt Lake City, Tires Salt Lake City: Trusting Your Auto Repair Shop

Consumer confidence in auto repair shops may be higher than you assume. According to a new survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center (based on 1,699 random, nationwide telephone interviews of adult car owners surveyed from November 3-7, 2011), vehicle owners put a lot of faith in their chosen car repair shops:

·         -83% of those involved in repair decisions saying they are confident they’ll get the right car maintenance and repair work done for the right price;

·         -85% were satisfied with the quality and pricing of their auto repair facility;

·         -91% trust their car repair shop;

·        - Over 50% completely trust their auto repair shop;

The survey also found:

·        - 37% take their cars to independent repair shops;

·       -30% take their car to dealerships;

·         -11% take their cars to national brand repair chains;

Maintenance and Repair:

The survey found that, on average, owners plan to keep their current car for another five years (at a time when the average car in America is 9 years old). The survey showed that 98% of  car owners depend upon proper maintenance and repair to keep their vehicle operating properly:

·         -77% take their car in for regular maintenance and repair;

·         -21% are “do-it-yourself” maintenance and repair car owners

Even with a high level of trust, consumers do their research before bringing the car to the shop, and many wish they had more information available. The survey showed 56% wished they had more information going into the auto repair shop.

That is why we put primary emphasis on informing our customers of the “whys, hows, whats and whens” of your car maintenance and repairs. Hillside Tire is the first tire and auto service business in Salt Lake City to obtain the “Gephardt Approved” designation. Being “Gephardt Approved” means consumer advocate Bill Gephardt has investigated our business, trusts us and is proud to endorse us. In fact, Bill Gephardt has been a customer of Hillside Tire for over the past 5 years. Bill backs his endorsement with his own money by providing “up to $1000 money back” guarantee, if we fail to live up to our promise.

Watch our video, as Jeff explains our commitment to your complete satisfaction with your tire and auto repair needs at Hillside Tire and Service. We want to be the best auto repair shop in Salt Lake City.

We look forward to earning all of your tire, auto repair, and maintenance business for years to come. We have 5 locations throughout the Salt Lake Valley to serve you - Cottonwood Heights, West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy and Draper.

Timing Belt Replacement And Repair: What You Need To Know

There are so many belts in a car engine, it is hard to keep up with them all. One of the most important belts in the engine is the timing belt. This news video on timing belts from 2006 shows how critical replacing a timing belt is to your car's engine operation. Without this belt operating properly, it can throw off the entire operation of the engine. The timing belt's purpose is to turn the camshafts exactly half as fast as the crankshaft.

Earlier cars and trucks had chains instead of a belt. The chain is preferred by many owners because it seldom needs to be replaced. The only problem with the chain is the noise it creates. For this reason, many manufacturers design the belt, and ask you to replace it periodically.

Since your timing belt is hidden within the engine, the labor costs just to “check” it are unreasonable. That is why it is just better to change them regularly, before they break. How often timing belts need to be replaced will depend on the type of engine. Some belts will only turn one camshaft, while others may turn as many as four. The more camshafts the belt has to move, the quicker it will wear out. The standard school of thought is: for vehicles before 1998, replace your timing belts around 90,000 miles (45 seconds into the video, the engine has 93,000 miles, and look at the timing belt damage). For vehicles after 1998, replace the belt is recommended around 105,000 miles.

Many people like to put this off beyond this time period because of the expense involved. This is a mistake, because not replacing the timing belt can lead to several other mechanical nightmares, which will cost far more to repair. Broken timing belts, because they operate the camshaft, can create further damage to engine valves.

Signs of a bad timing belt include a change in the engine's performance. This includes such things as stalls, backfires or running roughly with a lot of vibration. Squealing noises and smoke are two other obvious signs you may be having a problemwith a timing belt in your engine. Let us inspect your car to determine the causes.

Some enginetiming belts operate the water pump as well. Our offer to replace your water pump does not mean we are trying to take you for a lot of money. It is generally a precautionary measure. With the belt off, replacing the pump is very simple, there are no added labor costs. You actually save on the labor, since the water pump has to be removed anyway.. Just ask us what the history is on the water pump in your model car. If the water pump generally does not fail, it is a procedure you can do without.

Replacing the timing belt is one of those precautionary measures to take. Pay a little now, to save a lot later. We will gladly inform you of the specific timing belt replacement for your vehicle.

