Auto Repair Wilmington Delaware – Buckley's Auto Care – Oil Changes, Brake Repair, Check Engine Light, Tires, Belts, Hoses, NAPA Auto Care, AAA Approved Repair Center, 19805, 1604 E. Newport Pike 19804, 302.999.8285
auto repair maintenance and car care for wilmington delaware
Nowadays, everyone in Wilmington, Delaware is paying more at the gas pump. For some families in the greater Wilmington area, it adds up to several hundred dollars every month. That’s got to come out of the budget somewhere. Throughout North America, people are putting off buying a new car. They plan on keeping their old vehicle for a year or two longer than before.
Even now, 2/3 of the personal vehicles on our local Wilmington, Delaware roads have over 75,000 miles on them. The average age of vehicles is over nine years. And most people in Wilmington can’t afford to be stranded or inconvenienced by a break down. So following a regular maintenance schedule, like our personal diet and exercise plans, is actually critical to preserving your investment.
Knowing what to do for a higher-mileage vehicle can be challenging because many owners’ manuals don’t publish service intervals after 60,000 miles. It just means that you need to be better at keeping records and planning your preventive maintenance.
You can start by figuring that services with a recommended interval should still be performed on that interval, even after you’re past the tables in your service manual. For example, a service might be recommended every 15,000 miles. Well, just keep doing it every 15,000 miles for as long as you have your car.
Now higher mileage engines operate under more stress. Some experts suggest that the severe service schedule is more appropriate and that routine service should be performed at shorter intervals. Check with your owners’ manual or service advisor at Buckley’s Auto Care to see if the severe service schedule is right for your vehicle.
And keeping up with your full-service oil change schedule is important for a couple of reasons. First, older engines have had more time to build up oil sludge. Skipping an oil change here and there can really compound the problem for your sedan.
The second benefit is that your other fluids are routinely checked and topped off. Power steering fluid, brake fluid, coolant and transmission fluid can be kept at optimal levels even though the older seals and gaskets are leaking more than when they were new.
And speaking of older seals and gaskets: they start to dry-out and become more brittle with age. You may want to consider using high mileage formulation oil and fluids. These products contain special additives to condition seals and gaskets to keep them from leaking. The high mileage formulations cost more than standard products, but they are well worth it in terms of preventing serious repair bills down the road.
Older vehicles in the Wilmington, Delaware area need repairs and replacements that newer ones don’t. Things like timing belts, radiator hoses, suspension work, anti-lock brakes, air bags, water pumps, alternators and batteries. That may seem like a lot of stuff to have done, but it works out to be cheaper than new car payments.
With a high-mileage vehicle, a couple of relationships will become pretty important. The first is with your service advisor at Buckley’s Auto Care. You need someone you trust to take care of your car and be mindful of your needs. Ask for help to develop a plan to keep your vehicle road-worthy that works within your budget, and for the Wilmington, Delaware area driving conditions.
The next relationship is with your vehicle itself. We’re not talking about naming your car or tucking it in at night. We just mean – pay attention and get to know your vehicle. Notice unusual sounds, smells, vibrations, etc. Then you can describe the changes to your service advisor at Buckley’s Auto Care and head off problems. We can’t do anything about the price of gas, but we can properly maintain Old Faithful to keep it safely and economically on the local Wilmington, Delaware roads.
Take a look at the attached automotive tips video from AutoNetTV
Today at Buckley’s Auto Care we want to talk with you about a very important safety issue. This automotive safety warning is coming from a very unusual source: fire fighting experts. You’ve probably heard of E-85 gasoline being offered in the Wilmington area. Some newer vehicle models are specifically built to run on E-85 – the rest are not.
Does your vehicle use E-85 gasoline? Bring it down to Buckley’s Auto Care at 1604 E. Newport Pike in Wilmington, Delaware 19804 to find out, or give us a call to make an appointment by calling 302-999-8285.
E-85 gasoline has been developed to fight air pollution and reduce oil consumption. E-85 fuel is a mix of 85% ethanol, a grain-base alcohol, and 15% gasoline. So-called Flex-Fuel vehicles are designed to use either normal gasoline or E-85 gas. The result is lower harmful exhaust emissions to our local Wilmington community.
All gas engines can run with up to 10% ethanol and in fact a lot of gasoline sold in the Wilmington Delaware area does contain some ethanol. The problem comes when well meaning people without Flex Fuel certified vehicles put E-85 into the tank.
At a 15% concentration, the potential for problems arises. Because of the chemical differences between ethanol and gasoline, special seals and gaskets are needed for Flex Fuel vehicles in Wilmington Delaware. In a normal engine, the ethanol in E-85 gas will eat away important seals and gaskets. This leads to gas and oil leaks.
