4 Tactics for Dealing with Potholes

Tips to Protect your Vehicle

It's no surprise that the roadways in Rochester, New York are listed as some of the worst roads in the country. Our roadways are constantly filled with dangerous obstacles that demand our constant attention. The largest and one of the most dangerous obstacles is the pothole. Some potholes are small and seem innocent but these road monsters can really do a lot of damage to your vehicle.

In order to help you deal with these craters, here are a few tactics to use when traveling the roads, especially this time of the year.

1. If possible, avoid the pothole.
If you are on a road that you believe is infested with potholes be more mindful and slow down, this will help you to react to avoid the pothole, a car horn beeping at you is less expensive than a flat tire or a damaged wheel.

Watch out for puddles, what might seem to be a innocent puddle may suddenly become a rim bending pothole, it is hard to avoid every puddle in the road but being mindful does help.

2. If avoidance is not possible, reduce the damage. If you see a pothole coming at you in your lane and you are not able to avoid it, slow down as safely as possible but do not brake directly over a pothole as this may cause more harm.

3. After you hit the pothole, be wary of the symptoms.
We all have hit a pothole that causes your vehicle to lurch. If, after checking the tire and wheel for damage, there is no visible damage found you should still have your vehicle looked at by a professional. Even if immediate problems are not noticed you should get your car checked out when hitting that nasty pothole. Problems such as steering or suspension damage or causing the front end alignment to be out of specifications, can be more costly if you fail to have your vehicle inspected. Being pro-active will help you out in the long run.

4. If something is broken...You did your best to avoid the pothole but in the end you could not elude that pesky crater. What do you do now?

Don't worry, the expert technicians at Hoselton Auto Mall can help! Our technicians are factory trained and know how to pinpoint the repairs that are needed to get your car back on the road. We promise to repair your vehicle with the right parts, and at the right price. Call us today so that we may show you why so many customers use Hoselton for all there automotive needs.

> Questions? Give us a call at 585-586-7373
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Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

'Tis the Season for Snow Tires!

Considering Snow Tires? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions & Answers!

It's that time of the year! Slushy, snowy and icy roads can create dangerous driving conditions for all vehicles. Switching to snow tires for the winter months is smart choice...especially for those living in Upstate New York! Here in Rochester we are all too familiar with these conditions. Below are a couple of frequently asked questions and answers about snow tires.

Q: Do I need 4 snow tires?
A: It is highly recommended to have 4 matching tires on your vehicle. This recommendation remains the same whether you have a front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or four wheel drive vehicle. Having different types of tires (ie: only 2 rear snow tires) will create a "split" personality for your vehicle. One end will react and perform differently than the other end. The change in your vehicle's handling can be so drastic that it can be unsafe. Having 4 of the same tire will help you maintain maximum control over your vehicle.

Q: Do I need all-season tires or snow tires?
A: The decision on whether to get all-season tires or snow tires will depend on the region that you live in. All-season tires are suitable for areas with little snow and moderate winter temperatures. They tend to stiffen and lose grip when the temperature drops to below freezing. 

For areas with cold winters and heavy snow (like Rochester, New York!), snow tires will be your best option. Winter treads on these tires improve traction by allowing the tire to rid itself of snow as it rolls, giving it a clear bite on the road. Snow tires today are made of new rubber compounds that make them quieter than years ago. This rubber compound also allows them to safely handle in dry, wet and slushy conditions as well.

If you have any other questions about which tires are the best for you, feel free to contact our Service and Parts Professionals at Hoselton Auto Mall. Our experienced and knowledgeable experts will be able to assist you in choosing the correct tires for your vehicle.

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Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

Ask Our Service Team Pros!

Here are Some Frequently Ask Questions Answered by our Hoselton Nissan Service Team

Question about your vehicle? Our service team professionals are here to help! Here are a few frequently asked questions answered by one of our Hoselton Nissan Service Advisors.

Q: What in the world is a timing belt and why does it need to be replaced?

A: timing belt is a critical rubber belt that's used to transfer power from the engine's crankshaft to the camshaft, which in turn controls the opening, closing and timing of your engine's values. This is one of those parts that isn't visible but plays a vital role in your engine's operation. Over time, a rubber timing belt will deteriorate and can break apart inside your engine. If this happens, it can cause major damage which is very costly to repair. To avoid this, simply replace your timing belt at the manufacturer's recommended time/mileage intervals.

Q: My car makes noises when I brake. What should I do?

A: Your car's brake system is it's most critical safety system; you should have them checked immediately if you suspect any problems. A properly operating brake system helps ensure safe vehicle control and operation under a wide variety of conditions. Avoid letting your brakes get to the "metal - to - metal" point, which usually means accelerating expensive rotor or drum replacement. There are several factors that affect wear, including driving habits, operating conditions, vehicle type and the quality of the brake lining material.

Q: Last month my car's battery died with no warning. How could I have known it was going to just up and die on me?

A: An expiring battery will give some hints that it's on its way out when your lights get dimmer and the engine starting gets noticeably weaker or hesitant. If the battery has outlived its useful life, neither warning lights nor meters are much help. You can expect your battery to last about four years and then replace it with a new battery. The best thing to do is have your battery and cables checked every year. At Hoselton, we offer a free battery test with no obligation.

Do you have a service question?

> Contact a Hoselton Service Department Today!

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com

FAQ's from the Service Department

Ask Our Service Team Pros!

You asked, we answered! Here are a few Frequently Asked Questions from customers answered by the service pros at Hoselton. If you have a question, feel free to reach out anytime!

> Contact the Hoselton Chevrolet Service Department!

> Contact the Hoselton Nissan Service Department!

> Contact the Hoselton Toyota Scion Service Department!

We appreciate your questions! We look forward to hearing from you!

Q: I just heard about a recall. How do I know if it's for my vehicle?

A: It is always in your best interest to keep your Nissan operating safely and running in top condition. To find out if your Nissan has been recalled, you can call a Hoselton Auto Mall Service Department directly or information will be sent to you through the mail from the manufacturer. Your service technician will inspect and perform any outstanding recalls or voluntary service campaigns that may apply to your vehicle in case of a recall. These important repairs will be performed at no cost to you. Please make an appointment promptly; we are more than happy to make sure your vehicle performs at its peak capacity!

Q: Is it true that an alignment can improve my gas mileage?

A: Yes! There are many benefits to an alignment. A properly aligned car will reduce friction and drag on your tires and help maximize your MPG. When a vehicle is out of alignment, there is excessive tire wear and steering/tracking problems. A wheel alignment will adjust the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This service results in less resistance between the tire and the road, which maximizes tire life and improves your gas mileage.

Q: My car just went over 75,000 miles. Now that it has so many miles, what should I be doing differently?

A: Like anything with some age on it, treating your vehicle with a little more kindness will go a long way. The proper care of your vehicle will reward you with a long vehicle life span. Be sure to continue to have regularly scheduled maintenance performed, as this is the best way to care for your car, truck, van or SUV. Over time, certain items will eventually need to be replaced. When that time comes, remember you’re always better off with genuine OEM (GM, Nissan or Toyota) parts because they are specifically engineered for your car and will ensure many more happy miles ahead.

Hoselton Auto Mall

Corner of Fairport & Marsh Roads

East Rochester, New York 14445

http://www.hoselton.com