How to Improve a Car's Sound System

Every car, truck, and SUV in all the car dealerships in the Lakewood area has just a handful of things in common. One is that they all have a sound system. A new owner could use a vehicle’s sound system for many things, such as listening to the radio, tuning in to a talk show, to hear an audio book being read, or even to sync with a mobile phone.

No matter the use, the most vehicles are likely to have a sound system straight from the factory floor than one that has been upgraded to the latest technology. Luckily, there are a couple of ways to improve a vehicle's sound system to get the best sound possible. Try one of the following options:

1. Have a new sound system installed. Obviously the most expensive option, there is a wide range of prices out there, so you’ll be able to get a sound system that fits your needs and your budget.
2. Invest in speakers. A less expensive option is to replace the factory-installed speakers with high-end speakers made of better materials. They will produce a better sound quality and will be less likely to break from normal use.
3. Install an amplifier. An option whether you buy a new sound system, just new speakers or keep the old system entirely, an amplifier boosts the amount of electricity sent to the sound system, helping it to sound better.
4. Adjust the tuners. If you have absolutely $0 to spend on improving your car’s sound system, you can always adjust aspects like the volume, bass, treble and speaker fade to find the best combination for what you are listening to.

If you live in the Lakewood area, turn to car dealerships you can trust for the best information on care, maintenance, and used car improvements. Visit the Olympia Auto Mall for all your new and used car needs.

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How a Car Airbag Works

Car airbags are an essential safety feature for cars on the road today.  Airbags are for the protection of the driver and the car's passengers.  However, many automobile operators may not know exactly how an airbag works.

By my own admission, I can be honest that I was once ignorant of the inner workings of an airbag. But I always drove, maintaining some inward hope and belief that my car's airbags would work if ever called upon.

I sought to solve my lack of knowledge regarding airbags by seeking out some professional advice.  I simply paid a visit to my friendly local car dealerships in the Olympia Auto Mall serving Lacey, WA.  I found them to be both helpful and informative.

How Car Airbags Work
From the information that I have been able to garner and gather, I learned some basics about how car airbags work.  Much of what I learned stemmed from my initial consultation with the good folks at the Olympia Auto Mall.
An airbag is designed to reduce the inherent risk of injury due to a traffic accident.  Much like I stated above, an airbag is a safety feature standard on most cars on the road today.  

The airbag is deployed upon impact.  For instance, in the case of a traffic accident, the airbag will engage and prevent the occupants of the automobile from going forward and being thrust into the windshield, steering wheel or dashboard.  Side airbags are to prevent occupants from being tossed into the door or window.  

Once an airbag has been deployed, it is highly recommended that the vehicle is brought to one of the many Olympia Automall car dealerships serving Lacey, WA in order that the airbag can be replaced properly.  The dealership can ensure that the safety component is replaced to the manufacturer's specifications.

Safety from Multiple Components Operating Together
The airbag safety component is set up to reduce risk of injury.  However, airbags are not intended to serve as the sole safety feature for modern vehicles.  Airbags are designed to operate with seat belts and safety restraints.

Drivers are to exercise precaution by ensuring that all safety components are in operational order.  If an airbag or other safety component appears to not be in operational order, I highly suggest consulting my friends at the Olympia Auto Mall.

Airbags work for the safety of vehicle occupants.  When operating properly, they reduce risk of injury. Be safe and visit the experts at the Olympia Auto Mall, local car dealerships serving Lacey, WA.

The Olympia Auto Mall – Washington's Largest!!!

The Reason for Replacing Two Tires Instead of One

As the only part of your vehicle that actually comes in contact with the road, your tires have an infinite level of importance. However, purchasing tires for your car can be relatively expensive. As a result, several car owners try to save a few bucks and only replace the tire in the dire straits. Contrary to popular belief, this attempt to save a few bucks may actually cost you much more in the long run. The following information explains a few reasons why it's best to purchase and replace two tires instead of just one.

Mismatch Tires

As tires wear on your car, truck, or SUV, they become smaller over time because the rubber wears away. This is why most manufacturers suggest that you rotate your tires every 5,000 miles for even wear on all four tires. In the event one tire fails and must be replaced, one tire is typically larger than the old tire on the opposite side of the axle. This problem commonly leads to handling problems because the larger and newer tire travels a further distance than the smaller tire. The most common end result is for the vehicle to pull to one side.

Safety

In the event one of your tires fails for any other reason than impact or puncture, the other tire probably has a defect as well. Although this may not be the case, do you really want to take that chance considering the infinite value placed on your tires? Simply put, it's much better to replace both tires on the axle.

Lost Traction

If you drive in any situation besides ideal conditions, it's best to replace at least two tires instead of on your vehicle. If you choose to only replace one tire, the newer tires with deeper treads will undoubtedly get better traction. While the newer tire gets better traction, the other older tire with less traction may spin freely, preventing your vehicle from moving forward properly. If your vehicle is equipped with limited slip differential, both of the tires will have power being sent to the wheels. However, the wheel with the most traction will dig much more and cause the vehicle to pull to one side.

If you have any questions or doubts about how you should handle replacing tires on your vehicles, don’t take any chances. Take your vehicle to the trusted dealers in the Olympia Auto Mall. They pride themselves on taking excellent care of your car and being the experts in new and used cars in Olympia.

The Olympia Auto Mall – Washington's Largest!!!

Difference Between Trailer & Car Tires

With the advancements in today's technology, it may seem as if your car and trailer can use the same tires. However, there are obvious differences, which mean your trailer has different tire needs than the car or truck you use to tow it. Continue reading to learn the differences between the tires on cars, SUVs, and trucks vs. trailer tires.