At Hillside Tire and Service, we are your experts for all makes and models of auto repair in Salt Lake City. Come in to any of our 5 Salt Lake Valley tire stores: Salt Lake City (Cottonwood Heights), West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy or Draper, and get to know us, like Bill Gephardt does,  through our auto repair service specials (see coupons). We also check your Braking System-at no charge! See us also for tires (we have tire discounts from manufacturer factory rebate specials going on right now), alignments, oil changes, inspections, emissions, and complete auto repair services.

Brake Noises: Grinds, Squeals, Groans, Hard Brake, Soft Brake-What Do They Mean?

Your brakes are more than just brake pads-they are your safety system when you drive. Just like making sure you are strapped in on a roller coaster ride, you want to make sure your brakes are functioning properly. The following is a guide to symptoms and possible causes of common brake problems, all of which can be repaired and fixed, to keep you driving safely on the road:

Hard Pedal
Requires extreme pressure to make brake function. Can indicate power brake trouble, restricted hydraulic lines, frozen calipers or wheel cylinders, or damaged brake linings.
Low Pedal
Pedal nearly touches floorboard before brakes function. May activate your brake warning light. Problems may require a simple adjustment, possible air in the brake fluid lines (requiring flush procedure) or leaks in the brake hydraulic system. Needs to be checked.
Pull
Car pulls to one side when brakes are applied. May be an under inflated tire, misadjusted brakes or brakes are in need of repair.
Grabs
"Touchy" brakes that grab with the least pressure. May indicate a problem as simple as grease or oil contaminated lining - or  a loose or broken component in the system
 Squeal
Brakes should operate with a minimal amount of noise. Some noise is normal but excessive squeal, screech, grinding, groaning, chatter, clatter or bang means your brakes need attention.
Vibration
Brake pedal, steering wheel or entire vehicle shakes, vibrates or pulsates when brake is applied. May indicate need to resurface disc brake rotors - or signal a loose component in the steering or , suspension system, or a tire related issue. This needs to be checked.
Drag
Sticking brakes, hot wheels or engine that seems to have lost power. Brakes may be failing to release; the condition can reverse itself, leaving you with no brakes at all.
Brake Light Is On
Emergency brake is on, low brake fluid, a serious drop in hydraulic pressure, or one of the brake sensors is malfunctioning. Your brakes may be need to be checked.

At Hillside Tire and Service, we are your brake experts for all makes and models. Come in to any of our 5 Salt Lake Valley tire stores: Salt Lake City (Cottonwood Heights), West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy or Draper, and we will check your Braking System-at no charge! Get to know us, like Bill Gephardt does,  through our auto repair service specials (see coupons). See us also for tires (we have tire discounts from manufacturer factory rebate specials going on right now), alignments, oil changes, inspections, emissions, and complete auto repair services.

 

5 Tips To Prevent Your Car From Overheating In The Extreme Heat Of Summer

With the dog days of Utah summer upon us, high temperatures can take their toll on people, animals and even cars to overheating. Extreme heat can push a vehicle past its limits, and once again this year some drivers will find themselves stranded at the roadside because of it. Follow these "Engine Overheating Prevention" tips from AAA Motor club, and highlighted in this video from an ABC television station news piece last year, and help prevent surprise engine overheating:
1. Regularly Check Coolant Level (with engine cooled down). This is your first line of defense, and first symptom of potential cooling system failures. Always check engine anti-freeze levels when your engine has cooled down, to avoid hot anti-freeze blowing out of the radiator cap, and possible scalding. (See step 3).
2. Have a Professional Pressure Test Your Radiator and Cooling System. If you notice anti-freeze coolant levels are low, have a professional pressure test and leak test your coolant system. There may be cracks or holes in the radiator, radiator hoses, water pump, or other components (radiator cap, thermostat, coolant sensors, etc.) may be malfunctioning, or not working at all.
3. Never Remove Radiator Cap When Engine Is Hot.
4. Check All Fluid Levels (Yes, battery fluid, engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid). Engine fluids are essential to keeping a vehicle running smoothly. Most fluids not only lubricate, they also serve as coolants by helping carry heat away from critical components. When fluid levels are low, this cooling effect is reduced, and the possibility of overheating increases. Drivers should check all vehicle fluids including motor oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and brake fluid to ensure they are filled to the appropriate levels. If any fluids need to be topped off, be sure to use the type of fluid specified in the owner’s manual.
5. Be Prepared for Summer Breakdowns With Car Emergency Kits
Even with proper preventive maintenance, summer breakdowns can still occur, so AAA recommends every driver have a well-stocked emergency kit in their vehicle. The kit should include:

• Water.
• Non-perishable food items.
• Jumper cables.
• Flashlight with extra batteries.
• Road flares or an emergency beacon.
• Basic hand tools.
• First aid kit.