You can imagine the fire hazard caused by leaking gasoline. Fire fighting experts caution consumers to only use E-85 if they know they vehicle is certified to handle it. They expect vehicle fires to increase because of using the wrong fuel in non-Flex Fuel vehicles.
So are people who don’t have a Flex Fuel vehicle but use E-85 to help the environment actually putting themselves at risk? Yes. In fact, service and repair centers in Wilmington Delaware are being warned to purchase fire extinguishers that use the special foam needed to extinguish ethanol fires as a precaution in case starting-up an ethanol damaged engine leads to a fire.
Obviously, this isn’t something you want to have in your Wilmington Delaware garage at home, either. If you have a Flex-Fuel certified vehicle, feel free to protect the environment by using E-85 gasoline. If not – please do not use E-85 in an engine that’s designed to run on unleaded gasoline only. At Buckley’s Auto Care we are concerned about your safety. If you have questions or want to find out how to determine if your vehicle can safely use E-85, go to www.e85fuel.com for more resources.
Most people in the Wilmington area are aware that automotive manufacturers have recommended service intervals. Following recommended service intervals is very important. The engineers that design our vehicles have tested the various systems and components to meet durability and safety standards. Some of these standards are self-imposed and others, like those for emissions components, are government mandated for the areas around New Castle, Newport and Hockessin in Delaware.
The maintenance schedules are designed to achieve the standards. Think of the benefits of following recommended intervals as falling into three general categories: Protection, Efficiency and Safety.
Protection. Let’s start with motor oil. First of all, the engineers recommend a particular weight and type of motor oil for your sedan. All of their oil change recommendations assume using the proper motor oil. Motor oil contains detergents and other additives that clean the engine and provide corrosion resistance. Over time, the additives are depleted. The oil also becomes contaminated by water, dirt and combustion gases.
Extending your interval beyond the recommendation means that your sedan engine will be operating without the full protection of fresh motor oil. It also means that sludge can form in contaminated oil and clog up passages in the engine, starving parts from needed lubrication.
Efficiency. Some services are designed to keep automotive systems operating efficiently. For example, the fuel system gets clogged up with gum and varnish from the fuel. Fuel doesn’t flow efficiently which reduces fuel economy. A fuel system cleaning restores the fuel system’s efficiency and increases your gas mileage.
Safety. Your brakes are obviously one of the most important safety systems on your sedan. The manufacturer has scheduled brake pad replacement as well as power brake fluid drain and replacement intervals. Because brakes are so important, a brake inspection is also on the schedule to head off problems before they result in an accident.
Check your owner’s manual for recommended service schedules or talk with your Wilmington service advisor at Buckley’s Auto Care by calling 302-999-8285. You’ll find our shop located at 1604 E. Newport Pike in Wilmington, Delaware 19804.
You may be surprised to learn that various inspections may be on your list of factory recommendations for your sedan. These inspections are usually at major intervals like fifteen or thirty thousand miles. They’re designed to uncover important parts that may be close to failing.
Your sedan owner’s manual can tell you when to change your oil, but it can’t tell you that you have a radiator hose that’s bulging and about to burst. For that you need a trained auto technician. These scheduled inspections are in addition to the multi-point inspections done with a full-service oil change.
It’s that time of year that has us rolling up the window, turning the dial to blue and enjoying some nice cold air. Ahhhhh, now that’s what we’re talking about. Your vehicle’s air conditioning system is designed to keep you dry when the temps outside are rising up to the heavens. And remember, today’s air conditioning systems are working almost every time you run the car. That’s why it’s important to have an inspection performed during every summer season.
All the components like the air conditioner compressor, the evaporator, receiver dryer, the condenser, belts and pulleys need to be inspected for wear so that your system performs like it should.
At Buckley’s Auto Care, we’ll make sure that all areas of your vehicle’s air conditioning system are tested and if repairs are needed, they will be done promptly at fair and reasonable prices.
A/C Inspection Starts At $59.95* and includes the following:
Check Fan Belts And Pulley Operations
Test Vent Temperatures inside cabin area
Check Compressor Operations And Pressures
Visually Inspect Condenser Area, A/C Lines and Hoses
* Refrigerant and Recharge Extra
Stop in today for your a/c inspection service. Call us at 302-613-0532 to make your appointment or you can confirm your appointment online by clicking here.
Most of our Newport clients want to save on gas and seek our advice on improving fuel economy. At Buckley’s Auto Care, we are frequently asked, however, just how much money Newport motorists can actually save.
Well the US government has a website dedicated to helping us use less fuel. It presents the cost savings in a way Newport car owners can relate to and is relevant for all vehicles. Let me give you an example: Having your sedan engine properly tuned, can save up to 4%. If you’re paying three-fifty for a gallon of gas, you could save fourteen cents a gallon.
