West Side Tire and Service Supports the Mahoning Valley Rescue Mission

West Side Tire & Service is proud to announce that they have teamed up with the Mahoning Valley Rescue Mission to offer support to those Valley residents in need.  The goal of the Rescue Mission of Mahoning Valley is to serve and glorify God through Christ-centered outreach of love and compassion that responds to the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of disadvantaged men, women and children without regard to race, color or creed.

West Side Tire & Service became very success while remaining true to the original mission of providing high quality parts and service at fair and honest prices.  “We have been very blessed to continue servicing the vehicles of Valley residents,” said Rich Rogenski.  “Our goal at West Side Tire is also to give back to the community that has given us so much over the past 35 years,” he added.

Over the past few weeks, West Side Tire placed donations barrels at each of their three locations in Youngstown, Austintown and Niles.  To encourage customers to make donations and fill up those barrels, they offered customers discounts off their services for items donated. “Our employees really stepped up to the plate to help us give back to the Rescue Mission,” said Rogenski.  “It’s their dedication and the commitment of the residents of the Valley to help out those in need that helped make our efforts a true success as we filled nearly five barrels of gently worn clothing and non-perishable food items.”

What to do when the check engine light comes on

Dealing with a check engine light on your vehicle’s dashboard can be frustrating. While the little light is meant to warn you of a problem – what the problem exactly is can be a mystery. Somewhere inside your vehicle, something happened to trigger the light.

Although you'll probably have to take your car to the shop to get the exact answer, there are a few things you can do immediately after seeing the light turn on for the first time.

West Side Tire & Service Niles Location

Get it checked out - If the check engine light turns on and you start noticing problems with your vehicle's performance, take it to an auto service shop right away. In some cases, a yellow check engine light may indicate that a problem exists, but it's not very urgent. Other times, a red check engine light or a blinking check engine light may occur. In those cases, the problem most likely requires immediate attention.

Check your gas cap - A missing or faulty gas cap can cause a check engine light to turn on. If the gas cap is missing or not secured properly, the pressure inside your gas tank is thrown off-kilter. To your car's on-board diagnostic system, or OBD system, a change in pressure could indicate a leak in the emissions system, so the light is triggered to alert you to the problem. Replace the missing cap or tighten the existing one to see if the problem goes away. Give it at least a week.

Check the code - Inexpensive code readers are available in auto parts stores. If you are the do-it-yourself type, it may be worth it to invest in one. At the same time that your car's check engine light is triggered, a code is stored in the memory of its computer. With a code reader, you can pull the code to find out the precise cause of the problem.

Be wary of DIY workarounds - Check engine lights should be taken seriously. Sometimes, people just want them to go away. One popular method is to run out a car's battery, which forces all of the current to be drained from the capacitor. Doing this also wipes away the data that's stored in your car's computer, which will make it more difficult to diagnose the problem later.

Check under the hood - Open the hood and look for leaking hoses and frayed wires. Take an especially close look at the spark plug wires. If they are cracked or otherwise showing signs of serious wear and tear, your spark plugs may be misfiring. A simple fix is to replace the old wires.

If you're unable to solve your check engine light problem on your own, don't let it slide. Something triggered it, and ignoring the issue is sure to result in an even costlier repair. At the auto repair shop, a mechanic will use a diagnostic computer or an electronic scan tool to pull the code that caused the light to come on in the first place. The repair shop’s diagnostic may discover issues with one of the following components:

Mass airflow sensor  - The mass airflow sensor, or MAF sensor, calculates the amount of air that's coming into the engine so that the computer can add the right amount of fuel. A faulty MAF sensor could trigger the check engine light. It can also cause a car to experience impaired gas mileage, increased emissions or frequent stalling. This problem can be avoided by changing the air filter in a timely manner.

Oxygen sensor - There are two to four oxygen sensors in the typical vehicle. The oxygen sensor analyzes the amount of oxygen in a vehicle's exhaust to determine how much fuel has been burned. When it malfunctions, a car's gas mileage can be seriously compromised. Emissions usually increase too. If you wait and ignore the light though, it could devolve into a problem with the catalytic converter.

Catalytic converter - This component converts carbon monoxide and other compounds into compounds that are safe for the environment. If it stops functioning properly, your gas mileage will suffer and your car may accelerate more and more slowly.

