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Goodyear tires for electric vehicles

In Tires and Wheels by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

For a variety of reasons, many people are turning to electric vehicles for their mode of transportation.

While EVs and gas-powered vehicles have their differences, they share some important similarities: they both require maintenance and, eventually, their tires need to be replaced.

Many tires can be used on electric vehicles. However, Goodyear produces a few tires for electric vehicles:

  • Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 Tire
  • Goodyear Wrangler ElectricDrive AT Tire
  • Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season Tire

Tires for electric vehicles

Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 Tire.

Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 Tire

Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 Tire

With the Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 Tire comes plenty of traction. Whether showers or sun are expected, this performance tire is there to give you the grip you need.

Meanwhile, steering and performance are improved due to its sturdy sidewalls.

Backed by a 45,000 mile warranty, the Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 Tire is a possible candidate if you’re looking for a little more peace and quiet on the road. It features SoundComfort Technology foam that reduces how much noise you hear.

Goodyear Wrangler ElectricDrive AT Tire

SoundComfort Technology can be found on the Goodyear Wrangler ElectricDrive AT Tire, too.

Like the Goodyear ElectricDrive 2 Tire, the Goodyear Wrangler ElectricDrive AT Tire offers reliable traction.

Thanks to this Goodyear tire’s all-terrain tread, it can be used on all kinds of roads. It’s even rated for severe snow.

The Goodyear Wrangler ElectricDrive AT Tire comes with a 50,000 mile warranty.

Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season Tire

Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season Tire.

Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season Tire

The Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season Tire is also up for taking on some snow.

Its grip is trustworthy in light snow conditions.

This performance tire is capable of handling the rain, as well. Wet braking enables drivers to maintain control while turning.

The Goodyear Eagle F1 All Season Tire features built-in wear gauges and can last as long as 45,000 miles.

Is your electric vehicle ready for new tires?

Have your tires reached the end of their lifespan? There are some things drivers want to consider when purchasing tires for electric vehicles.

You will want to pay attention to the tread pattern and noise.

Electric vehicles now are equipped with tires that have foam in them for noise cancellation. 

Those driving electric trucks should avoid putting mud tires or all-terrain tires on them, because they will be loud. If you have a car, we recommend going with the O.E. tires that came with it. 

Whichever tires you decide on, it’s important that the load index and speed rating are correct.

If you’re not going through a tire specialist and you’re buying them on your own, you have to make sure the load index is equal to or greater than what the manufacturer recommends. If you go lower, you’re in trouble. The same is true with the speed rating – you can go higher, you just can’t go lower.

Other tire purchasing factors

With tires in general, you should think about where you plan to drive the car. Are you going to be sticking it to the highways, or do you need a tire that can withstand unpaved roads?

How long tires last also differs. So how frequently you use the vehicle can determine which tires are right for you.   

The purpose of the car is another important factor. Do you want it to look nice, or are you transporting kids around town?

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dumfries, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Shock and strut problems

In Shocks and Struts by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Speed bumps, potholes, rough roads – shocks and struts are there to help you navigate each of these conditions.

Through daily use, these components eventually wear out and don’t work as designed. 

These effects may be felt when operating your vehicle and the impact can extend beyond the suspension system.

What are shocks and struts? What is the difference between them?

Shocks and struts are a part of your suspension.

A shock is independent from the coil, while a strut is inside the coil. The strut bolts to the knuckle, whereas a shock will go right to the control arm or rear axle.

When should I replace my shocks and struts?

Buick Verano shocks and struts.

Buick Verano shocks and struts

The lifespan for shocks and struts vary.

You should have an automotive expert check your shocks and struts when your vehicle reaches 50,000 to 60,000 miles.

They might need to be replaced at this point, or they could last until the 75,000 or 100,000 mile mark.

Aside from mileage, you will want to keep an eye out for certain symptoms that can indicate it’s time to replace the shocks and struts.

What are signs of bad shocks and struts?

You might need new shocks and struts if your vehicle dives when you hit the brakes or go around a corner.

We’re also looking for a poor response while going over bumps.

When the shocks and struts have become worn, control of the spring decreases. The result? Extra movement in the body that can impact brake wear. 

Other symptoms of bad shocks and struts include uneven tire wear and squeaking noises when traveling on rough roads.

There will be a pattern in the tire that is created when the pressure of the rubber isn’t as consistent as it’s designed to be.

What shock and strut problems do we look for?

Signs of shock and strut wear may be noticed when you bring your vehicle into a shop.

