Posted on 4/29/2020
One of the most popular DIY upgrades for cars, trucks and SUVs is a new set of wheels. There are a dizzying array of sizes, colors, materials and designs to choose from and just as many tires available to fit them. While it is tempting to go online or to your local showroom, pick out a great looking set of wheels and order them up, the choices you make when buying a new set of wheels can have the unintended effect of changing the way your car handles, steers and holds the road. In fact, choosing the wrong wheels can make your car downright dangerous. The first rule of choosing your new rolling stock is this: wheels and tires should act as a matched set. Buying one without considering the other is a recipe for disaster. If your wheels are too large they may not fit in your wheel wells, causing your tires to rub the body when you are driving down the road. This can be both hazardous and expensive when that interference ruins your tires. You migh ... read more
Posted on 4/7/2016
Are pricey windshield wiper replacements better than cheap ones? Like anything else, prices of windshield wiper replacements vary by size, style, quality, brand, etc. Are there suggested styles and types that can service you better? There are 3 basic types of windshield wipers:1: frame type:this is the most common type and it uses metal framework to support the wiper. This is the most widely used and most affordable style of wiper. 2: winter wiper:this type has a rubber shell around the framework to keep it from collecting ice and snow. This would, of course, hinder the wiper mechanism's flexibility and ability to bend to the shape of your windshield. Some manufacturers of winter wipers claim they utilize special compounds that keep the wiper blades pliable even in the coldest temperatures. 3: beam-style wipers:these are designed in a one-piece that allows the blades to better adhere to the curved shape of the windsh ... read more
Posted on 4/6/2016
Clean, Rub and Buff with a Good Quality Product (part 2)Conditioning leather: choose a water-based, pH neutral conditioner. Don't skimp here! Purchase ahigh-quality leather conditioner that does not contain silicone, petroleum distillates or waxes. The purpose of using a leather conditioner is to replenish the natural oils; choose one with top-quality ingredients. Cheaper leather conditioners may leave have a greasy finish. Perform a spot test!!! (see part 1 from yesterday; do not take a chance ruining your leather or any part of your car!) Always spot check, check with your owner's manual and use less not more and be very cautious with perforated seat covers. Always follow the advice of the cleaning product manufacture and that of your owner's manual. Condition your seats. Apply the conditioner to the seats and again be cautious about stitching (see part 1). Use a dollar store micro-fiber cloth or a sponge to gentl ... read more
Posted on 4/5/2016
Professional tips for do-it-yourselfers! Part I Caution: please spot test all products used on exterior and interior of your car. These days, many products are imported and you may be tempted to use them because of price factors and company claims. However, a spot test (use a spot that is hidden somewhere and not the middle of your hood or truck, the back of seats, somewhere that is not noticeable, please?) prevents ruining your paint job and surfaces.Does you car have perforated areas? Is there stitching in your upholstery? Use great caution about NOT getting water, cleanser or conditioner into the holes left by stitches in your leather, sewing puts holes in whatever is stitched. Always check with your owner's manual for manufacturer's suggestions before you clean or apply any products. Usually, there is specific advice on how to properly care for the leather upholstery, as well as products to avoid. Google your make, model and year along with the w ... read more
Posted on 4/4/2016
Ouch!!! You hit a curb or one of Queens infamous potholes and blew a tire. You get a new tire and get it balanced but something doesn't feel right...a slight shimmy, a vibration or maybe even a more-pronounced wobble. Sounds like there is a good chance you have a damaged the rim. If you've been pricing wheels recently, you know they can be pricy ranging from between $400 and $1000 for a replacement. Come to 106 St Tire & Wheel as we offer a full range of comprehensive wheel and rim repair services and the good news? Most rims are repairable! Here's what we can do to help you: Re-true a warped, cracked or bent wheel with a specialized straightening machine, bringing it back to balance and trueness again quickly Repair the damage that comes from being scuffed along the curb too many times which is commonly know in NYC as curb rash. A ding along the rim from a hard impact isn't really a problem – you'd be amazed to see what kind of dent and ding damage is actually repairable ... read more