Spark plugs or wires - If you get a check engine light along with slight jolts while accelerating, the spark plugs could be to blame. This is a quick, easy and inexpensive fix. To avoid the problem, spark plugs on older cars should be replaced every 25,000 to 35,000 miles. Spark plugs on newer cars should be replaced roughly every 100,000 miles.

Although it's natural to look at a check engine light with dread, remember that it's there for a reason. Visit westsidetireservice.com to schedule your appointment today!

Originally posted on askpatty.com.

West Side Tire and Service: Valley Strong for 35 Years

West Side Tire & Service is excited to announce they are gearing up to celebrate 35 years servicing the Mahoning Valley.  From their humble beginnings as a two bay shop to three locations serving multiple generations of families, their strong dedication to quality parts and service with affordable, honest prices has and will always be their family’s commitment to yours.

West SideTire & Service became very success while remaining true to the original mission of providing high quality parts and service at fair and honest prices.  “Car repairs are intimidating,” said Dick Rogenski, one of the founding brothers. “Our goal at West Side Tire is to walk our customers through the process making sure they understand and are comfortable with the necessary repairs and most importantly, the price,” he added.

In the past 35 years, more than just the company’s locations have grown, so have the services they offer to their loyal customer base.  Their ASE certified technicians provide the expertise to get the job done right, the first time.  From tires and preventative maintenance to shocks, struts, brakes and advanced engine diagnostics, the evolution of their offerings continues to expand with their experienced staff.  “Our employees are our true assets,” said Rich Rogenski, son of Dick and second generation West Side Tire employee.  “It’s their skills, expertise and desire to never stop learning that drives our business to be so successful.”

West Side Tire has become known for servicing generations of Valley residents.  “Our family have been residents of Youngstown, OH all our lives and for over 20 years, we have had all of our vehicles serviced by the professionals at West Side Tire and Service,” said Bob Barth.  “Their business is built on honesty, integrity and good old mechanical know how. Their prices are fair, the work is second to none and the follow-up and service reminders are just another example of their dedication to their customers and the community.” he added.

As West Side Tire & Service prepares to celebrate 35 years Mahoning Valley Proud, the staff of dedicated employees will continue to looks for innovative ways to serve their loyal customer base and a new generation of locals for the next 35 years.

For more information contact WEST SIDE TIRE AND SERVICE at 330-799-4894  or www.westsidetireservice.com.

Old Man Winter is in the Rearview Mirror

According to an article written by Bob Hart of autoweek.com, if you live in a place where snow falls and you fit your ride with snow tires, now's the time to switch back. We highly recommend snow tires and sometimes refer to all-season tires--those with the M+S markings on the sidewalls--as "no-season tires." They are a compromise, for sure, and do serve their purpose for much of the country. But if snow where you live is measured in feet, then snow tires are the better option.

As spring approaches, change to summer tires--or all-seasons--being sure to fill them to the manufacturer's recommended pressure.

Now, let's look under the hood. Yes, you will have to open the hood. Go ahead, do it; it's not going to bite you. Reach under the dash on the left-hand side, and pull that lever way down under there. Then release the secondary catch at the front of the hood, and raise the big piece of sheet steel that covers the engine.

You might want to refer to your owner's manual. It will tell you where the various fluid bottles are. Each bottle usually has a dipstick or a fill line. These should all be tended to when you take your car in for service, but you can keep an eye on them in between, too. If your winters are anything like ours in Detroit, you will use a lot of windshield-washer fluid. It's important to see clearly through the windshield, so check this one regularly.

Check the belts and hoses while you're under the hood, too. Pull on the belts, and if they feel loose, it would be wise to have them checked at your service shop or dealership. When the engine is warm, not hot, a gentle squeeze of the radiator hoses can give you an indication of whether a hose might need replacing. Obviously, if there's a leak somewhere or you smell coolant, you should have the cooling system checked out. An overly soft hose is a sign that you should replace it.

Also check the windshield-wiper blades. Snow and ice are hard on blades, and it's a good idea to swap them out before the spring and summer rainstorms. Most cars have specific-sized blades, so be sure to get the correct ones for your car. One-size-fits-all is not a good thing when it comes to wiper blades.

Taking a few minutes to bring your vehicle to your closest West Side Tire & Service location can keep you on the road all spring long.  Visit westsidetireservice.com for more information. 

