With the year rapidly coming to a close, we once again want to take this time to thank many people for another great year for us as a company and community organization.
First and foremost we thank each and every customer who we had the pleasure of serving in each of our departments. From Auto Repair, Collision, Towing and others... Without you, there "is no us"...
Next our amazing team of professionals. Drivers, Techs, Administration, Customer Service, Writers & Estimators, Dispatchers, Sales, Marketing, Operations, Specialty Team Members -
Detailers, Painters, Body Techs, Lot Techs and more... ALL of our Department Managers because without you, our departments don't get the job done!
We sincerely thank each and every one of our Rob's Team of Family members for going above and beyond the call of duty day in and day out. We had countless people volunteer their time on weekends and days off throughout the year to allow us to give back to the Community as we participated and/or sponsored so many functions and events this year. Their time, dedication and commitment are unmatched! So again, we thank you all!
We also would like to thank all of the individuals who continue to support our company, whether you're a customer or not. There are so many people who continue to refer our services as well as act as a Strategic Resource to assist us in achieving our goals. Again, too many organizations to name, but hopefully you know who YOU are!
This list could certainly go on and on... And we sincerely apologize if we've left anyone out.
But we truly are extremely grateful for the people we get to work with on a daily basis, as well as the individuals we get to meet throughout the year, and build upon those relationships.
It really has been another extraordinary year, and we couldn't be more proud of our Team and the job they do every day. Thank you again to everyone, and we wish you Happy Holidays, and a very prosperous New Year!
Cheers!
Rob's
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Monday, November 7, 2016
Heavy Duty Recovery
With temperatures dipping, and the winter months fast approaching, it is only a matter of time before the roads become a little slippery. It is very commonplace to have to provide assistance to normal passenger vehicles who have slid off the road due to some black ice or hydroplaning, and we are more than well equipped to handle the towing needs.
What happens when a larger vehicle goes off the road? Have you wondered what happens when a semi trailer, bus, or an RV goes off road and needs to be pulled out?
When a passenger vehicle goes off road, a normal tow truck is often sufficient to retrieve it. Unfortunately, a regular tow truck is nowhere near sufficient to recover heavier equipment. The average US car tips the scales at around 4,000 pounds. Semi trucks are, on average, over 3 times as heavy for just the truck alone! A truck and trailer combo (with the trailer empty) typically weighs between 30,000 and 35,000 pounds.
With that in mind, it is evident that it takes special equipment to recover these beastly vehicles. There are many things to consider when undertaking these heavy duty recoveries. Is a trailer involved? Is the trailer full or empty? Was it a flat-bed transporting other equipment? These questions, and more, will determine which method is used to perform the recovery.
In many instances, an airbag recovery system is employed. A massive airbag is wedged underneath the toppled equipment and inflated in a very controlled manner. The overturned trailer is then uprighted without the costly time consuming process of unloading the cargo contained within. One of the major benefits to this is the ease of use and the time it takes to actually work. The airbag cushion can significantly reduce any additional damage to your heavy duty equipment, saving you time AND money in the process.
Other times, we need to utilize a combination of rotator crane and possibly forklifts. In the past, when we have had to recover a trailer that was carrying heavy farming equipment, the crane has been used with great success to safely pull the wrecked vehicles out. When using the crane, it is often necessary to employ a forklift to gently hoist part of the wreckage up enough to get the crane cables underneath securely to pull the wreckage free.
Heavy duty recovery is no small task. We make every effort to safely and securely recover your heavy equipment, paying special attention so as to minimize any additional damages that may happen during the process. Our technicians have all the experience and qualifications to retrieve any vehicle in an accident, be it large or small.
If you have a heavy duty accident, do not hesitate to call us here at Rob's to facilitate the recovery of your equipment and cargo!
What happens when a larger vehicle goes off the road? Have you wondered what happens when a semi trailer, bus, or an RV goes off road and needs to be pulled out?
