Easy on the Wheel (Power Steering)
February 2, 2025
Steering a vehicle these days doesn't take much effort, but if you got behind the wheel back before power steering was invented, you'd need to practically have the strength of Hercules to turn the wheel. The first power steering systems widely available changed everything. Chrysler introduced... More
Oil Times are a-Changin' (Oil Change Synthetic)
January 26, 2025
When it comes to oil changes, things are really changing. Most newer vehicles require synthetic oil, and while it costs more than conventional oil, it doesn't need to be changed as often. When conventional oil was the only game in town, you changed your oil every 3,000 miles/5,000 km. But as tec... More
Need a New Battery? Call Tuffy Amherst Today
January 19, 2025
Hello Amherst drivers! Need a new battery? There is a good chance that you do 70% of batteries need to be replaced within four years. As your battery discharges and then recharges as you drive around Amherst, bits of the surface of the battery plates disintegrate. As this process continues over... More
'Tis the Season (Tires)
January 12, 2025
We all know about winter tires. But did you know there is such a thing as summer tires? Most people have all-season tires on their vehicles. They work pretty well in a variety of weather conditions. But if you want better handling and performance, you might consider switching to summer tires. ... More
Take Charge! (Battery Testing)
January 5, 2025
OK, so you probably take your vehicle's battery for granted. Turn the key or push a button and it starts right up. During times of warmer weather, you probably think your battery can take it easy. But it may surprise you to learn that hot weather can be much harder on a vehicle's battery than ... More
U and your U-Joints (Lubricate U-Joints)
December 29, 2024
If your vehicles power goes to the rear wheels, then you have something called U-joints in the drivetrain. U-joints are connectors that allow the rotating power from your vehicles engine to deliver its power through a driveshaft to make the rear wheels rotate. You need U-joints because the surfa... More
Not-So-Common Sense (Sensor Failures)
December 22, 2024
So your vehicle won't start. What's the first thing that comes to mind? Battery dead? Starter motor worn out? Out of gas? Well, those are all reasons that make sense. But your vehicle may be refusing to start because one of its computers is being warned that to do so might damage it. Here's ... More
The Right Oil for the Season (Engine Oil Viscosity)
December 15, 2024
As the temperatures plunge, certain types of engine oil may not flow as easily as they did when it was warmer. Makes sense, doesn't it? Just like molasses gets thicker as the temperature goes down, engine oil does the same thing. So, maybe you're wondering if you have to change your oil as the s... More
Ask Tuffy Amherst About the Importance of Service Intervals
December 8, 2024
Today in our Tuffy Amherst blog, we're going to talk about following recommended service intervals. Your vehicle isn't the only aspect of your life with recommended intervals: What about six-month dental cleanings and regular physical exams? Then there's laundry, mowing the lawn, paying your ele... More
When Your Air Bag Light Comes On (Illuminated Air Bag Light)
December 1, 2024
There are some dashboard lights you should pay more attention to than others. One is the air bag light. If it's on and your vehicle is in an accident, your air bags probably won't do their job. Automakers began installing air bags in the late 1990's since they were mandatory in the United State... More