West Side Tire & Service Joins with AskPatty.com to Offer Services Designed with Women in Mind

We are proud to announce we are ready to address the needs of women consumers, as part of the growing network of AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly® locations in North America.  Team members here at West Side Tire & Service have completed training and certification processes to provide Certified Female Friendly experience that exceeds women’s expectations.

In conjunction with AskPatty.com, we have launched a female-focused micro-site that provides the tools and resources most requested by women when seeking information about car and truck repairs. The micro-site gives women the ability to schedule service appointments, access coupons and discounts, and learn more about car care online from the comfort of their home or office. The micro-site is easily accessed by searching on AskPatty.com, or by going directly to their site.

Visit the West Side Tire & Service AskPatty.com micro-site at

http://femalefriendlydealer.askpatty.com/?d=West_Side_Tire_Service

or on our website:  westsidetireservice.com.

To become AskPatty.com Certified Female Friendly, our experienced staff completed an extensive training program on how to best serve women.  Furthermore, all of our employees at all our West Side Tire & Service locations across the Mahoning Valley will participate in year-round instruction to enhance their awareness, appreciation and commitment to a female-friendly service experience.

"Women influence 85 percent of the buying decisions in North American households, effectively becoming the family's chief purchasing officer," says Jody DeVere, CEO of AskPatty.com, Inc."  AskPatty trains and certifies automotive businesses on how to communicate more effectively with women and ensure they feel safe, respected and empowered, which creates tremendous customer loyalty. West Side Tire & Service's commitment to women shows that management is serious about earning their business."

For more information about our commitment to being AskPatty.com certified, visit us at westsidetireservice.com or call us at (330) 799-4894.

Thanksgiving Day: We Set a Place for Gratitude

Today is a special day to give thanks for all the people and blessings that we experience throughout the year.  At West Side Tire and Service, we too, are taking the time to reflect and to look back on the events of the past year. 

We celebrate the challenges, the opportunities and the many successes that we have experienced as a company this year.  We are humbled by and grateful for the rewarding collaborations with our fellow team members, who have helped us achieve so much. 

As you gather around your holiday tables to take time to reflect and appreciate all you have to be thankful for, a special Happy Thanksgiving wish, from the West Side Tire family to yours!!

West Side Tire Provides Automobile Service for Busy Women

Today, more and more women are living at a hectic pace. Many work full-time, they take their kids to daycare and after-school activities and more than ever they are responsible for the care of the household’s vehicle maintenance and repairs.  While car care has traditionally been considered a responsibility of the man of the house, much like taking out the trash and cutting the grass, research by the Car Care Council shows that women represent 60 percent of automotive service customers in North America.

To help keep these busy women on the go, we encourage them to visit their closest West Side Tire and Service location in Youngstown, Austintown or Niles to help ensure that their vehicle is up to date on its maintenance needs. Our maintenance inspections can point out items needing service or repair that can help a vehicle run better, last longer, retain its value and provide optimal safety and security.

We have the expertise, knowledge and technology to make sure your vehicle is properly cared for with maintenance that can help reduce problems down the road.  Here are just a few safety and maintenance tips we recommend our customers have checked quarterly to keep their vehicles running at peak condition year-round.

In addition to performing a visual inspection of your tires, let us inspect these key items to help keep you safe on the road:

Batteries: A weak or dead battery can leave you stranded during some of the coldest times of the year.

Headlamps: Properly aimed headlamps are a must for optimizing your visibility - both your seeing and you being seen.

Brakes: Our expert inspection can determine whether your brakes are functioning properly providing full stopping capability.

Windshield wipers: Old or worn windshield wipers can lead to poor visibility in adverse weather conditions.

Oil: Change your oil and filter at intervals recommended in your owner's manual to minimize engine wear and reduce the possibility of internal damage.

Belts and hoses: A broken belt or ruptured hose can cause costly engine damage and travel delays.

Fluid levels: Improper fluid levels - including coolant, oil, power steering, transmission, brake fluid and even washer solvent - can negatively affect vehicle durability, performance and safety.

At West Side Tire and Service, we understand the intense time pressure today's women are under and we are committed to providing them the highest quality service and maintenance they can trust.  As a family-owned and operated business, we know the importance of maintaining a service relationship built on quality craftsmanship and fair prices to keep you and your family safe and on the road.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit westsidetireservice.com.