In today’s Buckley’s Auto Care post, we’re going to talk about several things you can do to improve your sedanfuel economy driving around Newport. We’ll tell you the potential savings per gallon of gas at three dollars and fifty cents, and we’ll show a graphic that also shows the savings at three and four dollars.
DOLLARS PER GALLON
$3.00
$3.50
$4.00
TUNE UP 4%
.12
.14
.16
The next item is replacing a clogged engine air filter. Your engine needs enough air to burn fuel efficiently for the best economy. A clean air filter means you get plenty of air. The fact that the air’s clean protects your engine. That can save you up to ten percent or thirty-five cents a gallon.
DOLLARS PER GALLON
$3.OO
$3.50
$4.00
AIR FILTER 10%
.30
.35
.40
Fixing a faulty oxygen sensor can improve economy by up to forty percent. That’s a whopping dollar forty in savings per gallon. Bring your car to Buckley’s Auto Care and we’ll check your oxygen sensor.
DOLLARS PER GALLON
$3.00
$3.50
$4.00
FAULTY O2 SENSOR 40%
1.20
1.40
1.60
Chances are that if your oxygen sensor is kaput your check engine light will come on. Now, there’s any number of things that could cause your check engine light to come on besides oxygen sensor problems. But if it’s on, get it checked out as soon as you can at Buckley’s Auto Care.
Here’s an easy one. Inflate your tires to the recommended pressure. That could save you three percent or eleven cents a gallon. Even a little drop in pressure will cost you at the pump so check your tires every week.
DOLLARS PER GALLON
$3.00
$3.50
$4.00
TIRE INFLATION 3%
.09
.11
.12
Your sedan manufacturer has recommended a specific weight of motor oil. The recommendation is based on engine design and will give you the best protection. Using a heavier weight could cost one to two percent in reduced fuel economy, or up to seven cents a gallon.
DOLLARS PER GALLON
$3.00
$3.50
$4.00
RIGHT GRADE MOTOR OIL 2%
.06
.07
.08
Here’s one that’s free: Take it easy when you drive. Aggressive driving (we’ve all seen this on Newport roads), rocketing away from stop lights, standing on the brakes, punching it for lane changes – really takes a toll on your fuel economy.
Cutting out aggressive driving around Newport can save five percent or eighteen cents a gallon. Now on the highway it gets really costly: thirty three percent or a buck sixteen a gallon. Think about that.
DOLLARS PER GALLON
$3.00
$3.50
$4.00
DRIVE AGRESSIVELY – MIN. 5%
.15
.18
.20
DRIVE AGGRESSIVELY – MAX. 33$
.99
1.16
1.32
A related item is exceeding the speed limit. For example, if the speed limit is sixty miles per hour an additional five miles will cost seven percent or twenty-five cents a gallon. Fifteen miles per hour will cost you upwards of eighty cents a gallon.
DOLLARS PER GALLON
$3.00
$3.50
$4.00
SPEED LIMIT – MIN. 7%
.21
.25
.28
SPEED LIMIT – MAX. 23%
.69
.81
.92
The last thing we’ll talk about is excess weight. Our sedans tend to accumulate a lot of things and the weight adds up. Clear out the trunk and only haul stuff when you really need it. For every one hundred pounds you can save two percent or seven cents a gallon.
Sorry honey, your brother can’t come with. It’d cost an extra thirty cents a gallon.
Ah, vacation time. There’s nothing like a little time off from the daily grind. But there aren’t too many things that can be more aggravating than having your car disagree with you right in the middle of the trip. It kind of puts a damper on things, doesn’t it?
Many times, we witness folks that wait until the very last minute to have car issues addressed. Or worse, they neglect the cracked belts, worn hoses, leaking gaskets, low brake pads and low engine fluids that are currently keeping their vehicle together. They just assume that if they’re okay driving around the town now, then they should be just as good driving 100 or so miles without a problem. Well, we all know what can happen when we “assume” things.
For the 2012 travel season, all experts including the folks at AAA, are predicting that most of us will once again travel by car to reach our destinations. Airfare is expected to double in costs starting in April and for most, these increases will divert more families to use the car as their primary means of travel. Even with the higher fuel prices, travel by car will still be the best economical choice for most.
How To Prepare Your Car For The Travel Season
It’s not difficult to have your vehicle prepared for the upcoming season. A quality inspection of the fluids, brakes, tires and chassis by a professional technician will start the evaluation process and planning for repairs and maintenance that goes from immediate need to a scheduled event. One great way to see for yourself just how healthy your vehicle is, would be to ask for our Vehicle Health Check Service. It’s a complete inspection of all of your vehicle’s fluids, brakes, tires, hose, belts and safety lights and more. Top to bottom, you’ll know more about your car, light truck, mini-van or SUV than ever before. And best of all, every Vehicle Health Check performed at Buckley’s Auto Care comes with a full Oil Change and Tire Rotation at no charge.
