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Pressure Points: Tire Pressure Matters. What to Know About Maintaining the Right Tire Pressure

Posted by: Alatheia Bowling on Friday, July 29, 2011

How often do you check your tire pressure? If you’re like the majority of drivers, it’s not nearly often enough. And that’s a problem because tires are one of your car’s most important safety devices—right after the brakes. So why is either too much or too little pressure a bad thing.

  • Too much pressure reduces the footprint of the tire. This means that less of the tire hits the road while driving, which creates more bouncing and less traction, and can seriously impact stopping distances.

  • Too little pressure means more of your tire touches the pavement, and that increases friction and uneven wearing. It also increases the chances of overheating and tread separation—both of which can lead to reduced control in braking and cornering.

    Always check your owner’s manual or the sticker on the door jam of the car for the recommended tire pressure: Don’t go by what’s marked on your tires. That number is the maximum allowable air pressure—and it can be a lot higher than what’s actually right for your vehicle.

    Some tips on maintaining tire pressure:

  • Check pressure once a month, or seasonally at the very least.

  • Always take a “cold” measurement. That means check tires after they’ve been sitting for a few hours. A “hot” reading after you’ve been driving is usually less accurate.

  • Don’t go by looks. Your tires could be over or under inflated by a good ten pounds and still look normal to the eye.

  • If you’re heading out on a long road trip, check the tire pressure in all tires, including your spare before you leave, just to play it safe.

    • Be particularly mindful of your tires in the winter. Tires can lose up to one pound of pressure per square inch every time the temperature drops 10 degrees.

    • If possible, use a digital gauge to check the pressure. Other types tend to be less accurate.

      Regularly checking your tire pressure can help increase your car’s safety and performance—and help you get the maximum amount of mileage out of your tires. Isn’t it worth taking the five minutes to check? 

Low Profile Tires Are High on Performance and Appearance

Posted by: Alatheia Bowling on Friday, June 24, 2011

They’re one of the hottest trends in the automotive industry. Low profile tires are being fit on everything from sports coupes to family sedans, and tire makers are planning to introduce even more sizes this year. With choices mounting, the question still remains: Are they right for you?

Inspired by motor sports, low profile tires are high on two things—performance and appearance. Lower deck heights both give the tires a racecar look, and also make them better at handling corners. Fewer grooves and smaller void areas between the treads are what make them effective as performance tires. Combined, these features deliver:

  •  Greater lateral stability

  •  Improved tread wear

  • Reduced weight

  • Lower cost (generally)

    On the flip side, these same features can make low profiles less than ideal when handling in the snow. Additionally, they:

  • Rotate faster than standard tires—which can negatively impact fuel economy if the drive train isn’t modified to account for the RPM change.

  • Are more susceptible to sidewall damage, and take a major beating when driving over potholes.

    Before switching to low profiles, check your owner’s manual to find out:

  • Your vehicle’s recommended tire size.

  • The recommended tire inflation pressure.

  • The maximum weight your car’s axle systems are designed to carry.

  • The tire load capacity and handling characteristics of your vehicle.

    These factors all influence the type of tire that should be on your car. A final note: If you do opt for low profiles, remember not to mix with standard tires. Change out all four tires or none at all. 

Drive Smarter- Gas Saving Tips

Posted by: Alatheia Bowling on Friday, May 06, 2011
  1. Avoid idling. While idling, your car gets exactly 0 mile per gallon while starting the car uses the same amount as idling for 6 seconds. Park your car and go into the restaurant rather than idling in the drive-through. Idling with the air conditioning on also uses extra fuel. Also, avoid going so fast that you have to brake for someone. Whenever you brake, you waste the gas it took to get going that fast.

A Grand Idea..

Posted by: Alatheia Bowling on Thursday, February 03, 2011


It’s a simple philosophy: when customers come first, they come back. At Grand Prix Performance, we consider our customers to be an extended part of the family. Providing superior service is our specialty, but our real passion is people.


From economy cars to luxury vehicles, we know what matters most is the people who ride in them every day, which is why we’re honored that you entrust us with servicing your vehicle—it’s a responsibility that we hold dear.


