Nitrogen vs. Compressed Air: Which One to Use for Your Portland Tires?

An increasing number of car owners are opting to fill up their tires with nitrogen. As an alternative to compressed air, nitrogen tire inflation is gaining popularity across the country not only among high performance car owners, but also among average consumers. Should you follow suit and use nitrogen on your tires the next time you purchase a new set from your trusted Portland tires supplier?

Like all things, nitrogen tire inflation comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Below, we give you a comparison of the areas both nitrogen and compressed air excel in.

Tire Pressure

A steadier pressure inside your tires is arguably the biggest advantage you can get from nitrogen tire inflation. Nitrogen has larger molecules than air that hardly go through the microscopic holes in the rubber of tires. With nitrogen escaping out of your tires at a slower rate than air, you get more constant air pressure in your tires.

Fuel Economy

Constant tire pressure comes with many advantages, the first of which is better fuel economy. Underinflated tires can reduce average fuel consumption by as much as 0.3 percent for every single drop in pounds per square inch (psi). Conversely, nitrogen-filled tires are accompanied by 0.6 to 3 percent improvement in gas mileage.

Tire and Wheel Condition

Nitrogen also allows for lesser wear and tear in both your tires and wheels, and this results in longer lifespan for both. Regular air contains water vapor, which expands and contracts with the change in outside temperature. This causes your tires to underinflate when the weather is cold and overinflate when it’s warm.

Water vapor can also cause rusting in the wheel’s inner portion. It also allows for the retention of moisture inside your tires, which can cause oxidation in the internal tire wall casing. Nitrogen doesn’t contain water, so tire pressure fluctuations and degradation issues are a non-concern.

Cost

Nitrogen tire inflation costs anywhere from $5 to $10, depending on the provider. While there are gas stations that charge a couple of dollars for a pump of air, most just offer them for free.

Practicality vs. Prestige

So there you have it. Hopefully the information here has made it clear which type of inflation is right for you. As you can see, nitrogen does present certain advantages over normal tire inflation. Whether or not these advantages suit you depends on how you use your car. That said, nitrogen is advisable for your car if:

●     You don’t use your car very often and it spends most of its time parked in your garage.

●     You own a handful of cars that you seldom drive at great distances.

●     You have to store your vehicle for a long period of time.

●     You own high performance vehicle/s.

If you use your car in your daily commute, nitrogen doesn’t really have any practical use for you, and you’re better off using traditional compressed air instead. Regardless of your choice of gas though, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly. Once or twice a month is usually enough. For quality tires, purchase yours from trusted Portland tires suppliers, such as McLoughlin Chevy.

About Mcloughlin Chevrolet Automotive Service: As a GM certified automotive service center, Mcloughlin Chevy is Oregon’s go-to resource for the best automotive car services, new or used vehicles, auto parts, and comprehensive information about the latest Chevy car models. Whether you want to purchase a new or pre-owned unit or simply want to experience our world-class auto repair and maintenance approach, you are welcome to stop by and check us out.

"We will meet or beat any advertised competitors prices on tires, so, come visit us, you will be happy you did! "

- Monty Eby (Service Director) -

Source:    

Is Nitrogen Better than Air in Car Tires?, PopularMechanics.com

Car Maintenance Tips—Tires, Oil, Brake, and Other Areas to Inspect

Regular maintenance will help keep your vehicle looking good and in perfect working order. It is an obligation you should assume as soon as you own a car, simply because it is the only way to keep the vehicle safe for driving. You surely don’t want your passengers and yourself to figure in an accident due to a faulty brake or sudden engine failure. A well-maintained car will perform better on the road than one that has never been checked or tuned up.

Apart from preserving your car’s safety and performance, regular maintenance can also help improve your car’s emission. Most vehicles emit harmful fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and automotive fluids into the air and water. During maintenance, you can determine whether or not your car’s emission is still within the safe range, eventually helping to save the environment. It is an even more practical approach since you can avoid costly and repetitive repair in the long run.

The following are the major areas that need to be carefully inspected when maintaining a car:

Oil

If you’re maintaining a Chevy, you’ll see a popup message on your screen saying “Change Engine Oil Soon” as soon as you reach or exceed 600 miles. Do not ignore this message because it can save or prolong your car’s life. Check the oil for impurities; these are most likely produced by the wear and tear that’s been going on in your engine since you started hitting the road. If the oil is already too thick and cloudy, it’s a sign that it’s due for changing. If you’re not sure what to look for and what to do next, let a professional technician inspect it for you. Not only will they assist you with changing the oil, but they will also help you reset the Engine Oil Life System. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2Gvdk9A

Car Problems Only the Auto Service in Portland Can Fix

In this age where DIY solutions are the norm, it seems like everyone wants to fix everything on their own. While learning a new repair technique or skill can come in handy sometimes, knowing when to call in the experts for help is also a smart move. When it comes to car issues with your GM vehicle, it is always a good idea to use a professional GM certified auto service in Portland because professional mechanics are equipped with the right tools and expertise.

