Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Don't Neglect Your Car Battery!

You get in your car and turn the key...but nothing happens. It's not a pleasant situation to be in, but unfortunately, this is usually the time when most people think of checking their car batteries. Regular maintenance will keep your battery healthy and you on the road. Bruneel Tire Factory helps Boise car owners stay on the road by offering to check car batteries. While you could check your own car battery, it takes quite a bit of work and elbow grease. The experienced technicians at Bruneel can do it for you, even while you're buying your tires!

A dead car battery can be a pain, especially if you're out in the middle of nowhere. If you don't have a friend who lives near by to give you a jump, you're stuck. Well, you don't have to be stuck if you take the precautions necessary to keep your battery going. It's not necessarily neglect on your part; as stated before, most people assume that if the car starts, then the battery is fine. What they probably don't realize is that the battery loses its charge over time, and much like any other battery, it'll eventually die out.

Regular car battery checks should become part of your normal car maintenance routine. While car batteries can be recharged, if the battery can't hold a charge well anymore, then it's time to buy a new one. Bruneel automotive technicians in Boise can tell you before things go wrong so you won't be stranded at an inopportune time. No one likes being stranded for any reason—whether it is a flat tire or a dead battery. Bruneel Tire Factory can help you avoid both of those situations.

Bruneel Tire Factory offers more than just tires! We have a selection of maintenance-free batteries backed with warranties, and they have the cold cranking power needed to start your car in the harshest conditions. Boise winters aren't necessarily kind, and getting the car started in cold temperatures is a definite plus. It pays to get your battery checked out before the weather turns cold so you'll have the peace of mind every time you get in your car. While you might come to Bruneel for the great tires we sell, don't forget about our car battery service while you're here!

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Your Car’s Air Conditioning System – Don’t Underestimate its Importance

On a hot summer day when traveling in your car, the last thing you want to discover is that your air conditioning is not working properly. Whether it is a trip to the grocery store, the work commute, or a family trip, no time is a good time for the air conditioner to fail. It will always result in misery for the occupants of the vehicle. Regular maintenance will assure that your cooling system is working optimally, and ready for any situation these hot summer months may bring. A professional Bruneel Tire Factory mechanic knows each part of the AC system in your vehicle.


Each piece of your air conditioning system should be examined before the summer season. This system works together, and includes the compressor, compressor clutch, condenser, expansion valve, accumulator, evaporator, blower motor, heater core, and hoses. Just one part failing can cause shut down. Your radiator should be in good working condition also. At the bare minimum, the overall system should be checked for leaks, and recharged. A mechanic can perform a detailed assessment if your system is blowing hot air, or otherwise not working correctly. The exact cause of the failure should be found and corrected.


Drive belts in the system should be in good condition. With a broken belt, the compressor has nothing to rotate it. A compressor clutch that is not turning may be another cause of air conditioner failure. The electric cooling fan should always come on when operating your AC. A blown fuse or wiring issue may be the source of some problems, but little or no refrigerant is most common air conditioning issue. This is usually because of a leak. The system’s ‘O’ rings may need to be tightened, or replaced. Leaks should always be fixed initially before recharging the system.


This is one job that is best left up to the Bruneel Tire Factory professionals. Air conditioning systems contain gas that is under very high pressure. When suddenly released, it can cause injury. The refrigerant that the system uses, Freon, is very harmful to skin and eyes. During the system checkup, the radiator and condenser should be checked for debris or obstructions. Finally, the operating pressures of the system should be checked. The intense heat and humidity of the summer months can be dangerous to younger children and older passengers. They must have air conditioning, or they may get ill. The last thing you want is your summer fun being ruined by AC failure!



Visit a local Bruneel Tire Factory today and have your air conditioning checked today!



Idaho Locations:



Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, McCall, Lewiston and Moscow



Washington Location:

Clarkston

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Save gas with low rolling resistance tires!

Everyone who owns a car should know that tires are a very important part of your vehicle's maintenance. Far too many people will skimp on tires, figuring, "Well, tires are tires, right?" This isn't necessarily the case. That's not to say that breaking the bank is a necessity either. What most people want is a tire that will last and not slip when it's time to make those hard stops. However, did you know that your tire can save you money on gas as well? It's true. In fact, more auto manufacturers are using low-rolling resistance tires as original equipment on their vehicles in order to do just that.

