Monday, January 7, 2013

Today's Monday Maintenance Tip will help you with one of the most important ways you can save money and increase safety on the road.

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Monday Maintenance Tip: Rotating Your Tires

What is this?

We know that all tires rotate. But we're talking about another kind of rotation -- rotating tires to different corners of the car and maybe even reversing the direction in which they turn.

Many tires are rotated front-to-back and side-to-side, but some tires are directional, which means they're only supposed to turn in one direction. They have to stay on the same side of the car. Directional tires often have arrows on the tire's sidewall to show you the direction in which they should turn.

If you're not sure which kind of tires you have, check with your mechanic.

Should I do this service when it's recommended?

You should do this service only if you can do it for $20 or less, in our opinion.

The financial benefit of rotating tires is that you'll increase the useful life of the tire. But if you pay more than about $20, you'll probably wipe out any savings you might have gained.

Instead, ask your mechanic to rotate your tires when they're already off your car for another service, such as a brake repair. That way, you won't have to pay extra -- unless your mechanic is a jerk.

Why do I have to do this?

You don't have to rotate your tires. But by rotating them, you will increase your tires' life because they'll wear more evenly.

What happens if I don't do this?

Nothing bad will happen, but you'll get fewer miles out of your tires.

Is there any maintenance required between intervals?

No.

Car Talk Tip: Don't forget Newton's Seventh Law: Tires in balance tend to stay in balance. If you're having your tires rotated, don't pay extra to have them rebalanced. You probably won't need it. Have your tires rebalanced only if you feel a shimmy or vibration.

Courtesy: CarTalk.com

Could we possibly be seeing the return of the S2000? Find out about Honda's announcement at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon!

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Honda's slate for Tokyo Auto Salon includes S2000 revival, many Mugens

Honda has pulled back the covers on what we can expect to see at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon, including what looks to be an S2000 refresh some four years after the convertible left production. The S2000 Modulo Climax is an "exhibition model" based on the old roadster, but features updated front and rear fascias as well as an interior trimmed out in black and burgundy. Beyond that, details are scarce as hen's teeth.

Honda will also show off a number of vehicles based on the N-One mini, including the N-One Modulo Style, Mugen Racing N-One Concept and an N-One worked up by the Japan Nailist Association. That last creation features plenty of rhinestone decoration. (We wish we were joking.) Mugen will also display a tarted-up CR-V Design Study as well as the CR-Z Mugen RZ: a 300-unit specialty vehicle.

Meanwhile, the manufacturer's motorcycle arm will show off the Goldwing F6B, previously seen at EICMA 2012 as well as the CB1300 Super Four Special Edition and the NC700X. The automaker will also pepper its stand with a few of its racing machines for the public to enjoy.

Source: Autoblog.com