The Red Menace (How to Deal with Rust)
May 7, 2023
Rust. It's worse if you drive in places that use salt on the roads in winter, or if you spend time driving near a body of salt water. But any vehicle has to deal with rust after years on the road. And it's not just that rust can eat away your vehicle's body and fenders. It can be a real probl... More
Rubber Match (Tire Replacement)
April 30, 2023
A set of new tires isn't probably high on anyone's list of exciting purchases. But since your life is literally riding on them, it's probably a good idea to know when it's time for you to buy new ones. If you've been feeling your vehicle slipping more in wet weather or it takes a longer distance... More
The Right Oil for the Season (Engine Oil Viscosity)
April 23, 2023
As the temperatures plunge, certain types of engine oil may not flow as easily as they did when it was warmer. Makes sense, doesn't it? Just like molasses gets thicker as the temperature goes down, engine oil does the same thing. So, maybe you're wondering if you have to change your oil as the s... More
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