When a passenger vehicle goes off road, a normal tow truck is often sufficient to retrieve it. Unfortunately, a regular tow truck is nowhere near sufficient to recover heavier equipment. The average US car tips the scales at around 4,000 pounds. Semi trucks are, on average, over 3 times as heavy for just the truck alone! A truck and trailer combo (with the trailer empty) typically weighs between 30,000 and 35,000 pounds.
In many instances, an airbag recovery system is employed. A massive airbag is wedged underneath the toppled equipment and inflated in a very controlled manner. The overturned trailer is then uprighted without the costly time consuming process of unloading the cargo contained within. One of the major benefits to this is the ease of use and the time it takes to actually work. The airbag cushion can significantly reduce any additional damage to your heavy duty equipment, saving you time AND money in the process.
Other times, we need to utilize a combination of rotator crane and possibly forklifts. In the past, when we have had to recover a trailer that was carrying heavy farming equipment, the crane has been used with great success to safely pull the wrecked vehicles out. When using the crane, it is often necessary to employ a forklift to gently hoist part of the wreckage up enough to get the crane cables underneath securely to pull the wreckage free.
Heavy duty recovery is no small task. We make every effort to safely and securely recover your heavy equipment, paying special attention so as to minimize any additional damages that may happen during the process. Our technicians have all the experience and qualifications to retrieve any vehicle in an accident, be it large or small.
If you have a heavy duty accident, do not hesitate to call us here at Rob's to facilitate the recovery of your equipment and cargo!
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
Full Service Automotive & Truck Center - It's what we do.
Even after more than 30 years in business, there are still so many people that aren't aware of the services we here at Rob's offer. So we wanted to have this Blog post be more about "education" so anyone will now know who, and more importantly "how" we can help...
Towing/Hauling - Yes, we certainly are known for Towing. We tow cars, trucks, commercial vehicles and we also provide commercial transportation as well. Whether it's extremely large equipment, or in some cases, other "large" vehicles that need to be delivered to a particular destination.
Automotive - We also are a service provider for the average consumer...
We have a full service automotive repair department, offering everything from your standard oil changes, maintenance, or major rebuild and repair projects.
*We also service and repair large commercial vehicles as well.*
Collision - We provide outstanding auto body & collision services for every vehicle on the road...
This includes all commercial trucks as well. Cars are certainly a huge part of our every day collision activities, but we work on every vehicle type from mid-end to high-end cars and trucks. We can help ensure your vehicle will be back to perfect working and "looking" condition before it was in the fender bender...
24/7 Road Side Assistance - We never close when it comes to emergency needs. This includes 24/7 towing and recovery services for small or large vehicles, or something as simple as someone needing a "jump", gas or a tire changed. We provide "on-site" assistance for everything truck related if a breakdown occurs.
There are other departments with the Rob's Team of professionals, and we don't want to bore you with more service offerings, BUT, we did want to make sure you were aware of what we do, so if and when, you have a need or someone you know has a need, we'd like to be the one that provides the assistance no matter what the situation is.
Thanks for checking in and we look forward to hopefully having the opportunity to serve you!
Towing/Hauling - Yes, we certainly are known for Towing. We tow cars, trucks, commercial vehicles and we also provide commercial transportation as well. Whether it's extremely large equipment, or in some cases, other "large" vehicles that need to be delivered to a particular destination.
Automotive - We also are a service provider for the average consumer...
We have a full service automotive repair department, offering everything from your standard oil changes, maintenance, or major rebuild and repair projects.
*We also service and repair large commercial vehicles as well.*
Collision - We provide outstanding auto body & collision services for every vehicle on the road...
This includes all commercial trucks as well. Cars are certainly a huge part of our every day collision activities, but we work on every vehicle type from mid-end to high-end cars and trucks. We can help ensure your vehicle will be back to perfect working and "looking" condition before it was in the fender bender...
24/7 Road Side Assistance - We never close when it comes to emergency needs. This includes 24/7 towing and recovery services for small or large vehicles, or something as simple as someone needing a "jump", gas or a tire changed. We provide "on-site" assistance for everything truck related if a breakdown occurs.
There are other departments with the Rob's Team of professionals, and we don't want to bore you with more service offerings, BUT, we did want to make sure you were aware of what we do, so if and when, you have a need or someone you know has a need, we'd like to be the one that provides the assistance no matter what the situation is.
