Low Power Mystery (Ignition Coil Service)
July 18, 2021
It's no fun when your vehicle just doesn't run the way it used to. You may notice (especially in cold weather) the engine won't start easily or when it does start, it doesn't run smoothly. It may not have much power at all. You also may have had to stop at the gas station more often, a sign you... More
Automotive Tips from Tuffy Charlotte (Tryon St): Serpentine Belt System Wear
July 11, 2021
The primary job of the serpentine belt for Charlotte 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 comp... More
Tuffy Charlotte (Tryon St) Maintenance Tips: The Belt Goes On
July 4, 2021
All Charlotte service advisors know that without the alternator, the battery will go dead in a few miles. The serpentine belt may also run the pumps for both the power steering and power brakes. And on many vehicles, the serpentine belt powers the water pump. The water pump circulates coolant t... More
Cabin Air Filter From Tuffy Charlotte (Tryon St)
June 27, 2021
Here is a questions for Charlotte drivers: What is a cabin air filter?Is it: A filter for a house in the middle of the woods? A fresh, piney scent? A filter for the passenger compartment of your car? Clever you, it's 3.A cabin air filter cleans the outside air before it comes into the passenge... More
A Squirrely Problem (Animals Nesting in Engine)
June 20, 2021
If you park your vehicle outside, you are exposing it to all sorts of critters that would love to use it for nesting, food storage and shelter. There are plenty of pictures online of people who've discovered there was more than an engine under the hood. In one case, the driver of an SUV started... More
Start Me Up (Ignition Systems)
June 13, 2021
When you start up your gasoline engine car, you may not know that it's using the same ignition principles as it has for decades. You have spark plugs that require enough power so a spark can jump across a gap at its tip. Years ago, a vehicle's 12-volt system had to produce 15,000-25,000 volts t... More
Can Your Car Last Another Year?
June 6, 2021
Have you checked out the price of new vehicles at Charlotte car dealers? Ouch! Add financing and insurance and a new ride may not seem so attractive. A lot of Charlotte, North Carolina, folks are hoping to make their cars last a lot longer.Fortunately, with the current state of automotive engine... More
Technician Training at Tuffy Charlotte (Tryon St)
May 30, 2021
Your vehicle is important to you, and keeping it running properly is important to your lifestyle. That's why you're smart enough to have it serviced regularly at Tuffy Charlotte (Tryon St) in Charlotte. And even though it may just be routine maintenance, you want it done right by automotive prof... More
The Sign of the Shield (Heat Shield Repair and Replacement)
May 23, 2021
Even in the months where temperatures are cooler, heat is still an enemy of your vehicle. When your engine runs, it creates heat, so there are numerous heat shields that protect other parts from those higher temperatures. Heat shields are installed around several areas of the exhaust system. Ot... More
Automotive Tips from Tuffy Charlotte (Tryon St): Rotor Problems
May 16, 2021
The brake rotor, or disc, is attached to your wheel. The brake pads rub on the rotor to slow your car when you are driving in Charlotte.Rotors can warp, crack or become misaligned. They can also be damaged by worn out brake pads that scratch grooves into the surface. These conditions result in le... More