Author: dev

It can be both pricey and time-consuming to have your tires swapped out for the upcoming season, which leads many to ask the question; can I just keep driving on my winter tires through the summer?

All-Season vs. Winter Tires

All-Season tires are made with versatility in mind, able to provide sufficient traction on road surfaces at a variety of temperatures and traction levels. All-Seasons have the ability to perform well even in some wet and slippery conditions. Those living in locations that stay pretty dry over the winter may not need to switch to a seasonal tire at all.

However, if you live in an area that sees heavy snowfall and icy streets, such as here in the Salt Lake Valley, it’s important to ensure that your tires can handle these circumstances. This is where winter tires shine, built to provide sufficient traction in inclement weather. The rubber compound of all-season tires become stiff in cold weather, and don’t have the proper traction patterns to disperse water effectively, making winter tires a must for many in the winter months.

Winter tires make use of a specialized soft rubber compound as deep tread to maintain adequate traction. The soft rubber prevents the tires from over-stiffening in the freezing cold, and aggressive siping allows for the tread to bite into packed snow and ice. 

Effects of Driving on Winter Tires Year-Round

Although it can seem appealing from a financial perspective to simply keep driving on your winter tires through the hotter months, there are a multitude of reasons why this can be a bad idea.

Increased Tread Wear

For one, the soft rubber compound that’s essential for winter performance is not tailored for high heat. The extra-soft compound becomes too pliable in summer conditions, causing the material to break down and the tread to degrade rapidly, leaving you in need of replacements much sooner.

If saving money on replacements is your goal, forcing your winter tires to deal with summer temperatures may be one of the worst things you can do, as you’ll likely need a new set of tires anyways before the winter comes back around. 

Decreased Traction

Not only does driving on winter tires year-round cause rapid wear on the tires itself, it can also become dangerous for you and your passengers.

This is due to the reduced traction that winter tires see in summer conditions, as the soft rubber compound becomes too pliable at these temperatures. Since the tread will be too soft to create proper traction, your vehicle will experience increased stopping distances and reduced grip that could land you in some unsafe circumstances.

Reduced Efficiency

Also due to the softer rubber compound, driving on winter tires during warm months can drastically reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Soft tires have increased rolling resistance, making the engine work harder to push your vehicle to the desired speed.

The Wrap Up

The answer to if you can drive on winter tires year-round is a hesitant yes, as they’ll still get you to where you need to go (say, a tire shop). However, the important question rather is should you drive on them year-round? By forcing winter tires to cope with the circumstances of hot weather, you open yourself up to a number of problems, including rapid wear and potential safety issues.

In the end, it’s always a good idea to ensure your vehicle is running the proper type of tire. Not only will this provide you with superior traction, it may also counter-intuitively save you cash down the line as all-season tire tread will provide much better durability in summer conditions. 

Tire Replacements at Matson Point S

If you need your tires swapped out for the season, or require any other tire services, don’t hesitate to contact the friendly team at Matson Point S in Riverton, Utah. Our experienced advisors will help walk you through the tire replacement process, and ensure that they’ll be up to the task of the upcoming season. Give us a call or schedule online today!

Noticing an unusual rattling sound from your exhaust can be worrying, as this system plays a number of important roles in your vehicle, including quieting engine noise, moving fumes away from the cabin, and removing harmful compounds from the engine’s emissions. 

While a rattling exhaust isn’t always cause for immediate concern, it’s important to understand the common causes of this issue and what it could mean for your vehicle. In this article, we’ll cover the most frequent reasons for a rattling exhaust and what effects it could have.

Common Causes of Exhaust Rattle

Damaged/Worn Catalytic Converter

The catalytic converters are the components responsible for removing harmful compounds from the exhaust’s emissions. This is accomplished through the use of an internal honeycomb structure made from rare-earth metals like palladium, platinum, and rhodium. 

These honeycomb structures can begin to wear and degrade over time, allowing for small pieces to break off and become stuck in the component’s housing. Since the debris is stuck within the catalytic converter, it will be blown around as the exhaust  gasses pass by, contacting the housing of the converter and creating that dreaded rattling noise. 

A worn-out catalytic converter isn’t just an annoyance, it can significantly reduce your exhaust system’s ability to filter out harmful emissions, releasing them into the atmosphere and also preventing your vehicle from passing emissions testing required for registration.

Loose Heat Shield

One of the most harmless causes of an exhaust rattle is a loose heat shield. Exhaust components like the catalytic converter are shrouded in a metal heat shield to prevent the spread of heat to other components or the chance of setting dry grass/brush under your vehicle alight. . 

