What it Means When Shaking Occurs  Unfortunately, it’s rarely a good sign if your car is shaking, whether it’s idling at a stoplight or roaring down a highway. It can be difficult to diagnose what’s going on with a car from one symptom alone. Highland Tire can help you pinpoint what’s causing this unsettling problem so you can get it taken care of as soon as possible.   When Starting Your Car  If your car shakes when you start it up, the most likely culprit is either worn out spark plugs or a dirty engine filter. Old spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire, and a dirty filte ..read more

Driving in winter means battling with the elements. Whether it’s accounting for the time it will take to chip ice off your windshield or worrying about what kind of rust your car is getting from all the salt on the road, there are a lot of concerning factors involved. One thing we don’t want you to stress about is braking safely in snowy and icy conditions. We’ve got tips to keep your tires in tip top shape and keep you putting on the brakes with caution and peace of mind   How Cold Weather Affects Your Tires  A drop in temperature can affect your tires in a variety of ways. Cold wea ..read more

Being prepared for tire issues is a good idea in any driving situation. Roadside assistance and tow truck services can be costly or just too far away to resolve the situation quickly. It’s smart to keep a travel tool kit on hand in the event that you need to handle a tire issue yourself.   List of Tools for Your Kit  First thing’s first, keep a list of your kit components. That way you can check it before putting your kit away – you don’t want to accidentally leave your wrench on the side of the road.   Flashlight  A flashlight is a good idea for a variety of reasons. Asid ..read more

Gas prices around the world are at an all-time high, and drivers are feeling the pinch at the pump. What can we do to conserve fuel and save some money? Drive less, ride a bike, take public transportation? Short of buying an electric vehicle, there are habits you can implement that can reduce your fuel consumption with noticeable results.    The constant need to fill your tanks is one of the most expensive parts of maintaining your vehicle. Research has shown that your vehicle can preserve up to 30% of its fuel with proper car maintenance and attention to your driving style. We’ve co ..read more

What are Studded Snow Tires?  Studded tires are just what they sound like – tires with metal studs embedded in them. These studs look small, but they give your vehicle a lot of traction in snowy and slippery conditions. Some tires come with studs already on them, while others come with stud holes to allow you to apply and remove them yourself. Comparison of Snow Tires  Studdless and studded snow tires each bring something different to the table in terms of driving in winter weather. You should weigh both options based on what road conditions you might commonly encounter.   Stud ..read more

Mud Tires, or Mud-Terrain Tires, are tires engineered specifically for tough and muddy terrain. Between the complex tread pattern and large tread blocks, the tire has the ability to throw off mud and debris instead of it caking into the tires. This allows your vehicle to navigate slippery and rocky terrains with ease.    These tires are designed for durability. Their composition makes them cut and puncture resistant and thicker sidewalls allow for airing down, which greatly improves your vehicle’s ability to tow and haul.  How Good on the Road Are Mud-Terrain Tires? With increa ..read more

With so many fuel options available at gas stations, how do you know which one to choose? Your vehicle needs fuel that is injected into the engine's cylinders to propel your vehicle. The combustion engine relies on air, fuel, and ignition to operate. If one of these elements is missing, your engine will likely not run at all. Every car must use proper fuel that is suitable with its engine specification. If the fuel you put in your vehicle is incorrect, it may not run, and if you have a gasoline engine, you may require a specific fuel grade for your engine to run properly.    There ar ..read more

When your car battery dies, a jump-start might be the solution to get you back on the road again. Don't wait until you are in a position where your car won't start to figure out what you need to do. It is essential for all drivers to know how to jump-start a car. If the proper steps are not taken, you may do more harm than good to the vehicle.    Car batteries are rechargeable and can last up to three to four years. When your battery is dead and recharging is possible, you need another car to jump your battery and the cables are required to connect them. Always keep a pair of jumper ..read more

Dry rot is when the structural integrity of the tire’s material begins to break down. This can appear as visible cracking in the treads or on the sidewalls of the tire. Concerned you might have this problem on your hands? Don’t worry, we’ll break down how to identify and prevent this problem.   Dry rot can have the appearance of cracks, but it can also change the texture of the tire. In this case, tires can feel hard and brittle to the touch. The tire could even begin to flake. Another sign to watch out for is general discoloration, such as spots on your tire that look more gray than bla ..read more

You’re about to get in your car to head to work when you notice an unsettling lump protruding from your tire. No, it’s not a critter setting up home in there. You most likely have a bubble in your tire. While tire bubbles aren’t uncommon, that doesn’t mean they don’t pose a hazard to driving your car safely. What causes Bubbles in Tires? Tires are made up of several layers. The innermost layer, while still a strong material, is not as reinforced as the outer layers. This leaves it prone to taking damage from things that wouldn’t disrupt the strongest outer layers. When the inner layer becomes ..read more