Thanks for checking in and we look forward to hopefully having the opportunity to serve you!
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Preventative maintenance
is a must!
The
vacations will be over soon, the kids will be back to school in a few weeks,
and cooler evenings will be here soon. Take advantage of the lull to prepare
your vehicle for the hustle & bustle of the busy school year, and the
day-day running of your vehicle.
First things first...Read your owner’s manual and follow the
manufacturer’s recommended service schedules. There are usually two schedules
listed: normal and severe.
Engine Performance
Have
engine driveability problems (hard starts, rough idling, stalling, diminished
power, etc.) corrected at a good repair shop. Replace dirty filtersair, fuel,
PCV, etc.
Oil
Change
your oil and oil filter as specified in your manual more often (every 3,000
miles or so) if your driving is mostly stop-and-go or consists of frequent
short trips.
Cooling System
The
cooling system should be flushed and refilled as recommended. The level,
condition, and concentration of the coolant should be checked periodically.
Windshield Wipers
Replace old blades.
Stock
up on windshield washer solvent you’ll be surprised how much you use.
Battery
The
only accurate way to detect a weak battery is with professional equipment. But
do-it-yourselfers can do routine maintenance. Scrape away corrosion from posts
and cable connections; clean all surfaces; re-tighten all connections. If
battery caps are removable, check fluid level monthly.
A word of caution:
Be sure
to avoid contact with corrosive deposits and battery acid. Wear eye protection
and rubber gloves. Note too that removal of cables can cause damage or loss of
data/codes on some newer vehicles so refer to your manual for instructions.
Inspect
all lights and bulbs; replace burned out bulbs; periodically clean road grime
from all lenses with a moistened cloth or towel. To prevent scratching, never
use a dry rag.
Exhaust System
Your
vehicle should be placed on a lift and the exhaust system examined for leaks.
The trunk and floorboards should be inspected for small holes. Exhaust fumes
can be deadly.
Tires
Examine
tires for remaining tread life, uneven wearing, and cupping; check the
sidewalls for cuts and nicks. Check tire pressure once a month. Let the tires
“cool down” before checking the pressure. Rotate as recommended. Don’t forget
your spare, and be sure the jack is in good condition.
We here at Rob's are more than capable of handling any and all of your automotive needs. We hope to have the opportunity to service you and your vehicle as the Summer comes to a close. Enjoy!
We here at Rob's are more than capable of handling any and all of your automotive needs. We hope to have the opportunity to service you and your vehicle as the Summer comes to a close. Enjoy!
Friday, July 8, 2016
Air Conditioning - Keeping Cool in the Summer Heat
Summer is here. Summer has been here. Summer means fun
in the sun and, if you're lucky, fun at water parks or amusement parks.
When it comes to the dog days of summer, one of those last bastions of
hope we have on those hottest of days is our car. You rush from the work
place to our car that has been sitting there with the sun beating down
on it. After unlocking it, you sit down in the car and feel the heat
radiate from the small convection oven with an engine, and you start it
up. You crank the AC all the way to the blue and kick the fans up to
max, and you wait for the sweet sweet ice air to come flowing.
Only, sometimes it doesn't. The oasis of your car's air conditioning has turned out to be a mirage.
Take advantage of our current service promotion and have your AC system fully inspected for performance and pressure! Don't take a chance on your cold air during these hot days!
Only, sometimes it doesn't. The oasis of your car's air conditioning has turned out to be a mirage.
What happened?
Air conditioning systems are fickle beasts. There are so many little issues that can balloon to huge problems with the AC system in your car. One of the more frustrating aspects of this often overlooked system is that there are no real warning lights to alert you to an AC problem. Oil problem? There's a light for that. Low on gas? There's a light for that. Mysterious engine problem? Yup, there's a light for that, too. But, there's no indication that your AC system is on the fritz until it's too late.What issues?
