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Category: Auto Care

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Your Car’s Essential Water Pump: Everything You Need to Know

Why Your Vehicle’s Water Pump is Essential and How to Tell if It Needs Repair

Even though the weather is cooling and the winds are dying down, our car’s and truck’s here in Wichita still need it’s water pump to keep it from overheating. Because a vehicle’s water pump plays a critical role in keeping the engine cool, acting as the heart of the cooling system. It continuously circulates coolant through the engine and radiator, regulating temperatures to prevent overheating. And when the water pump is working well, your engine stays at an optimal temperature. However, if the water pump starts to fail, it can lead to serious engine problems, costly repairs, or even engine failure.

In this blog the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros in Wichita review why your vehicle’s water pump is essential and how to tell if it needs repair. 

Tracy’s Automotive | Wichita Radiator | My Car Overheated
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Does Your Radiator Need Replacement? How to Tell

The Importance of Your Vehicle’s Radiator and When It Needs Repair or Replacement

Though it’s the end of October, the temperature is still in the toasty 80s. And as we deal with the heat, so too are our cars and trucks. But, your vehicle has an ally.

Your vehicle’s radiator plays an important role in keeping the engine cool and preventing it from overheating. Because it works by circulating coolant to absorb and dissipate heat. And this ensures the engine runs smoothly and efficiently. However without a functioning radiator, your engine could overheat. And this will lead to costly damage or even a total engine failure. So, in this blog the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros in Wichita take a look at the signs your radiator needs repair and how to know it needs replacement.

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Snow Chains for Your Tires? The Best Answer You Need to Know

Are Snow Chains Necessary for Your Vehicle’s Tires in Wichita, KS?

If you live in Wichita, KS, you may be wondering whether snow chains are necessary for your car or truck’s tires. So, in this blog the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros in Downtown Wichita talk through whether or not snow chains are necessary for your tires this winter. 

If you live in Wichita, KS, you may be wondering whether snow chains are necessary for your car or truck’s tires. So, in this blog the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros in Downtown Wichita talk through whether or not snow chains are necessary for your tires this winter. 

Tracy’s Automotive | Maple Street Steering | Wichita Auto Care
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Power Steering: What You Need to Know if Yours Fails

How Power Steering Works and What to Do if It Fails

Acting as a character in Wichita’s Field of Screams is a lot less stressful than actually experiencing the loss on power steer while on the road. Because pretending you’re in danger, is far funner that actually feeling like you’re in danger. And feeling safe on the road often comes down to navigating it easily; thanks to your power steering system.

Power steering makes turning your vehicle’s steering wheel easier by using a hydraulic or electric system, amplifying the force you apply. So, in a hydraulic system, power steering fluid is pumped to create pressure, which assists in moving the wheels. Whereas, electric power steering uses an electric motor to do the same job, making your steering feel lighter and more responsive. 

Tracys Tire Pros | Air Bags | WIchita KS
Airbag System
Airbag Warning Light Lit While Driving! What to do Next

What to Do if Your Airbag Warning Light Illuminates While You’re Driving

Imagine you’re on your way to the Old Town Farm and Art Market in Wichita when suddenly you see the airbag light light up on your dashboard warning system. So alarmed, you wonder what to do next. Because, seeing your airbag warning light illuminate while driving can be concerning. And for good reason. Because your car’s airbags are an important safety feature, designed to protect you in the event of a collision. So, when that light turns on, it’s a sign that something isn’t right with the system. Therefore, in this blog the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros on West 21st Street take a look at what you need to do if the airbag warning light illuminates while you’re on the road.

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TPMS: What Does it Mean and Why Should You Care

What Does It Mean When Your Auto Mechanic Refers to TPMS?

Sometimes, here in Wichita, mechanics seem to have their own language. For example, if you’ve ever taken your vehicle in for service and heard your mechanic mention the term “TPMS,” you might be wondering what it means and why it’s important. So, TPMS stands for Tire Pressure Monitoring System. And it is a critical feature found in most modern vehicles that helps ensure your tires are properly inflated. So to answer any burning questions you may have, the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros explain everything you need to know about TPMS and why you should pay attention when your mechanic brings it up.

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Tire Inflator Kits: Everything You Need to Know

What is a Tire Inflator Kit, How it Works, and Should You Have One?

Nothing ruins a fun day at Wichita’s pumpkin patch or corn maze faster than being faced with flat tire. But, a flat tire is one of the most common car troubles a driver can face, often happening at the worst possible time. And while spare tires and roadside assistance can be lifesavers, they aren’t always immediately available; that’s where a tire inflator kit comes in. So, in this blog, the experts at Tracy’s Tire Pros and Automotive review what a tire inflator kit is, how it works, and discuss if it’s something you should consider having in your car. 

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A Message to Those Affected by Hurricane Helene

A Message From Tracy’s Tire Pros in Wichita

Hurricane Helene has swept through the southeast, leaving devastation in its wake. And our hearts at Tracy’s Tire Pros go out to all those impacted by this disaster. Because, we know that hurricanes not only affect homes and families. It also disrupt livelihoods, businesses, and the everyday routines that we often take for granted. So, we would like our neighbors to the southeast to know that we stand in solidarity with all who have been affected during this challenging time.

Antifreeze
Your Car’s Antifreeze and Coolant: What’s the Difference?

Understanding the Difference Between Antifreeze and Coolant

We may be enjoying the pumpkin spice advantages of Fall here in Wichita, but as our area’s temperatures near the 80s, we are reminded of summer. So, as we pivot between the heat of summer the approaching freezing temperatures of winter, it’s a good time to review the differences between coolant and antifreeze. Because, when it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s engine, understanding the difference between antifreeze and coolant is crucial.

While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. And knowing what each does and why they are important can help you keep your vehicle running smoothly, especially during extreme weather conditions. So, in this blog, the expert at Tracy’s Tire Pros on West 21st Street in Wichita dive into what sets antifreeze and coolant apart, and why both play an essential role in your vehicle’s performance.