Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Survey: Americans Go Slower, Choose Greener Goods Like New Fusion EcoBoost

Survey: Americans Go Slower, Choose Greener Goods Like New Fusion EcoBoost with $295 Auto Start-Stop Technology (via PR Newswire)

DEARBORN, Mich., Sept. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --  Recent survey shows 82 percent of Americans are paying more upfront for green products that save money longer term, as many drive slower and take other steps to conserve fuel New 2013 Ford Fusion offers hybrid-based Auto Start-Stop technology that shuts…

Monday, September 24, 2012

Kumho Re-Ups as Jets Sponsor

Kumho Tire U.S.A. has extended its partnership with the National Football League's New York Jets for a second year. As a part of the sponsorship for the 2012-13 season, Kumho is giving Jets fans the chance to win prizes, including the Jet Fuel VIP Fan Experience.

“The New York Jets is one of the most highly recognized NFL teams in the country. Their dedication to excellence is an attribute Kumho Tire takes very seriously and this partnership is a great way for us to showcase our performance tires to loyal Jets fans,” said Rick Brennan, Kumho Tire U.S.A. vice president of marketing.

Kumho’s Jet Fuel VIP Fan Experience package gives fans at the games the chance to win two MetLife Stadium luxury suite tickets, a pre-game on-field tour, two passes to a meet and greet with Jets football legends, a special athletic gift bag for two, Jets merchandise autographed by players, VIP parking pass, plus a free set of four performance tires. Fans also may sign up to win online at www.kumhotireusa.com or at the tiremaker’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/kumhotire), however only those who enter at the Kumho display located outside MetLife Stadium will be eligible to win Kumho tires.

Also as part of the sponsorship, consumers in New York and New Jersey who purchase a set of four select Kumho tires from participating local retailers can receive a $75 rebate through Jan. 13.

Kumho Re-Ups as Jets Sponsor was originally posted at TireReview.com.

Saturday, September 22, 2012

Hankook Earns OE Slot on New Lincoln MKZ


The new Lincoln MKZ midsize sedan will be shod with Hankook Tire’s ultra-high performance Ventus V12 evo in sizes 245/45ZR18 and 245/40ZR19.

The 18-inch size will be used for vehicles built for both the U.S. and export markets, while the 19-inch size will find use on vehicles built for export markets.

“Hankook is truly excited to supply one of the most anticipated cars of 2013, the new Lincoln MKZ,” said Byungil Woo, vice president of Hankook’s global OE division. “The partnership forged with Ford and Lincoln is now into its third decade and growing.”

Hankook already supplies 19- and 20-inch OE tire fitments for the Lincoln MKT three-row crossover. This new agreement marks the first time Hankook has supplied 18- and 19-inch UHP tires to a luxury North American sedan, according to the tiremaker.

“Hankook’s OE business is growing based on the recognition of our tire’s quality and brand value,” said Soo Il Lee, Hankook Tire America Corp. president. “This agreement is a great addition to Hankook’s OE portfolio and we look forward to working in partnership in the future with the world’s leading car manufacturers.”

This article, Hankook Earns OE Slot on New Lincoln MKZ was originally published on TireReview.com.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Transmission Maintenance


Your transmission is what sends power from your engine. To convert the speed of the engine into torque, the transmission uses gears and a clutch. There are generally two types of transmission; automatic and manual. Regardless of which type you use, however, it is important that you engage in routine transmission maintenance to ensure that all components are functioning properly, ensuring a smooth and safe ride for all vehicle passengers.

To replace an entire transmission can be quite costly. Thus, it is extremely important that we do everything that we can to make our transmissions last as long as possible. How long does the average transmission last? It really depends on the quality of the transmission and the amount of maintenance that it undergoes. 

Obviously, higher quality transmissions will last longer than low quality ones. In addition, the more transmission maintenance your vehicle undergoes, the more longevity you can expect it to have. 

If you want to maintain the longevity of your transmission, you will need to monitor your transmission fluid regularly. This fluid plays several roles transferring heat, allowing for smooth transition of gears, and preventing wear. Thus, it is extremely important that you keep your fluids clean and your fluid levels high. You can do this by taking your vehicle in for routine transmission maintenance checks.

In addition to taking your vehicle in for routine checkups, you should also keep your eye open for any signs of transmission problems. Leaking fluids, shakiness, delayed drive or reverse actions, burning smells, harsh shifting, and check engine lights can all be a sign that something may be wrong with your transmission. If you notice any of these issues while driving, take your vehicle in for a checkup as soon as possible.