Have you seen low-rolling resistance tires in Boise? You may have but didn't realize it. Rolling resistance is the amount of force it takes to push a tire down the road. A lower resistance means it doesn't take as much force to move the tire. The compounds within the tire make the tire more flexible, and in turn mean that the car uses less energy to move the tire. The end result is a more fuel efficient car, because drivers won't be burning up gas getting those conventional tires to move.


Manufacturers have improved the gripping ability of these tires to make them comparable to conventional tires and have addressed the security issues associated with low-rolling resistance tires. There is a much better balance between the actual rolling resistance and gripping the road. More and more all-season tires are now coming in the low-rolling resistance category, which is a promising sign for tire companies like Michelin and Cooper, who have been working on low-rolling resistance tires with better gripping and stopping ability.


At Bruneel Tire Factory, you can get a set of these new, improved low-rolling resistance tires with better grip power and improved fuel efficiency! During the month of June, when you buy 4 fuel efficient low-rolling resistance tires, you'll get a $50 gift card—on us! No strings attached! Use that money however you like, and consider it our free gift to you for allowing us to be your source for high quality, low-rolling resistance tires in Boise!

Would you like a FREE Oil change?

Anyone who has run out of oil on a lonely country road knows how frustrating and potentially damaging it can be, and in fact missing oil changes when they are due is a common cause of car trouble. Because so many aspects of a vehicle’s engine rely on oil to function properly, not changing your oil can lead to a huge number of different automotive problems. Here, we’ll take a brief look at how you can prevent many car problems by keeping your oil changed regularly, as well as how a regular oil change can save you a significant amount of money

Part of the reason regular oil changes are so important is that some of the most important aspects of a vehicle rely heavily on oil. The engine itself, as well as the transmission (which make up the two most crucial parts of any automobile), need lots of oil to operate, and having an insufficient amount or allowing oil to become too old can cause catastrophic failure in these areas. The reason many people allow this to happen is that they simply do not know when they should get an oil change, especially because different types of oil need to be changed at different times.


The two most common types of oil are natural and synthetic, and each has a few key differences. Synthetic oil tends to last longer and provides slightly better performance, but is significantly more expensive in most cases. Keep in mind that even oils within the same class are different from one another, so carefully reading the description of a product you use and even keeping the packaging so that you can refer back to it (or get the information from the Bruneel mechanic you use) is a good idea. Your mechanic can also help you determine when an oil change will be necessary.

Getting an oil change fairly regularly is one of the best types of preventative maintenance you can do, and even changing your oil slightly before the due date can help prevent a number of car problems. Having your oil changed regularly can keep your car running smoothly and help keep your transmission and engine in good condition. Keep in mind that if you join our Facebook page, you are eligible to win a free oil change. These free oil changes are given out on a monthly basis, so your chances to win reset each month.



For more information please contact us at one of our Bruneel Tire Factory locations in Boise or surrounding areas.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Bruneel Tire Factory is your one stop shop!

Check with us first or check with us last... just check with us!

You know when something’s not right with your car. It might be a funny noise like a creaking sound, or the engine doesn’t have the same noise that you’re used to. Are the tires feeling low? Are you overdue for an oil change? Someone riding with you might not notice, but you will—especially if a warning light comes on. What’s the first thing most people do when that happens? They panic, don’t they? Well, don’t panic! Come to Bruneel Tire Factory and get it taken care of. It’s time to get those funny noises and strange warning lights looked at before a major problem occurs; one that could cost you lots more than a minor one will.


Bruneel Tire Factory is more than just a tire store; it’s a full-service car repair facility, able to handle all kinds of car repair and maintenance needs. Why go to one of those other guys who will end up charging you far more for the same repair? Bruneel Tire Factory can do it right, and Bruneel Tire Factory can do it for a much better value. Consider us your one-stop-shop for automotive services, car repairs and car maintenance. Brakes, air conditioning, tires, front end repair, you name it…Bruneel Tire Factory can do it. Even if you’ve got a major repair that needs attention, come to Bruneel. Our ASE-certified technicians will do a much better job than the guy in the garage down the street. We’re pretty sure that guy doesn’t back his work with a warranty.

