• Resetting the Tire Pressure Light on Your Car

    Chances are, you’ve seen your tire pressure light come on if your vehicle has a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). The indicator tells you when to inflate your tires or it could be alerting you to a system fault with a light on the dash. Turning that indicator off could be as easy as adjusting the air pressure in your tires, or a bit more complex. Here are some ways to reset that light and how TPMS works.


    How to Reset Your Tire Pressure Light When It Comes On

    First, you’ll want to check your tire pressure. Don’t forget to check each tire, even your spare. As long as your tires are properly inflated within the specified range for your vehicle, it should reset your tire pressure light.

    If the light remains on after adjusting the tire to the proper PSI, you may need to repair your tire, have your TPMS inspected, or try one of the following:

    • Go for a 10-minute drive. Get up to 50 MPH, if possible.
    • Your vehicle may be equipped with a TPMS reset button or reset procedure in your vehicle control center. Refer to your owner’s manual or consult a professional (highly recommended).

    Important note: Resetting the TPMS with a button or your vehicle control center can cause adverse affects if the pressure isn’t set to vehicle specifications.

    If those options don’t work, the pros at Les Schwab know the reset procedures to get the job done. We have tools to scan each sensor and program them to your vehicle’s computer system. When your tires are properly inflated or repaired, the indicator light should turn off the next time you start your car or truck, or a few miles down the road.


    Why Your Vehicle Has TPMS

    TPMS was mandated to help warn drivers of low tire pressure, which can lead to poor fuel economy, sluggish vehicle handling, premature tire wear, increased stopping distances, or even tire failure. Congress passed the TREAD Act in 2000 requiring all vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds have tire pressure sensors. Since 2005, most new vehicles have included the system. If you see the TPMS sensor illuminate briefly when you start your car or truck, then you have the system in your vehicle.

    While some TPMS use wheel speed sensors linked to your vehicle’s ABS (anti-lock braking system), a majority use small sensors mounted on the inside of each wheel (sometimes including the spare tire). These battery-operated sensors monitor the pressure in the tire and alert you when a tire’s pressure is 25% outside the manufacturer’s recommendation. If you see the tire pressure light on your dash, get to Les Schwab, where we can check the PSI, properly inflate each tire, and check for any other tire or TPMS issues.

    What is the Difference Between a TPMS Light and a Tire Pressure Light?

    The tire pressure light is just one part of the TPMS system. It is an indicator on your dash that lights up when your tire pressure is low. The TPMS light, available in some vehicles, may light up indicating an issue with the system.

    Tire Pressure Light
    TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT
    TPMS System Light
    TPMS SYSTEM LIGHT

    Can Cold Weather Cause Your Tire Pressure Light to Go On?

    Every winter and summer, TPMS sensors in vehicles throughout the West come to life, telling drivers to check their air pressure. This is normal. Especially in cold weather. When the outside temperatures drop, so does your tire pressure. In the summer, the heat can increase the pressure in your tires.

    By regularly checking the pressure in your tires every 30 days, you can avoid these issues. If the light illuminates on an unusually cold morning, don’t worry. It could just be the cold causing the light to come on. To be safe, get the tire pressure checked to avoid any issues. If there has not been a significant change in the weather and your tire pressure light appears, it could mean an air leak or faulty battery in one of your sensors. No matter what causes your TPMS light to turn on, come into any Les Schwab to have it checked out.

    What Does It Mean If the TPMS Light Is Flashing or Illuminates

    There can be many causes for a flashing TPMS light, but the most common reason could be that your system needs to be reset. Or, there could be other issues with a sensor, such as a dead battery, or the TPMS unit itself. The pros at Les Schwab can do a quick diagnostic and pinpoint the issue.


    Les Schwab is Your Tire Pressure Headquarters

    Proper air pressure is one of the most important parts of any tire. Pull into your local Les Schwab and we’ll check your tire pressure, add air when needed, and reset your TPMS light and get you safely back on the road.