Our founder Jerry says it best, “We take care of people; they appreciate it; they come back.” Let us take care of your automotive needs and prove that Grand Prix Performance is the best place in Costa Mesa to be a customer.


Take Care of Your Car’s Tires, They Depend on You!

Posted by: Alatheia Bowling on Thursday, February 03, 2011

If you put just a little bit of time and energy into caring for your tires, they can keep you safe, save you money and make driving smoother.  If you don’t take care of your tires, you could be at risk for problems to occur.

Rotating your tires

-Makes them wear evenly since front and rear tires react to the road differently

-Have us check the balance and alignment 

-We will give you a clean bill of health or recommend adjustments

Check your tire pressure

-Proper tire pressure requirements are shown on the side wall of your tires

-Best thing to do is bring your car in for a tire check-up and inflation

Road hazards

-In a busy place like Orange County, debris in the road can damage your tires

-Drive carefully and avoid objects on the road

-If you hit something, have your tires checked for damage

-Chunks of tread, damaged tread or sidewalls can suddenly blow out the tire if you do not take -proper care of them

Don’t ever plug your tires

-You would be amazed at how many people think a $20 plug keeps them safe

-High-speed, freeway driving is a plug’s worst enemy.  We recommend getting a new tire -instead of a plug.

-Never get a tire plug in a sidewall.

When to replace your tires

-Most states have a tread depth minimum for getting your car inspected

-Since 1968, Federal law has required a built-in 2/32 inch bar to show you the minimum

-The time it takes to stop on a wet road can double when your tires have this minimum tread depth

-Consumer report recommends 4/32 inch

Take Care of Your Car Tires.

Posted by: Alatheia Bowling on Thursday, January 27, 2011
  • 1

    Keep your tires rotated routinely. Rotating your tires can have many benefits, including good gas mileage and improved overall performance of your car. You can improve the life of your tires by getting them rotated. Not rotating your tires can wear the tread unevenly, and you could be in our shop sooner than expected, not that we don't love to see you... It is recommended that you rotate your tires at least every 5,000 miles or so.  We offer free rotation to our customers!

  • 2

    Avoid traveling back roads and dirt roads unless you really have to. This often leads to tire puncture and expedited tire wear. If you have to travel a back or dirt road often, it is recommended that you get a better tire for your travel or keep your tires rotated frequently in order to even out the wear of such travel. Off-road travel and mud riding should be avoided; this activity is harsh on tires.

  • 3

    Maintain the required tire pressure. Maintaining your recommended tire pressure can really improve your gas mileage and maintain overall vehicle performance. Not maintaining recommended tire pressure can lead to poor tire wear and may possibly cause a blow-out, especially with tires that have experienced excessive wear.

  • 4

    Consult your owner's manual about recommended tire pressure, and ask us to check your tire pressure when you get your oil changed. 

  • 5

    Follow the recommendations on tire inflation for your car, which you'll find in your owner's manual, on the inside of the driver's door or on the glove-compartment lid. (Never fill the tire to the maximum inflation rate listed on the tire itself.)



  • How to Check the Oil...

    Posted by: Alatheia Bowling on Friday, December 03, 2010

    Place your car at the level spot. Stop the engine. Wait for a while to let the engine oil to pour down to the oil pan. Pull the engine oil dipstick. If you don't know where is the engine oil dipstick, check your owner's manual, usually it has a bright handle saying "engine oil".

    Wipe it off with a clean rag or tissue. Then insert it back all the way down into its place.

    Now, pull the dipstick again and check the oil level. Normally it should be at "FULL" mark. For example, here you can see that it's a bit lower. It's not a big problem yet, but it's better to top it up. Check the oil condition: If it's way too black, it's definitely time to change it. If it's slightly-brown, it's O.K. If it's dark-brown, but still transparent, it's admissible but it's better to change it soon. 
    If it's white (coffee with milk color) it means the engine coolant mixes with the engine oil because of some internal engine problem, for example, blown head gasket - have your car inspected.

    How to top up the engine oil: 
    It would be better to add the same type and brand of the engine oil as you already have in the engine. Add a little amount of the oil as it's shown in the image. Wait for a minute to let the oil to pour down. Check the oil level again with the dipstick. If it's still low, add some more. But don't overfill it. Don't forget to install the dipstick back and close the oil filler cap when you finished.