Here are some common car issues that you should leave to the experts:

1. Transmission Repair or Maintenance

A car’s transmission has a lot of small, delicate parts, narrow passageways for the hydraulic fluids, and precise tolerances. Trying to dismantle everything to fix the problems yourself can only result in more damage. Transmission repairs are best left at the hands of skilled transmission specialists. Transmission maintenance needs like fluid changes and flushing should be done by a trained mechanic. One wrong move and you can botch the transmission, so let the experts fix the problem.

2. Engine Overheating

Overheating sounds like a fairly common car problem that just about anyone can fix. The truth is, it is very dangerous and expensive to attempt the repairs at home. A mechanic first needs to diagnose the issues correctly and then they can start repairs. Unskilled DIY mechanics don’t have the skills or tools to do so.

3. Replacing Suspension Components

The suspension is made up of different components like the bushings, struts, and arms. These may look easy to replace, but the repair process is actually very complicated and detailed. A lot of things can go wrong in a multitude of different ways. Amateurs might even forget about the amount of force a compressed coil spring holds and put themselves in danger, not to mention the specific order of how the different pieces go back in their proper place, which, only an experienced mechanic knows how to carry out properly.

4. Timing-Belt Replacement

Every GM car owner should know that their car is due for a timing-belt replacement every 60,000 – 100,000 miles of travel. This car maintenance must-do can cost up to $1,000 which makes it even more tempting to do it at home. However, the amount you might think you’re saving can only result in more expenses down the road and even put you at risk of accident. Timing-belt replacement done wrong can heavily damage the engine which can escalate the repair cost up to $3,500. No one wants that.

Trust an GM certified Auto Shop in Portland for Repairs

At first it may seem like you’re saving yourself a lot of money by attempting to do these repairs at home, but it can easily go wrong. Without the proper skills, training, and tools you can do a lot of damage to your car and even put yourself in danger while trying to “fix” the problem.

Instead of trying to get your hands dirty, let the experts at Mcloughlin Chevrolet do the repairs. All car parts used at the Mcloughlin Chevrolet auto repair shop are high-quality and genuine. It is a promise that cars sent for repairs and maintenance come out looking and working like they’re brand new. Here you can always expect timely and professional services. We make sure all customers feel welcome, no matter what their car concerns may be.

"Honesty, Integrity is our No.1 Priority, When it comes to GM vehicles, you can count on us! " - Monty Eby (Service Director – McLoughlin Chevy)

Sources:

Five Car Problems You Shouldn’t Fix Yourself, TheCarConnection.com

Not So DIY: 6 Auto Repairs You Can’t Do Yourself, RCAutoSpecialists.com

How to Find Auto Loans for Bad Credit: A Step By Step Guide

The first car shopping trip is considered a milestone of adulthood. Sadly, many of the average workers today are hesitant to go to a car dealership because of their current credit scores. Although it is true that most lenders, credit unions, and banks only approve loans for people with good credit, that doesn’t mean that auto loans for bad credit are rejected immediately. There are other financing options available that can help you get closer to owning a car.

Here are easy to follow steps that will help you get a car loan, even with bad credit:

Step 1: Determine Your Reasons for Wanting or Needing a Car

Before you start shopping around for a car loan, you need to take a step back and see why you want a car. Is it necessary? Will a car make life easier for you? Is public transportation or carpooling possible? These are all questions that will help clarify your intentions for buying a car. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2uEjuTF

Bad Credit Car Dealerships Making Car Loans Possible for Everyone

A lot of people are struggling with bad credit scores. These scores can put a damper on opportunities and access to life-changing financial assistance like home loans, small business loans, and car loans. Life can be devastating when you carry the weight of bad credit on your shoulders. That however does not mean that all doors are closed.

There is still hope. Working with the right bad credit car dealerships can open new opportunities when it comes to accessing car loans. The work isn’t solely on their shoulders. You also have to take certain measures to increase the chances of loan approval. Here are some tips worth following:

Tip 1: Never Assume the Worst

Before you completely give up, get an actual credit check first. How do you know for sure that your score is bad? It is better to get an official assessment rather than assume you have bad credit without a consultation. Just because you’ve gone over budget a couple of times before doesn’t mean your scores are bad. Get a credit report first before making a conclusion. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2GneVOJ