  • How to Take Your Car Out of Winter Storage: a Checklist

    Summer will be here soon. Sports car, classic car and hobby car owners, start your engines.

    Actually, before you do, you’ll want to follow some simple steps to bring your summer ride out to play after a long winter.

    Here’s a checklist of what to do — either on your own or at the shop — if you’ve had your vehicle stored.



    Under the Hood

    If you used a battery tender to maintain proper charge during storage, your battery should be ready to go. Check the tender to be sure the battery is fully charged.

    If you’ve had the battery hooked up to a cheaper trickle charger, the output voltage may have gone high enough to cause overcharging. This can result in off-gassing and damage if you have a standard wet-cell lead-acid battery.

    If your vehicle has been sitting for months on end with no recharger at all, your battery may be weak or drained.

    Check the charge with an electronic tester. (Les Schwab Tires does two-part battery inspections free, any time.) If it’s low, you’ll need to get it charged. If it’s dead, and you need it replaced, your onboard computer system may need to be reset.

    Look at the terminals to see if there’s any corrosion from off-gassing/overcharging. You can gently clean any residue off the posts and cable clamps with a solution of water and baking soda and an old toothbrush. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection.

    Make sure there are no cracks or signs of wear on the cables; jiggle them at the terminals to be sure the connections are snug.

    Also look for vermin nests or chewed hoses, belts or cables. Verify air filters are clean. Check the oil dipstick to be sure the level is good enough to last until you can get an oil change. When you get service, have the technician check your spark plugs, cylinders and PCV and fuel filters.

    Check windshield wiper fluid and coolant and add as necessary.


    Tires

    Check your air pressure. If it’s low, top it off with a home air compressor, or get to a tire store or filling station first thing and inflate to the pressure indicated on the driver side door placard.

    Also look at your tread wear and inspect all tires for cracks and bulges. Be sure to look on the sidewalls facing the axles as well as the street side. You may need a flashlight.

    tire with bulge


    Fluids

    While you’re looking at the wheels, check under the car for any sign of fluid leaks. Even if you don’t see any, you’ll want to have the transmission, power steering, and brake fluids checked.

    It’s also time for an oil change. Though your vehicle hasn’t been driven in months, the oil is old and may be contaminated by condensation or acids.

    If you neglected to add fuel stabilizer to your gas tank before storage, fill up with high-octane gas and add some octane booster.


    Brakes & Suspension

    When you’re ready to start up, first make sure your tailpipe is clear. Give your vehicle some time to warm up. Let it run for a bit, until you hear a smooth idle, before putting it into gear. Don’t rev the engine.

    Before you set out, tap the brake pedal to make sure it feels right. Make your first drive leisurely and listen for unusual noises. Watch the dashboard for any warning lights indicating something needs attention.

    You may notice some noise while braking at first. This could be caused by rust that’s accumulated on the surface of the brake rotor or drum. If the noise is constant or recurring, have your brakes and pads inspected. Don’t ignore it. Be sure to have shocks checked as well.

    Then enjoy the summer driving season.


    Learn More

  • How to Tell If Your Shocks or Struts Are Bad

    It’s hard to know when to replace shocks and struts. These hard-to-inspect parts often go bad so slowly that you might not notice the reduced ride comfort and road control. Plus, there’s no set time or mileage when aging shocks or struts are due for replacement. Thankfully, there are ways to know when it might be time to get your shocks and struts checked at Les Schwab.


    What Are Shocks and Struts?

    Every car and truck is suspended by a combination of springs, shocks, and struts. If you look behind any of your four wheels, you’ll see these hard-working parts that move up and down, up to 1,900 times every mile. By the time you put 50,000 miles on your vehicle, your shocks and struts will have done their job 75-million times, working in tandem with your brakes, steering, suspension, tires, and your modern crash-avoidance systems to keep you in control and traveling safely on the road.

    What Do Shocks and Struts Do?