Weak airflow
Weak airflow is one of the more common symptoms you will experience. Once it blew strong, and now it just kinda gently brushes you with air. A loose hose is often the culprit and can be an easy fix. Sometimes, the ventilation fan is broken. If the fan isn't blowing, air wont flow well. Worst case, however, is if seal/seals have come open. AC systems are very sensitive and self contained, and must remain sealed. Once they're opened, the entire system is compromised.Not blowing as cold
There are many reasons why an AC system can stop blowing ice. Having your AC system inspected as soon as you notice a drop in cold can mean the difference between a small repair or a large one. Freon may have leaked due to a failed o-ring, seal, or hose. There might be a clogged hose somewhere. The compressor or blower motor may have failed, or there might even be a vacuum leak. Leaks can be absolutely devastating. When an AC system develops a leak, you have an "open system" meaning moisture and other particulate matter can enter the system and wreak havoc. If the leak is caught early, it will be less expensive to repair.Starts out cool, then gets warm
This problem is never an easy one to answer. The best bet would be to have your AC system inspected to determine what the underlying issue is. You may have a clogged valves, a faulty compressor clutch, a dreaded leak, or even a blown fuse. This particular problem, however, isn't just limited to those possible problems.My AC smells like a gym locker
Even if it's blowing cold, an AC system that is blowing the odor of smelly feet at you is never pleasant. Having your system inspected for mold and mildew could help get to the bottom of the problem.Why does an AC system fail?
Age and moisture, simple enough. Father time is undefeated, and that notion extends into the various systems of our vehicles. Rubber seals and hoses lose their elasticity over time, resulting in a bevy of problems. Moisture, however, is the death knell for your AC system. Water, when mixed with the refrigerant in your system, creates a destructive corrosive acid. If moisture makes it into the system, it could damage many components and result in the complete failure of the AC system.Take advantage of our current service promotion and have your AC system fully inspected for performance and pressure! Don't take a chance on your cold air during these hot days!
Friday, June 10, 2016
Dealing With a Flat
If you notice it while parked
It's certainly a headache to have a flat tire. But, it's less so of a headache to spot it prior to driving.Inspect It
Gently run your hands along the back and front of the tire to see if you can spot anything embedded in the tire, such as a nail, screw, or one of those big industrial staples. If you can't see anything, you MIGHT just be low on air. If you have a means to inflate the tire, you should do that and see if it holds air. If it retains air, then you are PROBABLY ok. But, you should still have the tire looked at.Put on the spare
If you do find something in the tire, it's best not to patch it yourself. Put on your spare tire and carefully drive to the closest Rob's service center for repair. Driving on a tire that's low on air or completely flat can do even more damage to the tire.If you notice the flat while driving
If you don't hear the tire being flat while driving, you're certainly going to feel it. When you have a flat, it'll feel like your vehicle is being pulled to the side the flat and your acceleration will feel really sluggish.Safely pull over
Get as far to the side of the road as you can. Hopefully the road you're on will have a wide enough shoulder to give yourself as much room as possible so you don't risk being hit by passing vehicles. Flip on your hazard lights to give other drivers additional warning.Put on the spare
No matter what, do not drive on the flat tire. Put your spare on and carefully drive to your nearest Rob's service center. Or, you can call Rob's for a little roadside assistance.If the cause of the flat tire was a puncture, we can most likely repair it by patching and plugging it. If the flat was caused by something else, we can assist you in finding the right tire for your car and get you back on the road in no time flat!
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
How to Haul
Hauling? Yes, we do that too!
Over-dimensional or heavy hauling is no small process. It requires careful planning and execution in order to be successful and avoid accidents or injuries.
Here are critical steps that we here at Rob’s take to ensure we move your load as safely as possible.
Nothing is more important than using a trailer best suited to the job.
There are many trailer and axle configuration types, and you need a thorough understanding of heavy haul and over-dimensional shipping in order to select the right trailer for the job.
In most cases, heavy haul uses one of the following trailer types:
Make sure the load is secured and distributed properly on the trailer before it leaves the yard or work site.
Securing super heavy or over-dimensional equipment is an important process that you should not take lightly.