Our technicians look for wear on the tires and perform a bounce test.

Every vehicle will be different because of how they’re designed.

They should go down and up and that’s it. When the car goes down and up a few times, it usually means the shocks are bad.

Leaking fluid is one of the other shock and strut problems we look for. This is an oil that’s inside the cartridge. 

What should I do if I think something is wrong with my shocks and struts?

If you think there’s a problem with your shocks and struts, see if an autoshop you trust can take it for a test drive and look the vehicle over.

Having an automotive expert look into the problem can help you resolve any abnormal road manners and avoid additional costs that can stem from bad shocks and struts.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Manassas, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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What can cause a car’s red brake light to come on?

In Brakes by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Every once in a while, you might see a warning light illuminate on your dashboard.

The red brake light is one to pay attention to. 

It indicates that your parking brake is on or off. This dashboard light needs to turn on and off, so you can confirm that the parking brake is working correctly.

At times, the brake light may stay on steadily. In these cases, the light can be pointing to several braking system problems that range from maintenance needs to deeper issues.

Why did the red brake light on the dashboard turn on?

These are some possible reasons why the brake light may come on:

  • Anti-lock braking system (ABS) issues
  • Brake pad wear
  • Something wrong with a switch
  • Brake fluid is low
  • Electrical problems

Sometimes, there’s a simple solution behind the red brake light: maintenance is needed. 

It’s also possible that the vehicle’s brake fluid is low, meaning that it could have a leak. Brake fluid leaks occur at the brake lines, calipers, hoses and other spots. The brake pads may also be low.

In other cases, tracking down the red brake light cause might require a more thorough investigation.

Parking brake on Toyota Yaris.

Parking brake on Toyota Yaris

The source can be rooted in the ABS or an electrical problem. Another potential culprit is the parking brake. 

On the older mechanical parking brakes, the release has a switch. Switches can get damaged or become worn out. As a result, the brake light may not turn off or on. It could be random, too.

Why is the brake light turning on and off?

You might also notice that the brake warning light is going on and off.

This may occur if the brake fluid is right at the threshold and you go up or down a hill, causing it to drop just below the sensor.

On the parking brake side, the parking brake switch may be loose, broken or have slack in it. Sometimes, those contacts will move and turn the light on and off.

How do we diagnose the red brake light?

The path of diagnostic testing can differ among vehicles and for each individual case.

Our shop starts with a few simple steps: gather relevant information from the driver and look over the vehicle. We might see that the car has low brake fluid or the switch in the parking brake is engaged. 

The technicians can narrow down their search to a specific component through a code scan. 

These first steps help us determine where we should direct our attention. If there’s a brake fluid leak, we need to find out where.

Parking brake issues? Our technicians will look at the parts associated with it.

What should I do if the brake warning light turns on?

Did your red brake light come on?

If it appears when you’re not in park, you will want to have an automotive professional look into it as soon as possible.

Your vehicle could be losing brake fluid – which is unsafe – or be due for a brake replacement. Both problems can impact how your braking system operates.

Along with the brake light, keep an eye out for any brake problems, such as noises, fluid near the wheel, trouble braking, brake wear, and if something feels wrong with your brake pedal.

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Lake Ridge, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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Is it time to replace my car’s ball joints?

In Maintenance by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Within a car’s suspension, you will find a number of components working together.

Ball joints are one of the players that serve on this team.

What are ball joints?

A ball joint is a ball and socket joint that’s generally attached to a control arm and/or a knuckle to support the main load of a vehicle.

How do I know when I have a bad ball joint?

Eventually, ball joints might need to be swapped out with new ones.

Lower ball joint replacement.

Lower ball joint replacement

Sometimes, ball joint problems are found at the shop. When you bring your vehicle in for maintenance, the technician may notice that a ball joint has “play”. If they do move, it can cause a vehicle to fail the Virginia State Inspection.

It’s also possible that you notice signs yourself. These parts might make noise. For example, dried out ball joints may lead to squeaking. Knocking is another sound that could be heard.

Drivability issues can crop up, too. A poor alignment and symptoms associated with a bad wheel alignment, such as pulling and the steering wheel becoming crooked, are possible results of a bad ball joint.

When these components are moving or have become dried out, it’s time to replace them.

How long do ball joints last?

The lifespan of ball joints varies among vehicles. When properly maintained, we’ve seen them last as long as 100,000 or 200,000 miles. It really comes down to driving style.

