Thom's Four Wheel Drive

Hybrid and electric cars aren't for everyone. For one, it's expensive, and not everyone is ready or even able to switch over to battery power. Luckily, you don't need the latest Tesla to cut down on your car's carbon footprint. Here are nine proven ways to make your car more eco-friendly, regardless of make, model, or year. Fill Under-inflated Tires When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? Under-inflated tires don't roll as efficiently as fully inflated ones, so your engine has to work harder to get them moving. That mean ... read more

If you could pick a late-night television celebrity to work on your car, there is a good chance his first name would be Jimmy. In a survey of more than 20,000 vehicle owners across the country, the results show that Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon top the list, says the non-profit Car Care Council. “April is National Car Care Month and with trust being a strong determining factor in choosing care maintenance and repair professionals, we thought it would be fun to ask vehicle owners which late-night TV host they would trust most work on their cars,” said Rich White, executive directo ... read more

Spring is here and its arrival means warmer weather, more hours of daylight and spring break travel. Making sure your headlights are in proper working order should be a top priority before hitting the road this spring, says the Car Care Council. “Many motorists think to check their vehicle’s lights in fall or winter when the days are shorter, but checking lighting before the spring and summer driving season is just as important,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “Better weather and longer days mean more driving and longer trips, often after dark ... read more

Spring is here and its arrival means warmer weather, more hours of daylight and spring break travel. As you set your clocks forward on March 11, and plan to check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, take a few steps to make sure your vehicle is safe and road-trip ready, says the non-profit Car Care Council. Check that all interior and exterior lighting is working properly and replace worn wiper blades so you can see clearly when driving at night and during spring showers. Check the tires, including tire pressure and tread. Underinflated tires reduce a vehicle’s fuel economy and u ... read more

Potholes have returned, and hitting one with your car can do a real number on tires, wheels, steering and suspension, and alignment. To help determine if hitting a pothole has damaged your vehicle, the Car Care Council reminds you to watch for these warning signs: Loss of control, swaying when making routine turns, bottoming out on city streets or bouncing excessively on rough roads are indicators that the steering and suspension may have been damaged. The steering and suspension are key safety-related systems. Together, they largely determine your car’s ride and handling. Key component ... read more