Fortunately, incidents involving loss of heavy equipment or other improperly secured loads are infrequent, but they can result in severe injuries, damage to personal property, or, worse, loss of life when they do occur.
Not only that, it often represents a loss of equipment and adversely impact the environment if chemical contaminants are involved.
Securing equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders and similar equipment falls under the regulatory requirements of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration when transporting across state borders.
Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR are subject to federal regulations if engaged in interstate commerce. However, if hauling equipment intrastate, local regulations may also apply.
A pilot car may be needed to accompany you on some of the routes. Each state has its requirements for different oversize dimensions.
Safety is paramount when it comes to our Drivers, Customers, the load being hauled, and the other vehicles on the road during any hauling process.
We wanted to make sure our customers, and followers were educated on the other areas of service we provide.
Now you know. Thanks for checking in as always and keep it safe out there on the road!
-Rob’s-
Over-dimensional or heavy hauling is no small process. It requires careful planning and execution in order to be successful and avoid accidents or injuries.
Here are critical steps that we here at Rob’s take to ensure we move your load as safely as possible.
Prepare in advance
It’s vital that you thoroughly prepare for the move and do so in advance.
Use the proper trailer
There are many trailer and axle configuration types, and you need a thorough understanding of heavy haul and over-dimensional shipping in order to select the right trailer for the job.
In most cases, heavy haul uses one of the following trailer types:
- Flatbed trailer – an open platform trailer with no walls, roof or rails, and a flat load-carrying area.
- Lowboy trailer – a low-bed trailer that has two height drops in the deck and sits very low to the ground, and which allows loads up to 12 ft. in height.
- Drop Deck trailer – a trailer with one drop in the deck height. The upper part of the deck sits atop the back of the tractor unit and drops in height directly after it clears the back of the driving unit.
- Extendable Drop Deck trailer – same basic design of a standard drop deck, this trailer’s body is extendable for loads that are long and cannot be extended over the back end of the trailer but need the support of a trailer under its entire body.
- Gooseneck trailer – attaches to the hauling unit by a permanently affixed adjustable bar that is attached to the bed. There are many variations of gooseneck trailers including, but not limited to removable, fixed, mechanical and hydraulic. We have multiple types of Trailers to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
Secure the load
Make sure the load is secured and distributed properly on the trailer before it leaves the yard or work site.Securing super heavy or over-dimensional equipment is an important process that you should not take lightly.
Fortunately, incidents involving loss of heavy equipment or other improperly secured loads are infrequent, but they can result in severe injuries, damage to personal property, or, worse, loss of life when they do occur.
Not only that, it often represents a loss of equipment and adversely impact the environment if chemical contaminants are involved.
Securing equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, front-end loaders and similar equipment falls under the regulatory requirements of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration when transporting across state borders.
Use trained, experienced drivers
Use only drivers who are properly trained and who have experience in how to secure loads safely and operate the equipment they are hauling.Obtain the proper permits
Give yourself time to obtain all required permits. Any equipment over 102” wide will require an oversize trucking permit before it can move on state roads or highways.Understand regulatory requirements
Be familiar with regulatory requirements in each state through which the load will travel. Rules can vary from state to state.Commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds GVWR are subject to federal regulations if engaged in interstate commerce. However, if hauling equipment intrastate, local regulations may also apply.
Run routes in advance
Once you have the proper permits and know which local, state and federal regulations apply, it’s time to map out the best possible route for your trip. You want to avoid toll roads, heavily trafficked highways (if possible), roads undergoing construction, and routes that present others types of delays or interruptions.A pilot car may be needed to accompany you on some of the routes. Each state has its requirements for different oversize dimensions.
Conclusion
Follow these critical steps to ensure that your move goes without incident and that you secure the safety of both people and equipment.Safety is paramount when it comes to our Drivers, Customers, the load being hauled, and the other vehicles on the road during any hauling process.
We wanted to make sure our customers, and followers were educated on the other areas of service we provide.
Now you know. Thanks for checking in as always and keep it safe out there on the road!
-Rob’s-
Monday, April 11, 2016
What's In Your Trunk?
What's In Your Trunk?