Need Service Now?
If your desire is to have a care free vacation, call Buckley’s Auto Care today at 302-999-8285 and ask about our Vehicle Health Check Service. Prices start at $39.95 for most makes and models.
No matter how well they’re made, cars are bound to have problems with their design or manufacturing. When the government thinks a problem is really serious, they require the manufacturer to issue a recall notice to Wilmington residents and to fix the car free of charge. The manufacturer then tries to contact everyone who owns that type of car in Wilmington and elsewhere until the work is done.
If you have questions about vehicle recalls, give us a call: Buckley’s Auto Care 1604 E. Newport Pike Wilmington, Delaware 19804 302-999-8285
These recalls always affect safety, so you need to take them seriously. It’s really easy to find out if a vehicle is being recalled. For links to government sites, look in the AutoNetTV website.
Recalls are pretty serious and don’t happen all that often. But sometimes cars have less serious problems that you still might want to know about. In this case, manufacturers issue what is known as a Technical Service Bulletin – or TSB. These bulletins tell service centers how to repair a problem that occurs frequently or is especially difficult.
The pros receive updated information through subscription plans, which are sometimes available in consumer versions too. You can buy access to these for an annual fee.
Whatever your source, pay attention to vehicle recalls to keep you and your passengers safe.
Whenever we talk about exhaust service, most people normally think about exhaust pipes and mufflers. Well, actually, exhaust service is a lot more comprehensive these days. For example, catalytic converters were mandated in 1976 and on-board emission control computers in 1990. Governmental emissions requirements have forced manufacturers to come up with much more sophisticated ways to comply with environmental regulations.
Exhaust service has really become exhaust and emissions service. High-tech computer controlled emissions devices are now a big part of exhaust service. Because it is so sophisticated, your vehicle manufacturer recommends you have your emission system checked out by a qualified Wilmington exhaust technician regularly to make sure everything is working right – usually every 6 months or 10,000 miles/16,000 kilometers.
If your Check Engine light comes on, especially if it’s flashing, get your car looked at right away. Technicians at Buckley’s Auto Care handle emission problems everyday. You might have exhaust or emissions trouble if your car is difficult to start, runs rough, is noisy or smoking. Call Buckley’s Auto Care at 302-999-8285 to schedule an appointment if you experience these problems.
Let’s review the exhaust system. We will start from the top and start with the exhaust manifold. That is the part that attaches to the engine and collects the exhaust from the cylinders and directs it into the exhaust pipe. Exhaust gaskets help seal the connection with the manifold and various other joints along the way. If the manifold is cracked or loose, or a gasket is leaking, dangerous gases could escape into the passenger compartment, where you ride. Carbon monoxide can be deadly, so it is important that your exhaust system doesn’t leak. The exhaust pipes connect the various components. They can rust or be damaged by a rock, so they need to be inspected periodically.
Next is the catalytic converter. This part looks like a muffler. It changes chemicals that are dangerous to your health and the environment into harmless carbon dioxide and water. It doesn’t require any maintenance itself. But eventually they wear out. You will find this out when your car fails an emissions inspection.
Now the muffler. Its main job is to quiet engine noises. Mufflers work by either absorbing or baffling sound. And you can actually customize your car’s sound with different mufflers – anything from whisper quiet to bad-boy rumbley. Rusted or road-damaged mufflers can leak and need to be replaced right away.
The exhaust system is attached to the car by a series of hangers and clamps. These fasteners hold the system in place. When hangers come loose or break, hot exhaust components can touch and melt wires, hoses and lines.
Finally, we end at the tailpipe. This is the final outlet for the exhaust. These can be plain-Jane or pretty flashy. Also, the oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen content of the exhaust so the engine control computer can adjust the fuel-to-air mix to keep the car running right.
Exhaust and emissions service covers plain old pipes and high-tech computers. It impacts everything from life and death safety due to exhaust leaks, to fine-tuning the sound of your ride.
Looking at getting some new tires? The choices at Newport tire stores can be a little overwhelming. Suppose you have an SUV and are trying to decide between all season tires or some that are also rated for off-highway. Do you get off the payment on the outskirts of Newport more than most? If so, some additional off-road traction would be nice.
Maybe the real reason for wanting those off-highway tires is that they look cool. Well there’s nothing wrong with that. If you make sure that you’ve got your functional needs covered with your selection, then you can have some fun with where you go from there.
Let’s suppose you zip around Newport in a sporty car. You may like to run a high-performance summer tire when the weather’s good. When Delaware weather turns cold, you can put on high-performance winter tires. For the kind of driving you like to do, you want full-on performance tires. All-season tires are naturally a compromise that works well for most Newport drivers, but since you have a choice, go for dedicated summer and winter tires.