Because routine checkups are essential in preventing transmission problems, it is recommended that you take your vehicle in for a fluid and filter change every 30, 000 miles. If you drive in severe conditions, this should be increased to every 15, 000 miles. If you are not a mechanic, do not attempt to do this yourself. Just because you can change your own engine oil does not mean you can change your own transmission oil. Transmission maintenance is a much more difficult process that should be left to the professionals.

Once again, the importance of taking your vehicle in for routine maintenance checks should be stressed. The costs of the average maintenance check ranges anywhere from $50 to $100. And while it may seem strange to pay money when nothing is wrong, this small fee is nothing compared to the $1500 (plus labor) that you will have to pay out should something really go wrong with your transmission!

If you are in need of transmission maintenance or repair, head to your local Ramona Tire. With friendly representatives and certified mechanics, Ramona Tire offers the best auto service in Southern California. To find a location near you, visit their website at
http://www.ramonatire.com/index.htm. A knowledgeable representative will be able to answer any questions that you may have, and can also set up an appointment to have your transmission repaired or checked.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Finding and Using a Good Tire Size Calculator

Tire size calculators are a simple and efficient way for you to determine the exact size and dimensions you should be looking for in your purchase of a new set of tires.  So how does one go about finding and using a good tire size calculator?  It’s easier than you would imagine, and using a tire calculator can make your tire shopping a whole lot simpler than you ever dreamed by eliminating any guesswork or uncertainty on your part, as the consumer.

So, let’s get started!  Here are the answers to some basic questions to help you get the most advantage from a good tire size calculator.

Q:  What is a tire size calculator?

A:  A tire size calculator is quite simply what it sounds like; a quick and easy device to help you determine what size tire you need.

Q:  How is a tire size calculator used?

A:  You can use a tire size calculator in a variety of ways, actually, from simply determining the most obvious appropriate replacement tire size for your vehicle, to obtaining recommendations for alternative tire sizes and styles that might also be compatible with your car, truck or SUV.

Q:  Where do you find a good tire size calculator?

A:  The quickest place to get your hands on a good tire size calculator is online.  This is by far the most convenient option for finding and using a good tire size calculator, as well.

Q:  What information – specifically – can I expect to gain from using a tire size calculator?

A:  Beyond the obvious (as in vehicle manufacturer standard recommendations for tire replacement), you can expect a tire calculator to help you obtain specific information regarding not only appropriate tire size, but also potential risks associated with selecting a tire other than the recommended size, should you so choose.   A tire size calculator can help you determine if there will be any risks to your vehicle or changes in performance which might be associated with your new tire selection, such as:
  • RPM’s – a change in tire size can affect your RPM accuracy.
  • Speedometer / Odometer – a change in RPM accuracy can throw off your speedometer, as well as your odometer.
  • Fuel Economy – choosing the wrong size tire can lessen your vehicle’s fuel economy.
  • Wear and Tear – choosing the wrong size tire can have negative long term structural effects on your vehicle, causing premature and unnecessary wear and tear.
  • Manufacturer’s Warranties – in certain cases, the intentional installation of an improper tire size can negate all or a portion of your vehicle warranty.
Finding and using a good tire size calculator can help you eliminate these worries and risks associated with choosing an inappropriate tires size.  You do have options when it comes to selecting a tire, and a tire calculator can spell those options out for you clearly, eliminating the guesswork involved with choosing the right tires for your car, truck or SUV.

Use the Ramona Tire & Automotive Service Centers' tire size calculator ==> HERE!

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

Suspension Service


If you are noticing that your vehicle is not driving as smoothly as it once did, it may be time to take it in for a suspension service. Your suspension plays a vital role in your safety, ensuring that your vehicle’s body stays connected to your wheels. In addition, your suspension also lessens the bouncing movements created by your vehicle in rough driving conditions, making your drive more comfortable, smooth, and controllable. Because your suspension plays such a huge role in the smoothness of your ride (as well as in your safety), it is important that you have it inspected often. 

While your suspension is relatively difficult to damage, it is still important that you take it in for a routine suspension service. As we drive over the road, we hit several bumpy surfaces (even though we may not always realize it). As a result, the suspension can begin to wear over time. It is important that we have our suspension checked regularly to catch any small problems before they become larger issues.