We can perform a complete Air Conditioning and Coolant System Check up and tune up for your car or truck. We can service and keep your car air conditioning working properly, with a service and performance check ($29.95 special this month), of your auto air conditioning system.


At Hillside Tire and Service, we are your experts for all makes and models of auto repair in Salt Lake City. Come in to any of our 5 Salt Lake Valley tire stores: Salt Lake City (Cottonwood Heights), West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy or Draper, and get to know us, like Bill Gephardt does,  through our auto repair service specials (see coupons). We also check your Braking System-at no charge! See us also for tires (we have tire discounts from manufacturer factory rebate specials going on right now), alignments, oil changes, inspections, emissions, and complete auto repair services.

Goodyear Assurance Tire Improves Gas Mileage

Goodyear's innovative new Assurance Fuel Max tires feature an innovative tread compound that reduces internal friction, producing lower rolling resistance. This video shows how the Fuel Max tire improves gas mileage. and help save consumers gas money by reducing rolling resistance by 27 %, compared to the original Goodyear Assurance tire.

At Hillside Tire and Service, we are an authorized Goodyear and Michelin Tire Dealer, and have established an excellent reputation by providing our customers with the best service and price on automotive tires (we have tire discounts from manufacturer factory rebate specials going on right now).  Come in to any of our 5 Salt Lake Valley tire stores: Salt Lake City (Cottonwood Heights), West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy or Draper. We are also experts for all makes and models of auto repair in Salt Lake City. Get to know us, like Bill Gephardt does,  through our auto repair service specials (see coupons). We also check your Braking System-at no charge! See us for alignments, oil changes, inspections, emissions, and complete auto repair services.

Utah State Safety Inspections: Compliant With Over 90 Pages Of State Procedures

Utah State Safety Inspection stations keep vehicles in compliance with Utah safety standards for cars and trucks. The 2011 Inspection manual has over 90 pages of safety standards for vehicles to meet approval. Jeff, manager at the Hillside Tire in West Jordan, explains a few ways we keep your car or truck safely in compliance with these state safety inspection procedures.

Get a FREE Utah State Safety Inspection, when you purchase an emissions test at any of our Hillside Tire locations. At Hillside Tire and Service, we are your experts for all makes and models of auto repair in Salt Lake City. Come in to any of our 5 Salt Lake Valley tire stores: Salt Lake City (Cottonwood Heights), West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy or Draper, and get to know us, like Bill Gephardt does,  through our auto repair service specials (see coupons). We also check your Braking System-at no charge! See us also for tires (we have tire discounts from manufacturer factory rebate specials going on right now), alignments, oil changes, inspections, emissions, and complete auto repair services.

Emissions Tests, Smog Testing and Safety Inspections At Hillside Tire

Emissions testing in Salt Lake County has specific procedures for specific vehicle model years, to meet approval and pass the emission requirements. Jeff, store manager at Hillside Tire in West Jordan, Utah, explains the Emissions Testing program, and how Hillside Tire provides the emission tests and "On-The-Spot" DMV tag renewals, to save time and money, and get you back on the road.

Come in to any of our 5 Salt Lake Valley locations: Salt Lake City (Cottonwood Heights), West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy or Draper for the required annual inspections to keep your car running safely.

At Hillside Tire and Service, we are your experts for all makes and models of auto repair in Salt Lake City. Come in to any of our 5 Salt Lake Valley tire stores: Salt Lake City (Cottonwood Heights), West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy or Draper, and get to know us, like Bill Gephardt does,  through our auto repair service specials (see coupons). We also check your Braking System-at no charge! See us also for tires (we have tire discounts from manufacturer factory rebate specials going on right now), alignments, oil changes, inspections, emissions, and complete auto repair services.