When it’s time for new tires, visit with a knowledgeable Buckley’s Auto Care tire professional. Describe your needs and wants. He’ll come up with some selections for you to discuss. And once you settle on a type of tire, there are options for special needs: like pulling a trailer or carrying heavy loads.
Tires are one of the biggest purchases for Newport drivers. With so many choices, you’ll be able to get what’s best for you. Take their time. And don’t worry about what’s in stock. If you want something that isn’t here at Buckley’s Auto Care, manager Greg Buckley can order it. Chances are you’ll be rolling on your new tires in a couple of days.
Ever heard the sad tale of a staggering repair bill from a broken timing belt? Bad news. Let’s take a lesson from their woes and remember to think about our timing belt.
First, let’s review what a timing belt does. The top part of the engine, over the cylinders is called the cylinder head. The head contains the valves. There’s at least one valve that lets the fresh air into the cylinder. This air, mixed with fuel, burns to create power. Then another valve or two open to allow the exhaust out of the engine. Each cylinder has 2 to 4 valves – that’s 12 to 24 valves for a V-6, up to 32 values on a V-8. The opening and closing of the valves is done by a camshaft. The timing belt uses the rotation of the engine to drive the camshaft which opens and close the valves. It’s called a timing belt because it has to be adjusted to rotate the camshaft to keep proper time with the engine so that everything’s in sync.
The timing belt is a toothed rubber belt . But some cars use a timing chain or timing gears instead of a belt. Timing chains and gears are much more durable, but manufacturers are using belts more because they are quieter – and cheaper. If you have a small or mid-sized passenger car, crossover or mini-van, chances are you have a timing belt.
Unfortunately, timing belts fail without any warning. That shuts you down right away. A technician can inspect your timing belt and look for cracks and looseness. But getting to the belt to take a look can be almost as much work as changing it on some cars. That’s why manufacturers recommend replacing the belt from time to time. For most vehicles it’s from 60,000 to 90,000 miles or 95,000 to a 145,000 kilometers. If your owners’ manual doesn’t specify an interval ask your service advisor.
One AutoNetTV producer has had two timing belts fail. The first was while he was waiting at a stop light – that repair cost several thousand dollars. The second was while driving on the highway – that one cost more than twice as much. Both had the cars out in the shop for three weeks. His cars had what we call “interference engines”, meaning that the valves and pistons are very close to each other. If the timing belt slips even one notch, the pistons will slam into the open valves. That’s why our friend’s highway failure was so much more expensive – his engine was traveling so fast that the valves were smashed and they chewed up the cylinder head.
A non-interference engine will just shut down if the timing belt breaks. You’re stranded, but the engine doesn’t suffer permanent damage. In both cases, our hapless friend was just a couple oil changes past the recommended interval for changing the timing belt. This is one of those things that you just cannot put off. Now replacing a timing belt is not cheap – but repairs for a broken belt can be many times as much.
Check your owners’ manual right away – especially if you have more than a 60,000 miles or 95,000 kilometers. You may need to get that belt replaced right away. And on many cars, the timing belt drives the water pump. So, it may be a good idea to replace the water pump while you’re at it because 90% of the work required for the new pump is already done with the belt change. Doing both at the same time saves you a lot of money because as they say, “timing’s everything”. Parts, Timing Belt
When it comes to replacing your tires or even when upgrading, it’s important to understand what each difference in size, ratings and type will do to the handling of your vehicle. It’s also important to have them correctly fitted and positioned on your vehicle for proper safety and road handling. Too many times we see vehicles that have been improperly fitted with tires. Whether they are of an incorrect size, wrong type of tire and tread, or the wrong speed rating, it’s just so depressing to have to explain to the owners that what they just purchased is taking away from an enjoyable, safe and fuel efficient ride. So here are some tire tips that you can use when you’re out looking for tires. Now, hopefully you’ll choose Buckley’s Auto Care, where we have very competitive pricing on all tires and we carry brands such as Michelin, Goodyear, Bridgestone, Kumho, Firestone and more.
So let’s take the tire example of P225/50R16 91S
P = P-Metric – These tires are usually found on passenger cars, minivans, sport utility vehicles and light duty trucks. We started seeing these sizes in the late 70′s and have continued to this day.
T = If a tire size begins with a “T,” it tells you that the tire is a ”Temporary Spare” (“space saver” or “mini spare”) that was designed to be used temporarily only until a flat tire can be repaired or replaced. Usually these tires have limited mileage usage and carry a limited mile per hour speed rating. “Not To Exceed 60MPH” can be found on the sidewall on most of these tires.
LT = If a tire size begins with “LT,” it signifies the tire is a “Light Truck-metric” size that was designed to be used on vehicles that are capable of carrying heavy cargo or towing large trailers. This includes medium and heavy-duty (typically 3/4- and 1-ton load capacity) pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles and full-size vans. Tires branded with the “LT” designation are the “little brothers” of 18-wheel tractor-trailer tires and are designed to provide substantial reserve capacity to accept the additional stresses of carrying heavy cargo.