Some of
us keep mostly nothing in the trunk of our vehicle. Then, there are
some of us who have everything including the kitchen sink in the trunk.
We have talked about things like preventative maintenance and things
any driver can do to make sure their vehicle stays in shape, and gone
over some of the different component systems and the maintenance
required for them... But what are some of the things that are good to
have in your trunk "just in case?"
Here's a list of things that we recommend that you have in your trunk (or at least in your car/truck somewhere).
Car Repair and Maintenance
- Spare tire - A spare tire, coupled with a tire jack and tire iron (without the jack and iron, a spare tire is useless), is one of the most vital things to have in your vehicle. Bonus points for having a full-sized spare so you don't have to worry about driving on the little donut spare.
- Tire inflator and sealer - Something like a fix-a-flat is a wonderful bandaid for your tire, capable of allowing you to get to the nearest auto shop.
- Jumper cables - Dead batteries happen to the best of us. Being able to get a jump from a Good Samaritan can keep you moving forward and get you where you need to be going. Alternatively, you could pack an emergency battery booster (solar) to not rely on someone coming along.
- Your vehicle's manual - This should be in your glove compartment already. But it bears repeating.
- Tire pressure gauge - Checking your tire's pressure on a regular basis promotes tire life, can improve handling, and increase fuel economy!
- Duct tape and WD-40
- Car repair information - A business card for your auto repair shop (Rob's, of course) and insurance claim forms should be in your glove compartment.
Safety and emergency
One may already have an emergency go-bag or bug out kit ready to go at a moments notice. Keeping a second, or maybe lighter version in your trunk is a solid idea.
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight
- Multitool - A good multi-tool should be kept in your vehicle at all times anyhow. A small tool-kit is also a suitable substitute.
- Matches and/or other fire starter - Very useful in winter, paired with a candle and a can.
- Food and drink - Energy bars, MREs, and some water bottles.
- Weather radio
- Seat belt cutter/window breaker - Keep this in your glove compartment. You never know when you may need to make an emergency departure from your vehicle if in a collision.
- Flares - Be visible on the road at night. Bonus points for reflective triangles.
- Maps
- Ice Scraper
- Space blanket
- Something to get tire traction - Some cardboard pieces, discarded chunks of carpet, or kitty litter sand. These things can be placed under tires to help gain traction in icy and snowy conditions.
This is far
from an exhaustive list. We're sure that there are some things that you
might want to add to the list, or several items you might find
irrelevant. Take this as just a broad strokes list of things that we
put our heads together and came up with.
Any of our
technicians at our Rob's service centers would be happy to inspect some
of the more maintenance-centric items to make sure they are appropriate
for your vehicle.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Choosing a Repair Shop
Choosing a Repair Shop
Worst case has happened. Someone has run a stop light and crashed into your vehicle. After the knee-jerk reaction of anger and frustration, you and the other driver exchange insurance information, and contact the proper authorities.
After getting into contact with the insurance company, you are ready to move forward with repairing your vehicle. The claims agent tells you that they will send you a small list of their "recommended shops." The agent strongly implies that you HAVE to go to one of the shops they recommend.
But, do you have to use their recommendation?
The answer to this is a resounding "No."
Most insurance companies have their contacts with shops in your area. They often work hand in hand with one another. Such partnerships exist to expedite the process for some people to get them back on the road. However, most of these partnerships are primarily for the benefits for the insurance company, like lower labor and materials prices, and parts discounts with those facilities.
Some insurance claims representatives are given goals to steer certain percentages of their claims go through their recommended shops. The methods that they try to achieve this can be off-putting. They may tell you that the shop you prefer isn't on their list and because of this, your claim wont be handled efficiently. They may say that it'll take longer for an adjuster to be available for an estimate. They may even go so far as to say that the shop you prefer wont provide a quality repair.
Do not let this intimidate you. The choice IS yours. It is important for you to choose a repair shop that you are confident in, has a solid reputation, and provides quality service.
Who should I choose?
Finding a shop to repair your vehicle is no small undertaking. There are several things one must think about when searching for a repair facility.
