Aftermarket Parts for your repair or scheduled maintenance

Improving a pre-existing product invites competition resulting in greater consumer selection. With this increased range of choices, the price of the product may decrease, and the availability increases. This means when you need a part you have more options available in stock and at a lower cost. As trained professionals, OK Tire technicians are skilled at working with both OEM and aftermarket parts on all makes and models of vehicles. Ask your Service Advisor if you have questions regarding the parts used on your vehicle during your repair or maintenance work.

The Concept of Parts Unknown

The idea of parts unknown or strictly using parts provided by your vehicle’s manufacturer is not necessarily relevant to aftermarket parts. Most manufacturers either buy or produce the same parts purchased by Aftermarket Service Providers. Working with an Aftermarket Service Provider ensures that you receive the best part for your vehicle, not simply the part someone else wants to sell you.

In the event your vehicle’s TPMS is activated, an indicator light will become illuminated on your dashboard, and possibly even chime to alert your attention. When this occurs, it is vital to have your TMPS diagnosed for any possible service/maintenance.

Many factors affect the air pressure of a tire; driving conditions, weight/towing, weather, and the age of the tire/valve stem/TPMS system itself. Tires may naturally leak air throughout the year, which is why it is important to check their pressure monthly to ensure the current inflation matches the specifications of your vehicle. Improperly maintained tires and TPMS could result in some detrimental effects on your vehicle’s performance and overall safety such as; irregular tire wear, possible tire failure, reduced fuel economy and decreased handling characteristics of your vehicle.

Tires are the only point of contact your vehicle has with the road. Therefore they are a fundamental part of your vehicle’s comfort and safety systems. Properly mounted and balanced tire and wheel assemblies will ensure you receive the maximum comfort, tread life, and security that quality tires can deliver. They are much more than “round, black and hold air”; Tires are an integral part of vehicle safety!

Visit your local OK Tire Store for all your Tire & TPMS needs.

The steering and suspension systems of a vehicle are not only an essential component of the safety triangle of your wheel assembly, (namely the Tires, Brakes, and Suspension)but add considerably to the overall driving enjoyment of your vehicle.

Improvements related to increased strength and durability of elements and advances in tire design and construction have made substantial contributions to riding comfort and to safe driving in recent years.

Today, there are two basic types of steering systems:

1) Standard mechanical (reciprocating ball) steering: Standard mechanical steering uses a series of links and arms to ensure both wheels turn in the same direction at the same time. It has not changed much over the years, and its principles are quite simple

2) Rack and pinion steering. The standard mechanical steering can be either power-assisted or non-power. Rack and pinion is almost always power-assisted and combines the steering box and center link into one unit. The steering wheel, through the steering column, is directly connected to the rack except in some of the modern vehicles they are drive by wire an electrical motor is located on the rack and is sent signals from a sensor located in the steering column. Inside the steering rack is a pinion assembly that moves a toothed piston, which in turn moves the steering gear.

The essential functions of a vehicle’s suspension system:

Maintain correct vehicle ride height

• Reduce the effect of shock forces
  
• Maintain proper wheel alignment
  
• Support vehicle weight
  
• Keep the tires in contact with the road
  

However, for this to happen, all of the suspension components, both front, and rear, must be in good working condition.​

Update your vehicle with a full range of car and truck accessories available at OK Tire.
For the sporting enthusiast, OK Tire offers quality ski racks, quick-mount canopies, and hitch baskets. For the family vehicle, ask about new floor mats or DVD players. Alternatively, if you are looking to make your vehicle stand out, ask your OK Tire Specialist about grilles, light bars and diesel engine cold air kits.

The Accessory Specialists at OK Tire are passionate about their vehicles and will help you every step of the way to ensure that you get the look and functionality that best suits your needs and desires.

Favorite automotive accessories include:

• Detailing supplies
• WeatherTech® Acrylic rain deflectors
• Custom wheels
• DVD Players
• Acrylic capped ABS Hood Deflectors

Popular vehicle enhancements include:

• Diesel engine kits
• Shocks and struts
• Painted callipers
• Trailer hitches
• Tonneau covers

The function of your vehicle’s brakes is to assist you in the ability to control your vehicle by reducing speed and bring it to a complete stop, which is why your vehicle’s brake system is a critical element of you and your vehicles safety.

Braking systems operate using a hydraulic system, whereby applying pressure to the brake pedal, sends brake fluid throughout the vehicle’s brake system activating parts that come together to create friction; which then creates the stopping force required. Any weak or worn points in the brake system; hoses, seals or other hydraulic components, could result in a fluid leak and possibly a catastrophic failure of your vehicle’s brakes.

Brake fluid is specially formulated to operate in very high-pressure environments in all temperatures. Due to the constant heating and cooling of the liquid, water (or condensation) forms reducing the boiling point of the brake fluid. This build-up can cause a “mushy” feel in the brake pedal and can cause damage to other brake system components. Brake fluid requires regular flushing to remove water content and other contaminants.

To check or maintain the brake system of a vehicle, OK Tire’s certified technicians do both a visual and hands-on analysis of the brake’s systems.

Brake Maintenance Inspections include, but are not limited to:

• Examination of the overall quality and measurement of wear on all pads, rotors, drums & shoes
• Test brake fluid levels and quality
• Inspect E-brake (Emergency Brake)
• Signs of fatigue or cracks on brake lines, hoses, and Master cylinder
• Ensure there are no visible fluid leaks
  

After the technician has completed their inspection; or diagnostic, they will then determine the required maintenance/repair your vehicle needs to ensure an efficient and working brake system.

ALIGNMENT, STEERING AND SUSPENSION

A wheel alignment is an important service that returns the vehicle’s wheels back into their proper orientation. Using state of the art wheel alignment machines, the trained technicians at OK Tire will adjust the angles that enable your vehicle to drive straight. When adjusted to the specifications outlined for each vehicle, an alignment will facilitate even tire wear, reduce driver fatigue and improve overall gas mileage by reducing rolling resistance.

When a wheel alignment is performed on your vehicle, one of the first steps in the alignment process is to take the vehicle for a road test. This road test will help the service technician to identify any handling issues; such as the vehicle pulling or drifting while travelling. Next, the technician will check the inflation and wear pattern of the tires and perform an overall inspection of the suspension of the vehicle. If parts are found to worn or damaged, they will inform you of any such required repairs before proceeding.

Once all of the steering and suspension components have been properly inspected and found to be in good operating condition an experienced technician will perform an alignment inspection by using an alignment machine. While hoisted; or lifted, off the ground on the alignment ramp all-wheel measurements are monitored through individual sensors that are attached to each wheel; this information is recorded on the computer screen for the technician to view. The computer will ensure precise measurements of toe, thrust, camber and caster angles and correct as needed. Vehicle manufacturers set standards for the alignment – specified in degrees or inches, to ensure optimal performance for each particular vehicle.

The most common type of Wheel Alignment is a four-wheel alignment. This service is performed on all-wheel-drive vehicles and front-wheel drive vehicles with independent or adjustable rear suspensions. This alignment involves both axles being inspected and adjusted as needed so that all angles of all four wheels are aligned referencing the centre line of the vehicle, and the steering wheel is straight and level.

It is recommended that you see a trusted automotive professional for all of your vehicle alignments. Modern alignment machines can ensure that each tire is at an exact angle, which is essential, considering being off by even a fraction of a percentage can affect the wear of your tires. Tires that are out of alignment risk premature wear, reduced fuel economy and increased driver fatigue due to vehicle pull. It is recommended to have your alignment checked or corrected on an annual basis or if you notice any change in the driveability of your vehicle.