If you drive in extreme weather conditions, if you slam on your brakes often, or if you drive in off-road conditions, you should have your suspension checked even more often. Each of these things require your suspension to work extra hard, often leading it to wear or damage quicker than usual. In addition, if you have been in any type of accident, have your suspension checked immediately – it is always better to be safe than sorry.

How do you know if there is a problem with your suspension? As said previously, the best way to target issues before they become a huge problem is to take your vehicle in for suspension service regularly. 

However, despite your best efforts to avoid problems, there is always a small possibility that they will arise anyways. The best way to determine if you need suspension repair is to monitor the smoothness of your driving. If you notice that your drive is becoming bumpy, or that your steering is becoming difficult to control, you may want to take your vehicle in for inspection. Conditions such as these can be caused by a variety of different factors, the suspension being one of the most common ones.

If you live in the Southern California region and would like to take your vehicle in for a suspension service, head to your local Ramona Tire. Operating for over 35 years, Ramona Tire is one of the most trusted service shops in all of California. To learn more about suspension problems, visit their website at http://www.ramonatire.com/index.htm and search for a location near you. 

Then, give them a call or stop by their service center and explain exactly what issues you are experiencing. If you are not experiencing any issues but would simply like to take your vehicle in for regular suspension service, set up an appointment via phone or in person. The certified mechanics at Ramona Tire will be able to examine your suspension system, report back any issues, and repair any problems that you may be experiencing. And the best part? They will do it right the first time!

Ramona Tire & Automotive Service Centers
2247 South San Jacinto Avenue
San Jacinto CA 92581
951-925-5117

Monday, September 17, 2012

Auto Air Conditioning Repair


It’s the middle of summer, almost 95 degrees. You’re driving with your windows up and you’re air conditioning cranked. Suddenly – uh oh! – your air conditioning dies. NO – COLD – AIR! Sound like an uncomfortable situation? It is! Prevent this from happening to you with auto air conditioning repair.

How does A/C work?

When it comes to your vehicle’s A/C system, you can think of the compressor as its heart and the Freon as its blood. Freon (a type of gas) is circulated throughout the A/C system via the compressor. Passing through several different metals and rubber hoses, the Freon expands and contracts. This is what makes it cold. Quickly making its way into the dashboard of your vehicle, this ‘coldness’ is then sent through your vents with the help of a small fan.

What causes the need for auto air conditioning repair?

There are several different things that can cause your vehicle’s air conditioning component to stop functioning properly. The most common cause of dysfunctional A/C systems is low Freon levels. If this is the case, a certified mechanic will be able to quickly check and restore your Freon levels and pressures. In addition to this, poor A/C performance can also be caused by a lack of air flow across the condenser or overheating. Once again, both of these conditions will require that your vehicle be checked and repaired by a certified mechanic.

How often do I need to go for Auto Air Conditioning Repair?

Air conditioner problems are one of the simplest of all vehicle problems to detect. If you turn on your A/C and it is working great, you probably won’t need to have it repaired for quite some time. If your air conditioning is working, but doesn’t seem to be pumping out as much cold air as it should, you may want to take your vehicle in for inspection. It is best that you catch A/C problems as soon as possible to prevent a complete blowout from occurring on the hottest day of the year! And finally, if you’re A/C is not turning on, you obviously need to have it repaired!

What will be inspected when I take my vehicle in for Auto Air Conditioning Repair?

Because there are so many different components involved in the functioning of your air conditioner, your mechanic will want to check for several different things. Firstly, they will check the compressor drive belt for any cracks or damage. They will also inspect any visible components for leaks. In addition, most mechanics will also check the operation of all A/C components, remove refrigerant from the system, vacuum test it, and recharge the system. 

If your air conditioning unit requires additional repairs, your mechanic will be able to provide you with a detailed estimate letting you know exactly what is wrong and how much it will cost to repair. If you are tired of driving around in the heat, or if you are noticing that your air conditioner isn’t working as it should, take your vehicle in for auto air conditioning repair as soon as possible. If you are in the Southern California region, head to your local Ramona Tire. With the best customer service and pricing in town, the services offered by Ramona Tire are unbeatable!

Auto Air Conditioning Repair in Hemet, CA


Ramona Tire & Automotive Service Centers
2350 W. Menlo Ave
Hemet,CA 92545
951-925-6650