If the hardware holding this shroud on becomes loose or fails, it can allow for the heat shield to vibrate against other metal components, leading to a rattling noise from under your vehicle. 

In general, loose heat shields aren’t cause for immediate concern. However, if the heat shield has completely detached, it’s important to have it reinstalled or replaced as soon as possible to prevent the chance of fire when parking or driving on grass, brush, or other flammable surfaces.

Exhaust Leaks

Leaks in your exhaust system can lead to a number of unusual sounds, including a rattling noise on acceleration. An exhaust leak allows for both unmitigated engine noise and unfiltered exhaust fumes to exit the system prior to reaching critical components like the catalytic converters or mufflers. 

The severity and potential harm of an exhaust leak depend on the size and location of the leak, however, any leak that allows for emissions to exit the system prior to the oxygen sensors located near the catalytic converters will prevent the engine from receiving the proper information on the oxygen content of your exhaust, throwing off the air-fuel ratio that your engine relies on for efficient operation. 

If you notice a leak in your exhaust system, it’s important to have it inspected by a trusted automotive professional as soon as possible to avoid further issues. 

Loose Muffler Baffles

The inside of mufflers contain special sound-obstructing components called baffles, which absorb much of your engine’s noise before reaching the tailpipe. Without them, your morning commute may sound more like the Indy 500 than a quiet highway cruise. 

Over time, impacts and corrosion can wear down these internals baffles and cause them to detach from the muffler housing, allowing them to bounce around the walls are the muffler and causing a rattling noise. 

Exhaust Services in Riverton, Utah

If you’re experiencing a rattling noise from your exhaust, don’t hesitate to have it inspected and repaired by the exhaust experts at Matson Point S in Riverton, Utah. Our team has extensive training in providing quality exhaust service and repair on all makes and models. Give us a call or schedule online today!

When your engine is functioning properly, the exhaust produced should be nearly invisible, especially once the engine has warmed up. Dark or black smoke indicates that your engine is burning too much fuel or oil is getting into the combustion chamber. This inefficient combustion not only wastes fuel and oil but can lead to more serious problems if left unaddressed.

Unlike white smoke (which typically indicates coolant entering the combustion chamber), black smoke is specifically tied to fuel related or oil burning issues. Understanding the root cause is essential for proper repairs and preventing further damage.

Common Causes of Dark Exhaust Smoke

Malfunctioning Fuel Injectors

Fuel injectors are responsible for delivering precisely the right amount of fuel into your engine’s combustion chambers. When they become dirty or damaged, they can get stuck open, dumping excess fuel into the engine. This excess fuel cannot burn completely, resulting in the dark smoke you see coming from your exhaust.

Signs of faulty injectors often include rough idling, decreased fuel economy, and hesitation during acceleration.  These symptoms are typically accompanied with a check engine light on your dash.

High Pressure Fuel Pumps

Many modern engines utilize high pressure fuel pumps as part of the direct injection fueling system.  These have internal seals and integrated fuel regulators.  If any of these components there is the possibility of additional unwanted fuel entering the combustion chamber causing an excessively “rich” condition and producing smoke out of the tail pipe

Other Fuel Related Issues

In addition to faulty fuel injectors and high pressure fuel pumps, anything else that is used to control the volume of fuel being delivered to the combustion chamber can cause smoke.  This can include the fuel pressure regulator, faulty sensors and computers.  Any component that is delivering more fuel than the engine can combust has the potential to produce black smoke out the tailpipe.

Worn Piston Rings or Valve Seals

Severely worn piston rings or valve seals can contribute to black smoke as well. When these components wear out, they allow oil to seep into the combustion chamber where it burns along with the fuel, creating a darker exhaust.

This problem typically lessens as the engine heats up as the tolerances will get tighter as the metals in the engine expand and make it more difficult for the oil to get past the rings and seals.  You will notice increased oil consumption and decreased engine performance when these components have failed.

Malfunctioning Crankcase Ventilation System

Many vehicles utilize a system to vent and recycle gases from an engine’s crankcase to reduce emissions and internal crankcase pressure buildup.  If these systems fail either through clogged valves or pipes it can direct the oil vapors into the combustion chamber instead of back into the lower crankcase.  This produces the same result of worn piston rings or valve seals.  The malfunctioning crankcase ventilation system is directing oil to be burned off causing smoke.  We tend to see this more on European-made vehicles due to their more complex systems, but it is becoming more common on domestic and import vehicles.