Bruneel Tire Factory is a leader in the Boise area when it comes to tires, but if you didn’t know about our other automotive services, then it’s about time you learned. We’ll take care of your whole car, not just your tires. We handle all types of jobs, big and small. It’s important to take care of automotive problems as they arise because what starts out as a minor problem can easily become a major one if neglected for too long. A breakdown is something everyone wants to avoid, but Bruneel Tire Factory can help you get back on the road.

Bruneel Tire Factory is very passionate about earning the trust of each and every customer that walks through our doors. We show it in our value, we show it in our service, and we show it in the warranty we offer on our work. For the best value and the best warranty, trust Bruneel Tire Factory. You already come to us for your tires, now you can also come to us for your other automotive services.

Bruneel Tire Factory locations:

Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell, Moscow, Lewiston and Clarkston Washington

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Importance of flushes

Like anything else in life the key to a long run for your car is continued maintenance. Without proper maintenance there is little hope of maintaining proper health for your vehicle. This should include such regular services as a transmission flush, fuel injection service, radiator flush, power steering flush and brake flush. These services are a great way to keep your vehicle in top running condition. It is vital that you have these services performed on a regular basis to keep your vehicle from developing problems.

When scheduling these maintenance visits be sure to talk to your mechanic about how often you should schedule follow up maintenance visits for your vehicle. If you decide to have them only some items done per visit such as transmission flush and radiator flush one trip you should talk to the mechanic about how far apart you should space them. In addition you will want to be sure that you have scheduled ample time for the maintenance to be completed.

Providing proper maintenance for your vehicle is the only way that you can be sure to keep the vehicle in its best shape possible and head off any potential problems headed your way. It is a great idea to talk with a mechanic about the various ways you can keep your vehicle running well and things to watch for when it comes to maintenance. This is the only way to make sure that you are keeping up on things like fuel injection service and radiator flush. You will regret not keeping up on these basic maintenance services for your vehicle. Taking the steps to protect your vehicle is paramount to saving you time and money.

These services are well worth the price and are to be considered an investment in your vehicle. Managing the damage after it occurs is far more costly than handling it in advance. You can find an excellent price on these services at Bruneel Tire Factory. With the pick three services for $250 you have no excuse not to take preventative measures to keep your vehicle in top shape. This is a great way to get all the services you require without breaking the bank. Taking time to make a call is the fastest way to start your vehicle on a plan for protection. Being proactive is vital to keeping problems at bay and making sure you stay on the road. For more information or to schedule an appointment contact a Bruneel location near you!

Winter Weather Driving – Important Safety Tips

When it comes to winter driving in snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain and other treacherous conditions, it is important to be prepared and use a variety of safety tips to ensure a safe and successful driving experience.

First, get a tune up. Make sure your hoses, belts, wires and pumps are functioning properly before winter weather arrives. Next, check your battery and your coolant levels. Antifreeze is an important component that will protect your vehicle from frigid winter temperatures. Other safety tips for winter driving include checking your windshield wipers and making sure your gas tank is full. Also, make sure your windshield wiper fluid is full and keep an extra gallon in your trunk. Next, if you have a real wheel drive vehicle, put sandbags or a similar weighted item in the back to help increase the traction of the rear wheels in the snow. You may also want to consider adding a block heater to your vehicle. This small engine heater will guarantee that your engine starts quickly on a cold morning and provide instant heat when you start your vehicle.

Other safety tips include making sure your vehicle, windows, mirrors and headlights are clear of snow and ice before hitting the road, which is now a law in most states. Properly functioning defrosters are also a must for winter driving. Get to know your car and how it handles in snow, ice and other winter weather conditions. You may also want to consider investing in snow tires. Regardless of your tire choice, check your tire pressure and make sure it is at an appropriate level. Carry emergency supplies in case you get stranded or stuck in the snow, such as a shovel, sand and a cell phone to call for help.

Next, keep tire chains in your trunk so you have them if you need them, and make sure you know how to put them on correctly. You may also want to consider tire siping as well. Drive slowly and keep plenty of distance between your vehicle and other drivers on the road. When you are ready to purchase a new vehicle, choose one with a variety of safety features that can help you maneuver during winter driving, such as anti lock brakes and vehicle stability control. Finally, the most important safety tip is to master the art of driving in treacherous winter weather. Practice in a large, empty parking lot or other spacious area before hitting the road.