Taking the Heat (Batteries in Hot Weather)
June 21, 2020
Quick question. Which is tougher on a vehicle's battery, the heat or the cold? Believe it or not, it's the heat. Think about it. The battery often sits in the engine compartment next to that motor generating lots of heat. That can accelerate corrosion in the battery and may even cause water i... More
Another Couple of Years: Making Your Vehicle Last With Help From Tuffy St. Johns
June 14, 2020
A while back, the Cash for Clunkers program was all over the Florida news. St. Johns people could trade in their old vehicle for a new one that got better gas mileage and receive a government rebate. A lot of St. Johns motorists had so-called clunkers that they wanted to keep. They're good com... More
QUIET TIME (Listening for Vehicle Problems)
June 7, 2020
Everybody's got friends like this. You know, the kind who, the minute they get in their vehicle and turn the key, the sound system is deafening. They just love to hear that music, sports, news anything but the sound of the vehicle itself. And maybe you're that person, too. Here's something to ... More
Things Aren't Always What They Seem
May 31, 2020
If you drive, you know at some point, something's going to go wrong with your vehicle. And sometimes, it's pretty easy to figure out what's wrong, like a flat tire. But sometimes your vehicle's symptoms can be really puzzling. One driver in Florida was heading to work on a hot July day and noti... More
An Oil for All Seasons (Engine Oil Selection)
May 24, 2020
You swap your winter boots for flip-flops in the summer. Why not change your winter engine oil for summer, hot-weather oil? While it may seem like it makes sense, there's some good news. Most drivers don't have to, and here's why. Engine oil can be made in different thicknesses. That thicknes... More
Time for a Brake (Brake Pad Replacement)
May 17, 2020
Stop! It's one of those things your vehicle has to do consistently and reliably. That's why brake maintenance is vitally important, worthwhile for you to make sure stays up to date. A brake system has many components. If your vehicle has disc brakes, they have pads that make contact with the rot... More
Unlock the Secret (Malfunctioning Door Lock Actuator)
May 10, 2020
What a convenience power door locks are on a vehicle. The latest don't even require you to push the button on the key fob; all you have to do is have it with you. But sometimes there's a component of power door locks that can fail, especially when they are used several times each day. Those ar... More
The Best Test
May 3, 2020
Would you buy a jacket without even trying it on? Probably not, but it might surprise you that one study shows about half the people buy a vehicle after a short test drive around the block or none at all. If you're in the market for another vehicle, make sure you check out the most important thi... More
Line Them Up: Wheel Alignment Service at Tuffy St. Johns
April 27, 2020
Hello St. Johns ! Let's talk about alignment. One of the most important parts of preventive maintenance for your vehicle is keeping the wheels in alignment. Poor alignment causes your tires to wear unevenly, which can significantly reduce their lifespan. This means you will have to replace them ... More
Idle Talk about Engines (Causes of Rough Engine Idling)
April 19, 2020
When you slow down at stoplight, your vehicle's idle should be smooth as silk. But what happens when the engine is missing or idling roughly? That's your engine's way of telling you, "Hey, I've got something wrong with me and if you don't get someone to find out what it is, I may not start the n... More