Malfunctioning Turbocharger

If your vehicle is equipped with a turbocharger, problems with this component can be a significant source of black exhaust smoke. A failing turbocharger might allow oil to leak into the exhaust system.  This is typically due to the internal seal of the turbocharger failing and then dumping oil directly into the exhaust and burning off and smoking out the exhaust.

Turbocharger issues are especially concerning as they can quickly escalate to more severe engine damage if not addressed promptly. Other symptoms might include a whistling noise, loss of power, or the illumination of your check engine light.

Diesel Engine Related

Diesel engines have their own unique issues related to black smoke out of the tailpipe in addition to the ones mentioned above.  Diesel engine can be prone to soot buildup.  Some of this is normal and natural, but over time it can become severe enough to cause issues with components such EGR valves, diesel particulate filters (DPF), and coked up intake systems.  When these components get overwhelmed with soot then the engine efficiency is compromised and the diesel fuel injected that is not combusted completely produces a dark black soot-filled smoke out of the tailpipe.

Is Dark Smoke Dangerous for My Vehicle?

The short answer is yes, dark smoke indicates a problem that should not be ignored. 

• Immediate Performance Issues: A vehicle producing black exhaust smoke is not operating efficiently. You’ll likely notice decreased power, rough running, and significantly reduced fuel economy. These performance issues will only worsen over time.

• Long-term Damage Potential: Running rich for extended periods can lead to carbon buildup on valves and pistons, catalytic converter damage, and fouled spark plugs

Exhaust & Engine Services in Riverton

Dark smoke from your exhaust is a clear warning sign that shouldn’t be ignored. While the causes range from relatively simple fixes like replacing oxygen sensors to more complex issues involving turbochargers or internal engine components, prompt diagnosis is key to preventing further damage.

At Matson Point S Tire & Service, our ASE-certified technicians have the diagnostic equipment and expertise to quickly identify the source of your exhaust smoke problems. Many of these issues, when caught early, can be resolved before they lead to more expensive repairs.

Don’t wait until minor problems become major ones. If you’re seeing dark smoke from your exhaust, it’s time to get your vehicle checked.  Call us at (801) 302-7175 or Schedule an Appointment online today!

What is a CV Axle and What Does it Do?

Your vehicle is made up of a large number of components that all work together to get you safely to your destination.    Many of these parts you may be familiar with like your brakes and tires, others may be not as clear.  In this article we are going to talk about CV axles, what they are, what they do and how to know if you may have an issue that needs attention.  Hopefully after reading this article, you will have an increased understanding of your vehicle’s components and what it means when you are told “You have a bad CV axle.” 

What is a CV Axle?

A CV axle, or Constant Velocity axle, serves as a critical link in your vehicle’s drivetrain system. This component transfers power from your transmission (or differential) to your wheels while accommodating the up-and-down motion of your suspension and the turning of your wheels.

The typical CV axle consists of three main components:

1. An inner joint that connects to the transmission or differential
2. A solid shaft running between the joints
3. An outer joint that connects to the wheel hub

CV axles are most commonly found in front-wheel-drive vehicles, where they must not only transfer power, but also allow for steering. However, they’re also used in many all-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive vehicles with independent suspension systems.

What makes CV axles different from older universal joints is their ability to maintain a constant velocity transfer even at extreme angles. Traditional universal joints slow down and speed up slightly as they rotate at an angle, causing vibration and wear. CV joints eliminate this problem, providing smoother operation and greater durability.

How CV Axles Work

The CV axle’s unique ability is to perform multiple functions simultaneously. Its primary function is to transfer the rotational power from your engine and transmitting the power to your wheels from its connection to a transmission or differential. 

However, unlike a simple straight axle, CV axles must accommodate complex movements. When you turn your steering wheel, your front wheels pivot on an angle. A CV axle maintains constant rotational speed even as these angles change, ensuring smooth power delivery without binding or jerking.

Additionally, as your vehicle travels over bumps and dips in the road, your suspension system moves up and down. The CV axle must allow for this vertical movement while continuing to transfer power efficiently. This is particularly important during acceleration, when significant torque is being applied through the axle.

Think of the CV axle as a flexible connection that can bend and adjust while still maintaining its primary function of transferring rotational energy. This flexibility comes from the unique design of the constant velocity joints, which use ball bearings in special tracks to maintain consistent motion regardless of the operating angle.