- Does the shop have a warranty on the labor?
- Do they have experience working on your type of vehicle? (This is very important with newer and/or luxury vehicles)
- How long has this place been in business?
- Have they worked with the insurance company before?
Body shops don't have contracts with insurance carriers. Just because a shop isn't on an insurance company's direct repair list doesn't mean that your vehicle wont be repaired properly. Don't be steered into making a decision for your vehicle based on a claims salesman's recommendation.
Here at Rob's, we take pride in all aspects of the repair process and ensure that your vehicle is restored to your specification. We work with you AND the insurance companies to provide quality repair services. If you find yourself in an accident, we have many facilities as well as towing services to be your one-stop-shop to get back on the road sooner rather than later. Our certified technicians and customer service managers will make sure that the whole process as painless as possible.
Even if Rob's isn't your choice, always remember that you have the right to choose whatever repair shop for your vehicle.
Tuesday, February 9, 2016
Winter Tires - Should I bother?
All too often, drivers find themselves asking "Do I need winter tires if I have all season treads on my car?" The answer is surpisingly complex. The best way to come to a decision is to understand the difference between winter tires and all-season tires. Every driver's needs are entirely different depending on average weather conditions and road conditions they see throughout the year.
Winter tires are also recipients of an increased number of "biting edges" or high sipe densities to provide additional tread for traction on ice. These "biting edges" are tiny, tiny slits in the tread to help provide more surface area and traction on icy surfaces.
If you are the average driver; someone who braves the elements to hit the store in certain conditions or needs to get to work on a particularly bad day? All season tires may likely be best for you. If safety is your biggest concern, having winter tires mounted wouldn't be seen as "over the top," but rather an essential life saving safety measure.
When deciding on winter tires for the season, it is always best to install a full set. Changing out just the front tires (on a front wheel drive vehicle) poses a set of potential problems. Uneven tread wear can ensure that the rear wheels may lose traction and make it nigh impossible to steer the vehicle.
If you do find yourself going to all winter tires for the season, one needs to make sure to re-mount new tires for the non-winter months. While winter tires are totally superior in extreme winter conditions, they will no doubt wear down so much faster on drier spring/summer pavements.
And, of course, should your tires not be ideal and you find yourself in a jam... Please don't hesitate to contact us here at Rob's to get you towed out of a jam and suited up for the roads ahead.
All Season Tires
All season tires are extremely popular. They are often the tire of choice for manufacturers when their vehicles leave the factory. They offer up the best of both worlds when it comes to tire performance. All season tires are built to provide all the basic creature comforts of tires in general. Relatively quiet ride, solid tread live, good fuel economy, and respectable performance in a variety of conditions from wet roads and light winter driving to summer driving. All season tires are designed to offer up the benefits of both summer and winter tires, without sacrificing too much.Winter/Snow Tires
For extreme conditions, having the right tire definitely matters. From heavy snowdfall to black ice, winter roads are extremely unpredictable. There are driving challenges in winter conditions that are like no other season of the year. The overall combination of cold temperatures, precipitation, and ice on the ground pose a significant threat to drivers everywhere. Winter and snow tires are designed to perform under such conditions.Tread Rubber
In colder temperatures, tire rubber stiffens and becomes less able to give traction. To better combat this, winter tires often are designed with a particular rubber compound that better grips the road to provide maximum traction regardless of temperature.Treat Depth / Tread Patterns
Among tires, tread depth and tread pattern are almost entirely unique to winter tires. Deeper tread depths reduce the buildup of snow and help to provide traction on snowy surfaces. Winter tire treads are designed to better channel snow, slush, and water away from the tire.Winter tires are also recipients of an increased number of "biting edges" or high sipe densities to provide additional tread for traction on ice. These "biting edges" are tiny, tiny slits in the tread to help provide more surface area and traction on icy surfaces.
So what's for me?
The solution to the conundrum of winter vs all season tires....really depends on where you live and the conditions in which you drive.If you are the average driver; someone who braves the elements to hit the store in certain conditions or needs to get to work on a particularly bad day? All season tires may likely be best for you. If safety is your biggest concern, having winter tires mounted wouldn't be seen as "over the top," but rather an essential life saving safety measure.