ST = If a tire size begins with “ST,” it signifies the tire is a “Special Trailer Service” size that was designed to only be used on boat, car or utility trailers. ST-sized tires should never be used on cars, vans or light trucks.
Section Width
Following the letter(s) that identify the type of vehicle and/or type of service for which the tire was designed, the three-digit numeric portion identifies the tire’s “Section Width” (cross section) in millimeters.
P225/50R16 91S
The 225 indicates this tire is 225 millimeters across from the widest point of its outer sidewall to the widest point of its inner sidewall when mounted and measured on a specified width wheel. This measurement is also referred to as the tire’s section width. Because many people think of measurements in inches, the 225mm can be converted to inches by dividing the section width in millimeters by 25.4 (the number of millimeters per inch).
225mm / 25.4 = 8.86″
Sidewall Aspect Ratio
Typically following the three digits identifying the tire’s Section Width in millimeters is a two-digit number that identifies the tire’s profile or aspect ratio.
P225/50R16 91S
The 50 indicates that this tire size’s sidewall height (from rim to tread) is 50% of its section width. The measurement is the tire’s section height, and also referred to as the tire’s series, profile or aspect ratio. The higher the number, the taller the sidewall; the lower the number, the lower the sidewall. We know that this tire size’s section width is 225mm and that its section height is 50% of 225mm. By converting the 225mm to inches (225 / 25.4 = 8.86″) and multiplying it by 50% (.50) we confirm that this tire size results in a tire section height of 4.43″. If this tire were a P225/70R16 size, our calculation would confirm that the size would result in a section height of 6.20″, approximately a 1.8-inch taller sidewall.
Internal Construction
A letter (R in this case) that identifies the tire’s internal construction follows the two digits used to identify the aspect ratio.
P225/50R16, P225/50ZR16
The R in the P225/50R16 91S size identifies that the tire has a Radial construction in which the tire’s body plies “radiate” out from the imaginary center of the wheel. Radial tires are by far the most popular type of tire today representing over 98% of all tires sold.
If the R in the size was replaced with a D (225/50D16), it would identify that the internal tire body plies crisscross on a Diagonal and that the tire has a “bias ply” construction. Tires using this construction are for light truck and spare tire applications.
If the R in the size was replaced with a B (225/50B16), it would identify that the tire body plies not only crisscross the tire on a diagonal as before, but that they are reinforced with belts under the tread area. This type of tire construction is called “Belted.” Tires using this construction are practically extinct.
The European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation (ETRTO) has adopted branding standards that allowed tire manufacturers to identify tires with self-supporting run-flat constructions within the tire size designation. Self-supporting run-flat tires may be identified with the letter F immediately following the traditional letter identifying tire construction (such as the R designating radial) within the size.
This results in size designations such as 225/45RF17 91Y (for self-supporting run-flat tires that have a speed rating identified in their Service Description and 255/40ZRF20 (for Z-speed rated self-supporting run-flat tires in which the speed rating is contained in the tire size).
Since this tire size designation was adopted well after the introduction of self-supporting run-flat tires into the marketplace, self-supporting run-flat tires introduced and produced before it went into effect will not be required to be branded as such.
Speed Rating
Today, the only tires that continue to include the speed rating “in” the tire size (P225/50ZR16) are Z-speed rated tires. In this case, following the two digits used to identify the aspect ratio are the letters ZR to identify the tire’s speed rating (Z) and its internal construction (R). Since 1991, all other speed ratings are identified in the tire’s Service Description (which will be covered shortly).
Tire and Wheel Diameter
P225/50R16 91S
The 16 indicates the tire and wheel diameter designed to be matched together.
Tires that have a rim diameter expressed in inches (P225/50R16, as well as8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26 and 28) are called “inch rim” sizes, are the most common type of tire size and are used on most cars, minivans, vans, sport utility vehicles and light duty light trucks.
While not as common, two additional “unique” types of tire/wheel diameters are still in use today.
Tires and wheels that have a rim diameter expressed in “half” inches (8.00R16.5LT, as well as, 14.5, 15.5, 17.5 and 19.5) are used on some heavy-duty trailers, heavy-duty light trucks and box vans.
Tires and wheels that have a rim diameter expressed in millimeters (190/65R390, as well as, 365 and 415) are called millimetric sizes. Michelin initiated millimetric sizes for their TRX tires that saw limited use on many different car models in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Michelin PAX System run flat tires have been introduced as an integrated wheel/tire system on a very limited basis as Original Equipment (O.E.) in North America. An example PAX System size of 235/710R460A 104T expresses tire and wheel dimensions in millimeters (235 mm Section Width, tire Overall Diameter of 710 mm and a 460A mm rim diameter, with the “A” in 460A signifying these tires feature “asymmetric” beads in which the outside bead (450 mm) and inside bead (470 mm) are actually different diameters.
