Why does tire repair cost so much?

Question: I got a flat tire last weekend on Lake Shore Drive in the city and had to use a shop there to repair it. The cost was $40! Why was the repair so much? I remember paying $10 for a tire patch. —Deflated in Wilmette Answer: Well, years ago patching a tire was a 10-minute repair job.…

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6-point checklist to get your car ready for spring!  

The winter season is finally behind us! However, the harsh cold and wintry mix from “Old Man Winter” may have caused long-term effects on your car. Frigid temperatures, potholes, road salt and more can to do a number on your vehicle. Some of the casualties caused by wintry conditions are wheels knocked out of alignment or damaged shocks, struts and other suspension-system parts.

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Go green to save money, help the Earth

Green car care

When you think about taking care of the environment, cars and trucks probably don’t jump to the top of your “green” list. But there are a variety of ways that drivers can get on the green bandwagon. Getting your car serviced regularly is one of the most important things you can do to minimize emissions…

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Preventive maintenance is key to saving money on car repairs

Spending several hundred dollars every year on vehicles that seem to be running just fine doesn’t sound like a good idea on the surface, but maintaining your car or truck has a big impact on your bottom line. Not only does regular auto repair prevent bigger, costlier repairs, but it preventive maintenance also helps prolong…

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Tire rotations help your tires last longer, which saves you money!

Question: I get my car’s oil changed regularly, but is it worth the time and money to get my tires rotated? Does it even make any difference? Answer: The short answer to these questions is “yes” and “yes.” Getting your tires rotated is definitely worth the time and money, and it makes a big difference on…

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Get your vehicle in shape for summer road trips!

It’s May, which means Memorial Day is right around the corner. Memorial Day means cookouts and parades, and it also means the beginning of summer road trip season. After a long winter, your vehicle needs some TLC before heading out. Here are some suggestions for getting your car road worthy and ready for a long…

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Hong Kong Auto Service is your place for new tires

Question: When I need tires, shouldn’t I look for a place like Pep Boys, Sears, Sam’s Club that offers me the best deal? After all, tires are tires, aren’t they? Answer: Actually, there’s a lot more to it than mounting any old tire on your car. And we have examples to prove it. But first,…

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7 tips for saving money at the pump

Gas prices in the Chicago area were at a record high at the beginning of March—$3.92 for a gallon of regular unleaded. Even though they dipped briefly, they are back on the rise. In fact, AAA predicts that Chicago-area drivers could once again be paying the highest prices in the country by late spring. To…

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