The Leader Leads
Whether you are towing your trailer with a truck, SUV, or car, the vehicle doing the towing is the leader. As a result, the tire design and traction of these tires is designed to promote acceleration down the road, cornering, and stopping. In addition, the tires on your vehicle are designed with optimum comfort in mind. This is mainly achieved with special sidewalls that flex and bend.

The Follower Follows
On the other hand, your trailer is a follower. As a result, a flexing tire wall is a major negative. If your trailer has flexing sidewalls, your trailer will sway, especially if the trailer has a heavy center of gravity. The strong and stiffer the sidewalls of the trailer tire, the less likely the trailer will sway. Simply put, this increased tire stiffness is designed to support the weight of the trailer without flexing.

Basic Differences
While the tires on your car, truck, or SUV are designed to provide functionality for several maneuvers, the tires on a trailer have much simpler responsibilities. The tires on the trailer are engineered to simply support the weight of the trailer for thousands of miles without bouncing the trailer off the road.

Resistance
Trailer tires are also much more durable than tires on cars because of the thickness of the sidewalls and the rubber compound used in these tires. The tough and hard rubber compound of trailer tires helps reduce rolling resistance. However, tires on your car have a softer rubber compound, which is needed to help the car grip the road, add comfort to the ride, and perform maneuvers.

Construction
Typically, most car tires are designed radially, which means the interior belts are set at 90 degree angles so they are always pointed toward the traveling direction. Radial tires offer a better ride, better traction, and fuel economy. On the other hand, the best trailer tires are bias-play types, which use belts at 45-degree angles. These types of tires are more damage resistant, rugged, and specifically designed for trailers.

If you are buying a new or used car, truck, or SUV for towing, consult the knowledgeable and friendly folks at the Olympia Auto Mall serving Puyallup, WA. They will make sure you have the right equipment for a successful tow.

The Olympia Auto Mall – Washington's Largest!!!

Consequences of Over or Under-Inflated Tires

If anyone out there is like me, they know the value of a dollar.  In other words, knowing what a dollar is worth and making the most of my dollars go hand in hand.  In the case of my car expenses, I need to know that I am not tossing out valuable dollars due to items that might otherwise be considered preventable. 

If It's Not Broke, Then. . .
The notion that if it is not broken, then it does not need fixing does not apply across the board.  Some things are not broken, but they surely need our attention. I try to keep my car maintained in order to cut down on big ticket expenses like blown head gaskets at a later time.

One Major Fuel Economy Destroyer: Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is a factor in gas mileage.  Think about a car's fuel efficiency, then factor in whether you have been driving on over or under-inflated tires for an extended period of time.  That fuel economy mileage goes totally out the window, and that means more frequent visits to the gas pump.  In other words, those are some hard-earned, much-needed dollars going to waste.

There are many ways to find out the recommended level of proper tire pressure for any type of vehicle or tires.  I find that referring to the owner's manual can provide the recommended tire pressure for my vehicle.  Another way to get a hold of the actual tire pressure that is needed is to check with the local dealership.  The Olympia Auto Mall is your best source for local car dealerships serving Tacoma WA. They are both knowledgeable and helpful, especially to us frugal drivers.

Checking tire pressure on a regular basis is key.  Also, depending on the frequency of driving, I usually check my tire pressure on the Sunday before I start the workweek after washing the car.  I also check my tire pressure prior to a long road trip.  There is no reason to end up on the side of the road with a blowout or a punctured tire due to riding on over or under-inflated tires.  When I really want an expert opinion, I always go to my favorite local car dealerships in the Olympia Auto Mall.

At the end of the day, properly inflated tires can do more than keep you on the road.  They can keep money in your pocket and that means a lot. For excellent service and advice on your vehicle, consult the great folks at the Olympia Auto Mall, new and new car dealerships serving Tacoma, WA.

The Olympia Auto Mall – Washington's Largest!!!

A Spare Tire Cover Matters

The spare tire cover is one of the most overlooked accessories for your vehicle. These accessories come in soft leather, hard metal, and even vinyl. In the end, your spare tire cover makes sure your spare tire is ready when you need it. Even though you may never actually use your spare tire, your cover will ensure the replacement is always in good working order and your vehicle looks great. Continue reading to learn more about why a spare tire cover should be an included accessory for your automobile.

Protect from UV Rays

One of the main uses of your spare tire cover is to protect your tire from the harmful UV rays of the sun. If your tire is left out in the sun without protection, it will crack and shrivel. This means your tire will be rendered useless in the event of an emergency. These sun-dried and cracked tires will eventually deteriorate as the vehicle travels down the road, which can create another safety hazard.

Keep Your Spare Tire Clean

In addition to protecting your spare tire from the sun, a tire cover helps keep your spare tire clean. When your spare tire is clean, it will perform at a much higher level compared to a tire that is left out in the elements to fend for itself. In the end, a clean spare tire will provide a much nicer and smoother ride than the alternative.

Personalize the Appearance of Your Vehicle

It's your vehicle and you deserve to make sure it looks as great as possible. Tire covers are one of the easiest ways to accessorize your vehicle and show off your personality. Whether it's your favorite team, a military cover, or a plain tire cover, tire covers offer you the opportunity to show off your style. At the same time, you can use a protective tire cover to coordinate with the colors of your vehicle. The tire cover possibilities are endless.

In the end, a spare tire cover will help protect your "Ace in the hole" and make sure your spare tire is there when you need it. In addition, you can use your spare tire cover to further express your personality with your favorite NCAA Team (basketball, football, hockey) or just about anything else.

For more information and great selection on car, truck, and SUV accessories, visit the Olympia Auto Mall serving Yelm and surrounding areas. For spare tires, they got you covered!

The Olympia Auto Mall – Washington's Largest!!!