All of these “unique” tire/wheel diameters were developed specifically because the tire and wheel design or intended vehicle use required them to be different than conventional tires and wheels. All of these tires and wheels feature bead profiles that have a different shape than traditional “inch rim” sizes.
Tires and wheels with unique rim diameters should never be combined with traditional “inch rim” tires and wheels.
It is critical that the tire and wheel diameters are always confirmed to match before the tire is mounted on the wheel.
Service Description
P225/50R16 91S
The 91S represents the tire’s Service Description. A Service Description identifies the tire’s Load Index and Speed Rating. Service Descriptions are required on all speed rated (except for Z-speed rated) tires manufactured since 1991. For more information on Service Descriptions,
A question for our Wilmington Delaware motorists: How long have you been enjoying the romantic glow of your check engine light?
Hey, it’s not there to create ambiance; it’s a warning that something’s wrong. When your check engine light comes on get it checked at a capable Wilmington Delaware service station.
Many conditions that cause the check engine light to come on affect fuel economy. Some very dramatically.
Always make sure you tighten your gas cap until it clicks. A loose gas cap can cause a false sensor reading that’ll make the check engine light come on.
If your date’s eyes are smoldering in the reflected glow of the check engine light, try to think of all the gas money you’ll save by getting it fixed. Give us a call when you are ready: 302-999-8285
There are some things Wilmington consumers should know about Wilmington automotive service and repair. First and foremost, Buckley’s Auto Care cares about you and your family’s safety. And we really appreciate your business. Buckley’s Auto Care in Wilmington wants to build a trusting relationship that becomes the foundation for a mutually beneficial experience for years to come.
Building on that foundation, there are some things that would help you understand the auto service and repair business better. First, it can be really hard to fix cars. The days of shade tree mechanics are long gone. The majority of automotive systems are computerized. It takes a lot of training and very expensive equipment to diagnose and repair modern vehicles. The technicians that work for Buckley’s Auto Care need extensive computer training – not just how to run the diagnostic systems, but also searching for the right parts, networking with other technicians to help them with a difficult problem and pulling together a job order that makes sure that each step of the process is addressed.
The threshold for getting started as a technician gets higher all the time and there is a huge commitment to on-going training every year. This training takes time and money. It contributes to business overhead. The average New Castle or Newport driver may not realize the business and environmental regulations Buckley’s Auto Care must comply with. Of course that costs money too. Like any business, overhead is a big factor.
When you go into a Wilmington restaurant you don’t value the meal by what the food would cost at the grocery store. The restaurant has rent, wages, insurance, taxes, utilities, professional fees, equipment, supplies – you get the picture. The restaurant has to charge enough to not only pay for the ingredients, but for all these other things as well while making enough profit to remain in business. If you value the meal and are satisfied with your dining experience, you’ll come back and tell your friends.
It’s the same for Buckley’s Auto Care. The value of its service is not the cost of the parts they replace, but in your satisfaction with the results. If they deliver a good product at a fair price, Wilmington customers are happy to see them succeed as a Delaware automotive business.
Contact Buckley’s Auto Care to learn more about our extensive auto service training.
You can find us at:
1604 E. Newport Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19804
Or call us at 302-999-8285
Your Wilmington service center loves to see its customers whenever they come in, but they would much rather see them three or four times a year for routine maintenance than once a year on a tow truck. They want to work together with you to avoid breakdowns. Tell your Wilmington area friends and family to go in for their scheduled maintenance too. That lowers the service center’s marketing costs and helps keep its labor rates down. That’s good for everyone.
Buckley’s Auto Care appreciates your patronage and you can read some of our reviews of our automotive service clients from right here – Reviews
This is only one good reason for having all used cars professionally inspected before you make the purchase. So many times we see disasters that could have been avoided if only someone had taken the time to bring it in FIRST.
Now that cars are lasting longer and achieving higher mileage before being traded or sold, the risk of purchasing a vehicle that has a major component problem or has hidden safety problems, are very high. You need to have a third opinion on the overall health and wellness of the vehicle prior to spending your hard earned money. And remember, once you sign, you are under contract and it’s very difficult to remove that responsibility once you put your name on the dotted line.
So, before any used car purchase, please seek out a professional and have the car evaluated the right way. You might spend a little, but you may save yourself a lot.
Buckley’s Auto Care offers a range of professional per-purchase vehicle inspections starting at $49.95. Click our appointment tab and make your appointment today.
So, when are your tires actually worn out? This is a question a lot of us in Wilmington Delaware ask ourselves. For many, the answer is ‘when they no longer pass a safety inspection’. But waiting that long can have a serious impact on your safety.
