Automotive Tips from Tuffy Chicago (Diversey Pkwy): Rotor Problems
April 16, 2023
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 Chicago.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 less... More
Singing a Different Tune (Up) (Tune Ups)
April 9, 2023
Engines required a lot more maintenance in earlier times. You'd have to have your spark plugs, wires, rotors, caps, distributor points, fuel and air filters changed periodically. There were mechanical adjustments of a vehicle's timing, dwell, spark gap and idle mixture, too. Unless you like to ... More
Tracking True in Illinois: Wheel Alignment in Chicago
April 2, 2023
The biggest issue for Chicago area drivers is always safety. When your vehicle wheels are out of alignment, the vehicle will pull to one side, which could lead to an accident. When you're vehicle is out of alignment, you should have it taken care of right away at Tuffy Chicago (Diversey Pkwy) in... More
Not-So-Smooth Operator (Transmission Signs of Trouble)
March 26, 2023
You are heading down a flat, newly paved street when all of a sudden you feel it. Your vehicle jumps a little bit when you're accelerating and changing gears. You know it's not the surface of the road because it's smooth as silk. So what did you just feel? That kind of jumpingor grinding or sl... More
Chilly Warning (Diagnosing a Noise in Cold Vehicle)
March 19, 2023
When the weather gets colder, sometimes the noises your vehicle makes will change. For example, you may notice a whining sound when you get going in the morning. It may go away when the vehicle warms up, but it's best not to ignore that sound because it could be a warning of worse things to com... More
Light Up your Life (Headlamp Replacement)
March 12, 2023
Did you know that having a burned out headlight can result in your rearview mirror reflecting some flashing lights? In other words, you might get pulled over by the police for only having one working headlight, because in most places it's against the law. Not only is it illegal to drive with one... More
Fuel Saving Tip: Car Weight and Your Illinois Driving
March 5, 2023
Weight is the enemy of fuel economy. Everyone from Chicago knows this makes sense.Some of us in the Chicago area carry a bunch of unnecessary weight, and I'm not talkin' what you see in the mirror.Guys: sports equipment and tools. Ladies: well, just take a look around the passenger compartment an... More
Tuffy Chicago (Diversey Pkwy) Automotive Tips: Alternator
February 26, 2023
Your alternator makes electricity to start and run your engine and all of the vital electrical systems in your vehicle. Thats everything from the on-board computers to the turn signals. And of course there is the entertainment system, seat heaters, power windows and everything you plug into the p... More
Don't Miss a Beat (Importance of Regular Maintenance)
February 19, 2023
In many places, license plates have to be renewed every year or else you can't drive your vehicle legally. Usually, you'll get a reminder from the agency that issues the plates. That kind of regular attention needs to be paid to your vehicle as well. Its manufacturer has determined a schedule o... More
Put the Brakes On! (Brake Caliper Replacement)
February 12, 2023
Keeping your vehicle's brakes in top shape is one of the most important things you can do for your safety and those on the road with you. Most drivers know a little about brake pads and rotors but maybe not so much about another brake component called the calipers. Disc brakes work by a mechanica... More