What causes a ball joint to go bad?

Ball joints wear out from daily use. Extreme driving and lack of maintenance can speed up this process.

How can I extend the lifespan of ball joints?

You used to be able to service ball joints. Older vehicles came with fittings that you could grease. That’s why a lot of older people will say, “Just change the oil and grease the front end.” What they mean is you pump grease through that zerk fitting and maintain it.

For most vehicles, new ball joints don’t come with zerk fittings. So, when you go to replace them, it’s a good idea to upgrade them and buy the ones with the grease fittings. That way, you can take care of them. 

Bear in mind that a lot of places don’t do this as part of their service anymore. It used to be lube, oil and filter for an oil change. Now, it’s just oil and filter, and the lube part gets forgotten on a lot of cars. So, it’s important to know if your vehicle has steering and suspension components that need to be lubricated. Also, make sure the auto repair you’re planning to go to offers this service before bringing your car in.

What should I do if I have a ball joint problem?

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a bad ball joint, get in touch with a nearby autoshop so they can look into the problem.

Choosing not to replace ball joints could lead to handling problems. You may or may not hear clunking noises when turning or driving over bumps. 

The worst problem that could happen is that the ball joint could separate out of the base. This can cause the wheel to flop over and you to lose control. That’s why ball joints are a part of the state safety program.

This is also where it boils down to the quality of components. With the role ball joints play, do you really want to use cheap parts?

Steve’s Auto Repair & Tire is an authorized Goodyear tire dealer located near Dale City, Virginia. Automotive repair services are performed on all makes and models, including BMW and Mercedes. Services include oil changes, brakes, alignments, inspections, and computer engine diagnostics.

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What type of tire alignment do I need?

In Alignment by Steves Auto Repair and Tire

Have you ever been to a shop that suggested a tire alignment? This service is usually brought up when a vehicle gets new tires or work is done to the steering and suspension.

Alignments are also needed once a year and if they are thrown off by certain road conditions, such as curbs, potholes and speed bumps. A bad car alignment can be indicated through uneven tire wear, a crooked steering wheel, and a vehicle pulling to one side.

Through regular wheel alignments, you can make sure your tires are wearing evenly and last as long as possible.

There are a couple of different types of wheel alignments and the process itself can vary from car to car.

What are the different kinds of alignments?

European tire alignments.

European tire alignments

The two kinds of alignments are four-wheel alignments and two-wheel alignments (also known as front-end alignments).

Four-wheel alignments are performed on a lot of cars found on the road today. They are done on four-wheel drive vehicles.

Front-end alignments are typically needed on anything with a solid rear axle, such as pickup trucks and larger SUVs. 

We perform them on front-wheel drive vehicles, as well. Front-wheel drive vehicles have a solid rear beam that normally doesn’t have adjusters. For example, certain Volkswagens need a two-wheel alignment, but some of the sportier Volkswagens have adjustments in the rear.

Now, they are coming out with independent rear axles, where there are CV axles in the rear. Some of the independent rear drivelines have adjusters and others do not.

What happens during a tire alignment?

The tire alignment process begins with a test drive and visual inspection to make sure that no problems are missed. 

When conducting an alignment, our technicians rotate the tires before putting the vehicle on a rack.

To the wheels, we attach targets, which are read by a CCD camera. Adjustments are made based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. 

We always start with the rear and go right (passenger’s side) to left (driver’s side). 

What angles are checked during a tire alignment?

Ford Escape wheel alignment.

Ford Escape wheel alignment

The measurements we focus on are caster, camber and toe. Thrust angle and ride height are other items we can check.

 Here’s what those different terms mean:

  • Caster: The way the wheels tilt to the front and rear of a vehicle.
  • Camber: How the wheels are angled inward and outward.
  • Toe: Based on the center of the car, how much the wheels are to the left and right.
  • Thrust angle: This looks at where the rear axle is positioned in relation to the front axle and vehicle’s center.
  • Ride height: The clearance between the ground and the bottom of the vehicle.

How does the four-wheel and front-end alignment process differ?

The concept for two-wheel and four-wheel alignments is the same.

However, the adjusters are different on every single car. That’s the biggest difference. Some cars have rear tie rod ends and there can be adjusters on the control arms themselves. Sometimes, adjustments need to be made to trailing arms. It really depends on the vehicle.

How long a tire alignment takes also varies. European vehicles can require more time due to the adjustments. Also, they usually have more splash paneling that may need to be removed.