The U.S. Federal government doesn’t have any laws for tread depth, but 42 of the states, and all of Canada, do have regulations. They consider two-thirty-seconds of an inch to be the minimum legal tread depth. Two other states, including California, consider one-thirty-second to be the minimum and six states have no standards at all. Call us at Buckley’s Auto Care (just call 302-999-8285) to find out what your requirements are in the Wilmington Delaware area.
Since 1968, U.S. law has required that a raised bar be molded across all tires. When tires are worn enough that this bar becomes visible, there’s just 2/32” of tread left. But does that older standard give you enough safety?
Well, Consumer Reports issued a call to consider replacing tires when tread reaches 4/32”. And the recommendation is backed by some very compelling studies. Now before we go into the studies, you need to know that the big issue is braking on wet surfaces.
We tend to think of the brakes doing all the stopping, but you also need to have effective tires to actually stop the car. When it’s wet or snowy in Wilmington Delaware, the tread of the tire is critical to stopping power.
Picture this: you’re driving over a water-covered stretch of road. Your tires actually need to be in contact with the road in order to stop. That means the tire has to channel the water away so the tire is actually contacting the road and not floating on a thin film of water – a condition known as hydroplaning. When there’s not enough tread depth on a tire, it can’t move the water out of the way and you start to hydroplane.
This is where the studies come in. We think you’ll be surprised. A section of a test track was flooded with a thin layer of water. If you laid a dime flat on the track, the water would be deep enough to surround the coin, but not enough to cover it.
A car and a full-sized pick-up truck were brought up to 70 mph and then made a hard stop in the wet test area. Stopping distance and time were measured for three different tire depths. First, they tested new tires. Then tires worn to legal limits. And finally, tires with 4/32” of tread were tested – this is the depth suggested by Consumer Reports
When the car with the legally worn tires had braked for the distance required to stop the car with new tires, it was still going 55 mph. The stopping distance was nearly doubled. That means if you barely have room to stop with new tires, then you would hit the car in front of you at 55 mph with the worn tires.
Now with the partially worn tires – at the depth recommended by Consumer Reports – the car was still going at 45 mph at the point where new tires brought the car to a halt. That’s a big improvement – you can see why Consumer Reports and others are calling for a new standard.
Now without going into all the details, let us tell you that stopping the truck with worn tires needed almost 1/10 of a mile of clear road ahead to come to a safe stop. Obviously this is really a big safety issue.
The tests were conducted with the same vehicles, but with different sets of tires. The brakes were the same, so the only variable, was the tires.
So, how do you know when your tires are at 4/32”? Well, it’s pretty easy. Just insert a quarter into the tread. Put it in upside down. If the tread doesn’t cover George Washington’s hairline, it’s time to replace your tires. With a Canadian quarter, the tread should cover the numbers in the year stamp.
Now you may remember doing that with pennies. But a penny gives you 2/32” of an inch to Abraham Lincoln’s head. The quarter is the new standard – 4/32”.
Tires are a big ticket item and most people in Wilmington Delaware want to get the most wear out of them that they can. But do you want that much more risk just to run your tires until they are legally worn out? For us, and we would guess for many, the answer is “no”.
Well, Mr. Washington, let’s go out and look at my tires.
Buckley’s Auto Care 1604 E. Newport Pike Wilmington, Delaware 19804 302-999-8285
Buckley's Auto Care
1604 E. Newport Pike
Wilmington, Delaware 19804
(302) 613-0532 Convenient Service Hours!
Monday - Friday 7AM - 6PM
WE FIX EVERYTHING!
Computerized Engine Controls
Drive Train Systems
Emissions Control Systems
Engine Overhaul
Fuel Injectors
Fuel Systems
Brake Systems
Charging Systems
Air Conditioning
Battery Service
Bearings & Seals
Belts & Hoses
Fuel Injection Systems
Gasket Installation
Lighting System
Engine & Transmission Mounts
Oil Change & Lube
Suspension System
State Inspection
Tire Balance Tire Rotation
Transmission Repair
Computerized Engine Tune Up
Wheel Alignment
Enjoy the service, the customer service is great, they make sure you do not overpaid for things that is not needed. I had a diagnostic testing to be done because they hit a major problem they called to asked if i wanted to continue with the testing it saved me money. They always watch out for the customers […]
I recently moved to the area and was looking for a place that I could start taking my car for regular maintenance. I was very happy with the service and price. Everyone was very professional and courtious. The location is great and the waiting area is very clean. […]
These guys were amazing, friendly and quick. I emailed them explaining all my problems in detail, they confirmed my appointment and I came in the next morning. Some car places make you feel like you've been taken advantage of... NOT THE CASE HERE! Greg showed me what was wrong and was concerned 1st about safety. I brought bagels for everyone and they al […]