Signs of a Failing CV Axle

Recognizing the symptoms of a failing CV axle early can save you from more expensive repairs down the road. Here are the most common warning signs to watch for:

• Clicking noises when turning: This is perhaps the most telltale sign of a CV axle problem. If you hear a clicking or popping sound that gets louder when making sharp turns (particularly when accelerating through a turn), it likely indicates a problem with the outer CV joint.
• Grease leakage around wheel area: CV joints are protected by rubber boots filled with grease. If these boots crack or tear, you may notice dark grease splattered on the inside edge of your tire or on nearby suspension components. This is a serious warning sign, as once the joint loses its lubrication, failure will follow quickly.
• Vibrations while driving: A damaged CV axle can cause vibrations that you will feel through the floor or steering wheel, especially during acceleration. These vibrations may increase with vehicle speed and can sometimes be mistaken for tire balance issues.

Consequences of Driving with a Bad CV Axle

Continuing to drive with a failing CV axle can lead to several serious consequences:

• Reduced vehicle control: A severely worn or damaged CV axle can affect your ability to control your vehicle, particularly during acceleration or when navigating turns.
• Potential for complete drivetrain failure: If a CV joint fails completely while driving, it can cause the axle to break. This will immediately disable your vehicle, potentially leaving you stranded in an inconvenient or dangerous location.
• Damage to related components: A failing CV axle doesn’t exist in isolation. The vibration and irregular movement it creates can damage your transmission, differential, wheel bearings, and other drivetrain components, compounding your repair costs.
• Safety concerns: Any component failure that affects your ability to control your vehicle presents a safety risk to you, your passengers, and others on the road.

Your vehicle’s CV axles may not be as well-known as the engine or transmission, but they perform an equally essential role in your car’s operation. Understanding what they do and recognizing the signs of failure can help you address problems early, saving money and preventing potential roadside breakdowns.

Axle & Drivetrain Service at Matson Point S in Riverton, Utah

At Matson Point S Tire & Service in the Salt Lake Valley, we specialize in comprehensive drivetrain services, including CV axle inspection and replacement. Our experienced technicians use quality parts and proper installation techniques to ensure your vehicle performs safely and reliably.

Call our Riverton location or schedule your appointment online today to ensure your vehicle’s drivetrain is in proper operating condition.

Choosing the right tire is critical for your vehicle’s performance, safety, and overall driving experience.  At Matson Point S Tire & Auto, we understand that tire selection can be confusing.  We will try to help you understand the key differences between all-season and all-weather tires and what is best for you.

All-Season Tires

All-season tires are engineered to provide balanced performance across multiple driving conditions.  They are the most common tire type for passenger vehicles and are designed to handle dry road conditions, wet roads, and light snow with moderate temperature ranges.

• Tread Composition: Harder rubber compounds that provide longer tread life

• Tread Pattern: Moderate groove design for water evacuation and quiet operation

• Temperature Range: Optimal performance above 40 degrees

• Typical Tread Life: 50,000-70,000 miles

• Performance Rating: Good in dry and wet conditions, limited winter capability

All-Weather Tires

All-weather tires represent a more specialized tire category, bridging the gap between all-season and winter tires.

• Tread Composition: Harder rubber compounds that provide longer tread life

• Tread Pattern: More complex, multi-directional sipes for improved water evacuation and snow/ice traction

• Temperature Range: Effective from -20 degrees and above

• Typical Tread Life: 40,000-60,000 miles

• Performance Rating: Excellent performance in wet and snowy conditions; certified for severe winter conditions (marked with mountain snowflake symbol legal for driving up the canyons when the traction law is in effect)

Comparative Performance: All-Season vs All-Weather Tires

Choosing the Right Tire for Your Needs

When choosing the right tires, you need to consider several factors to understand the trade-offs between all-season and all-weather tires.

Climate Considerations

• Mild climates (Southern Nevada/Arizona): All-season tires
• Areas with significant winter precipitation: All-weather tires
• Regions with extreme temperature variations: Consider all-weather tires

Driving Habits to Consider

• Frequent mountain or rural driving
• Regular commutes in snowy conditions
• Performance driving expectations
• Budget constraints

Cost and Value Perspective

While all-weather tires typically cost 10-20% more than standard all-season tires, they offer:

• Enhanced safety in challenging conditions
• Potential reduction in tire change frequency
• Improved year-round performance

Tire Services at Matson Point S

There are multiple things to consider when deciding between all-season and all-weather tires.  There is not a one-size-fits-all tire for everyone.  At Matson Point S Tire & Auto we’re committed to helping you find the perfect tire solution that balances performance, safety, and value.  Give us a call at (801) 302-7175 or schedule an appointment online and we can discuss your specific needs and find the right solution that is best for you.