Another Happy Auto Repair Service Customer Of Hillside Tire Sends In Positive Reviews

Customer comments and observations are always welcomed and encouraged, as we strive to surpass your expectations about automotive tire and auto repair services. The following recommendation and compliments from one of our customers are sincerely appreciated by us, and are motivation to fulfill our mission of being your one trusted place for  all of your car care needs:

"Because my Isuzu Rodeo is different, I have had some difficulty getting service and auto repairs done correctly. I was so happy to talk with one of your technicians. He knew how, among other things, how to check the transmission oil, and also knew what temperature it needed to be. That doesn't always happen. Thank you again for your help today."

At Hillside Tire and Service, we are your experts for all makes and models of auto repair in Salt Lake City. Come in to any of our 5 Salt Lake Valley tire stores: Salt Lake City (Cottonwood Heights), West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy or Draper, and get to know us, like Bill Gephardt does,  through our auto repair service specials (see coupons). We also check your Braking System-at no charge! See us also for tires (we have tire discounts from manufacturer factory rebate specials going on right now), alignments, oil changes, inspections, emissions, and complete auto repair services.

Brake System Fluid and Power Steering Fluid Service Every 30,000 Miles

Brake Fluid and Power Steering Fluid services are recommended every 30,000 miles. Fluid breaks down, and gets contaminated with dirt that can affect seals and valves in your brake cylinders and power steering system.  Fort Union store assistant manager Dan Volpe shows the value of our brake fluid and power steering fluid flush services in this video.

At Hillside Tire and Service, we are your experts for all makes and models of auto repair in Salt Lake City. Come in to any of our 5 Salt Lake Valley tire stores: Salt Lake City (Cottonwood Heights), West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy or Draper, and get to know us, like Bill Gephardt does,  through our auto repair service specials (see coupons). We also check your Braking System-at no charge! See us also for tires (we have tire discounts from manufacturer factory rebate specials going on right now), alignments, oil changes, inspections, emissions, and complete auto repair services.

Auto Air Conditioning Performance Tune Up Check

Is your car air conditioning not working properly? Hot weather outside, and hot weather inside your car too? Stay cool inside your car. Let Hillside Tire and service keep your car air conditioning working properly, with a service and performance check, or repair of your auto air conditioning system.

We can service and keep your car air conditioning working properly, with a service and performance check ($29.95 special this month), of your auto air conditioning system. Tom Babcock, our Cottonwood Heights Store Manager, shows how to keep cool inside your car this summer in this video.

At Hillside Tire and Service, we are your experts for all makes and models of auto repair in Salt Lake City. Come in to any of our 5 Salt Lake Valley tire stores: Salt Lake City (Cottonwood Heights), West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy or Draper, and get to know us, like Bill Gephardt does,  through our auto repair service specials (see coupons). We also check your Braking System-at no charge! See us also for tires (we have tire discounts from manufacturer factory rebate specials going on right now), alignments, oil changes, inspections, emissions, and complete auto repair services.

Google Review Of Hillside Tire In Draper

Our goal to provide auto repair services to please and surpass you expectations was noticed by this customer who submitted this review on Google:

"I limped in off the freeway, with my car stalling on and off, with no obvious reason. My trip back to California was looking like one of those typical "disaster road trips". Thankfully, the manager Scott understood my sad circumstances. He and his mechanic worked past closing today (Saturday), just so I would not be stranded here until Monday. You guys are angels!! A Thousand Thank Yous! (No stalling problem anymore, either!!)"- MKL, Google Review

We appreciate your kind words, as we hope to continue delivering those great experiences to others who need tires or auto repair service in the Salt Lake Valley.

Being a Gephardt Approved Automotive Repair facility means consumer advocate Bill Gephardt will provide you, the customer, with his personal “up to $1000 money back” guarantee, if we fail to live up to our promise.

We are your experts for all makes and models of auto repair in Salt Lake City. Come in to any of our 5 Salt Lake Valley tire stores: Salt Lake City (Cottonwood Heights), West Valley City, West Jordan, Sandy or Draper, and get to know us, like Bill Gephardt does,  through our auto repair service specials (see coupons). We also check your Braking System-at no charge! See us also for tires (we have tire discounts from manufacturer factory rebate specials going on right now), alignments, oil changes, inspections, emissions, and complete auto repair services.