When deciding on winter tires for the season, it is always best to install a full set. Changing out just the front tires (on a front wheel drive vehicle) poses a set of potential problems. Uneven tread wear can ensure that the rear wheels may lose traction and make it nigh impossible to steer the vehicle.
If you do find yourself going to all winter tires for the season, one needs to make sure to re-mount new tires for the non-winter months. While winter tires are totally superior in extreme winter conditions, they will no doubt wear down so much faster on drier spring/summer pavements.
And, of course, should your tires not be ideal and you find yourself in a jam... Please don't hesitate to contact us here at Rob's to get you towed out of a jam and suited up for the roads ahead.
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Resolutions to keep your wheels in revolution
Here at Rob's, we first want to wish everyone a happy new year, and hope that you rang in 2016 among loved ones, friends, and family. There are always a lot of hazards on the roads at the end of the year. And we are proud to be available to drivers 24/7.
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There are our 3 main resolutions as a company, as a community resource. While we strive to be better than we were the year before, it is immensely important to us to be the best this year in all aspects of our industry. More important than that is to provide the absolute best service possible to each customer that comes into one of our locations. Because, without customers, we cannot provide customer service.
Customer service is our pride. It is our life-blood. It is our goal.
Let's make 2016 the year that brings the "service" back to customer service!
No matter the issue, never hesitate to bring your vehicle into any one of our Rob's family of service centers.
Resolutions.
It is a common tradition to make resolutions at the onset of a new year in an attempt to better ourselves in our personal or professional realm. The Rob's team is no different. We have all made our personal goals, be it getting in better shape, fixing that car that's been sitting in the garage for years, or paying off credit cards (that were no doubt well-used for the holiday season). We have made a collective set of resolutions for the entire team that we hope to maintain and shatter throughout the current year.1. Staying up to date
It's no secret that new technologies are finding their way into our automobiles at an alarming rate. Electronics, mechanics, structural... It's just a matter of time before vehicles are made from entirely different materials than they are today! With every step forward in the conveniences of modern automotive engineering, so to must we in the automotive repair industry move forward. It is our pledge to keep pace with these advances to ensure that we can best provide all of our services to every customer, regardless of how high tech or low tech their vehicle may be.2. Honesty
It is, unfortunately, an all too common thing we have heard from satisfied customers that come through our doors: "The other place told us it was going to cost $X to fix these things. I can't believe they were going to try and fix these unnecessary things!" Customer service is the most important part of our industry. People come to us when something is wrong, not when everything is going a-ok for them. They are often distressed, upset, panicking, or worse due to the unfortunate chain of events that led them to us. We have always prided ourselves on trying to make customers happier than they were when they came to us. By being as forthcoming as we are about our services, we set a precedent that we can be relied upon to do top-tier work and give the customer peace of mind that the right repair was made by the right person.3. To be your one-stop-shop for all things automotive
The Rob's team wears many hats. From collision and mechanical repair to towing and heavy-duty recovery...there's nothing that we cannot handle. It is something we have strived to achieve from our humble days of just handling towing. The expansion of our service departments has been an incredible blessing to us, and it is a blessing we want to pass on to each and every one of our customers. Each one of our locations are all under the family of Rob's. Our service centers all work hand in hand to keep your vehicle operating in top shape, sometimes better than it would have been fresh off the lot! With that in mind, it is our goal to be *the* go-to place for all things automotive. We want to be the place you go to for routine maintenance, for collision repair, for recovery of equipment, even for some roadside assistance!----------------
There are our 3 main resolutions as a company, as a community resource. While we strive to be better than we were the year before, it is immensely important to us to be the best this year in all aspects of our industry. More important than that is to provide the absolute best service possible to each customer that comes into one of our locations. Because, without customers, we cannot provide customer service.
Customer service is our pride. It is our life-blood. It is our goal.
Let's make 2016 the year that brings the "service" back to customer service!
No matter the issue, never hesitate to bring your vehicle into any one of our Rob's family of service centers.
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