    Shocks and struts in good condition help your car handle bumps, debris, sudden stops, swerving, potholes, wind gusts or sharp turns. They control the side-to-side, front-to-back and up-and-down shifts of the car’s weight to keep your tires in contact with the road and you in control of your vehicle.

    They also:

    • Maintain your tire’s contact with the road.
    • Prevent your tires and wheels from moving up and down too much.
    • Contribute to stability as you accelerate, stop and turn.
    • Add to ride comfort by absorbing jolts and bumpiness from irregular road surfaces.
    • Help control a vehicle’s body movement (side-to-side roll, bouncing).
    • Promote even wear for longer tire life.

    Contrary to popular belief, shocks and struts do not typically support your vehicle’s weight or any loads your truck or vehicle might be carrying. The springs do that job. However, worn-out shocks and struts put more strain on the springs as well as other essential suspension parts. Without the control that a good shock or strut provides, these other parts get overworked, causing fatigue and premature wear.


    Signs Your Shocks or Struts Are Worn

    Properly working shocks and struts add to your safety on the road and help reduce damage to other parts of your vehicle. Look for these signs that indicate it might be time to get your shocks and struts checked and replaced.

    • Unusual tire wear (including cupping). If you spot cupping (as seen in the image below) or other unusual tire wear you may have issues with your shocks or struts, which is throwing off your alignment. This can be especially important to notice if a rotation was performed but abnormal wear is still occurring.

      Tire with cupping.
      Cupping is uneven tire wear that looks like hollowed out areas on the tread.

    • Rubber shock covers that are cracking, peeling or off-center. These covers can be found at the top and bottom of the shocks.

    • Leaking fluid. If you find clear or light brown fluid on the outside of the shocks or struts, it could indicate a broken seal.

    • Ride issues. If your vehicle dives when braking, bottoms out (scrapes loudly) when going over a speed bump, the rear-end squats when accelerating, or your vehicle bounces more than usual after going over a bump, it could be signs of bad shocks or struts.

    • Braking issues. You might notice that your vehicle takes longer to stop than usual.

    • Swaying. This can be especially noticeable after a turn, lane change, or in cross winds.

    • Unusual noises. As the shocks or struts wear, they can fail to do their job. This can cause many different sounds, including knocking and banging.

    See our shock and strut service repair FAQs.


    What Will Happen If I Drive on Worn or Damaged Shocks and Struts

    It’s important to maintain contact with the road, especially when going over bumps or keeping up with highway traffic. Your vehicle’s suspension system, including shocks and/or struts, is great at that job when every part is working properly.

    Over time, those parts will wear out. You might not even notice as it gradually degrades. When they’re not working properly, it can reduce your control and safety. It can also cause added wear to other parts of your vehicle, including your tires.

    Replacing worn parts before they get bad can help keep your vehicle’s electronic systems and suspension working properly, extending your vehicle’s life — and keeping you safer on the road.


    Shocks and Struts Aren’t Just About a Smooth Ride

    Today’s vehicles have highly engineered electronic safety systems (vehicle stability systems, ABS (anti-lock brakes), traction control, collision prevention control and automated braking). These all work together to keep tires in proper contact with the road and provide the most stability.

    When you have an unexpected hard stop or swerve, your vehicle’s crash avoidance systems send instant electronic signals to the brakes and other critical components. If ride control parts like shocks and struts are worn, they might not properly respond. Additionally, stopping distances might increase and brakes and tires could wear more quickly. Plus, there could be added strain on the springs.


    How Long Do They Last (When Should I Replace Them)?

    That all depends on the amount of wear and tear the shocks and struts get, the quality of roads you drive, if you haul heavy loads, and how aggressive you are behind the wheel. That’s why periodic inspections are important.

    Get yours checked annually (or 12,000 miles) with every alignment, tire rotation, if you feel any ride-control issues, or anytime you buy new tires.


    Les Schwab Can Help

    We’re your suspension inspection experts. Our service professionals know what to look for and how to get your car or truck back to its original control and handling. Stop by or schedule an appointment today.

    Schedule an Appointment