    Holiday driving tips to help hit the road!

    Posted by: Alatheia Bowling on Wednesday, November 24, 2010



    Despite all the worry and debate about flying this Thanksgiving weekend, just a sliver of the projected 42.2 million travelers will be going by airplane.


    AAA estimates that 94 percent of the people going at least 50 miles between Wednesday and Sunday will be on the roads.

    Drivers can expect traffic to be worse this year, too -- the group predicts an 11.4 percent increase from 2009.

    Before starting the journey, drivers should do some car maintenance and check on laws that might change the way they drive, AAA says. Here are some tips to help you hit the road!

    Before you go, check your tires, wiper blades and battery AAA suggests giving yourself a week to check tire pressure and tread depth, to replace wiper blades, to fill the windshield washer reservoir and to test the battery. Even if you're already behind on your to-do list, now is the time to take care of it. Don't leave home without an oil change or brake check, too, if you've been putting those off.

    Make an emergency road kit According to AAA, a winter emergency kit should include an ice scraper and snow brush; sand, cat litter or traction mats; a small shovel; gloves, hats and blankets; flashlights with fresh batteries; shop rags or paper towels; jumper cables; warning flares or triangles; drinking water; non-perishable snack bars; warm clothes; first aid kit; basic hand tools; mobile phones and car chargers with important numbers preprogrammed.

    Check the weather Know what kind of conditions you might be driving through, not just the weather at your home and your destination. In Minnesota, snow and ice are getting heavier; in Seattle, Washington, there's a rare snowfall.

    Brush up on your winter driving technique Increase your regular following distance. Rather than three to four seconds, make it eight to 10. Avoid skids by applying the gas slowly to accelerate. Above all, said AAA National spokesman Troy Green, be patient and don't let yourself get distracted. See more winter driving tips from AAA.

    Know where to use your cell phone Thirty states and the District of Columbia have recently banned texting while driving. Some cities and states now have laws against distracted driving or using hand-held cell phones at all while driving. But AAA warns that even if it's legal, it's risky to use any cell phone, even a hands-free device, while driving. Check out AAA's list of distracted driving laws.

    Keep the kids busy Use books, games, DVDs -- whatever will keep the kids comfortable and stop them from distracting the driver. Remember, they will need snacks, and will need to make stops, so be prepared to spend more time on the road if you're traveling with children.

    Take a break every two hours or 100 miles Adults need to stop, too. Breaking up the drive periodically will keep you more alert while you're on the road, Green said, which will help you arrive for Thanksgiving dinner in one piece.


    Winter Driving|| Keep Your Gas Tank Full

    Posted by: Alatheia Bowling on Friday, October 15, 2010



    In the summer, you can take a chance and run down to fumes. But in the winter, if you do get stuck or stranded, the engine will be your only source of heat. And you don't want to have to worry about conserving fuel and saving the planet right at that moment...you want to stay warm. You can run the engine indefinitely at idle to stay warm-or as long as you have gas. No harm will be done to the engine.


    By the way, if you have an old jalopy, we suggest you crack open the window a bit if you are going to be idling the engine. Old jalopies are more likely to suffer from exhaust leaks and rust holes. This may not be a problem while you're driving because the wind is removing the exhaust as you move forward; but if you're sitting for a long time while carbon monoxide is slowly leaking into the passenger compartment, well, we could lose you...

    Finally, if you are pulled over and stopped in the midst of a humungous snowstorm, be sure to get out periodically and remove snow from behind the tailpipe to keep it unobstructed.

    Winter Driving Tips|| Keep Washer Fluid Full

    Posted by: Alatheia Bowling on Friday, October 08, 2010


    On a snowy or messy day, you can easily go through half a gallon or more of windshield washer fluid trying to keep your windshield clear. For that reason, it's also a good idea to keep some extra fluid in the trunk in case you run out. And make sure you get the good stuff - stay away from the already-half-frozen stuff outside your local gas station! Even though it may say "Good to Minus 30," some of these cheap fluids freeze around zero degrees! Even if you buy the good stuff, if you live in a very cold area, you also may need to supplement your windshield washer fluid with some concentrate. The concentrate is available in one-pint bottles and works very well at extremely low temperatures.

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