I recently bought a pre-loved American Motors Gremlin and had the tires changed into brand new ones. I'm a newbie driver, and I want to be sure every cent I spend on my car would be worth it. My concern now is, how long does a tire basically last? Are there any particular tips I must keep in mind to prolong its life?

There is no exact guideline that states the fixed lifespan of tires. It generally depends on the driver's usage and driving habits. Also, the design and internal composition of the tires, the road condition being frequently traversed, and the climate all play a role on whether or not the tires would last long. However, the five-year mark is an indication that your tires need undivided attention. This is the time when you should have a professional evaluate the condition of your tires at least on a yearly basis. The maximum time frame to keep your tires is ten years, but replacing them should be a top priority already. To further keep your tires in good condition, have them rotated frequently, maintain the proper air pressure, and always make vehicle maintenance a regular habit.

Can two different brands of tires be installed on my Gremlin?

As a rule of thumb, drivers must avoid mixing two different types or brands of tires on a vehicle. Take note that tires are designed with different tread patterns, sizes, and internal constructions. Using two different brands may compromise your safety on the road as you could lose traction control and your tires may have issues with fast starts or sudden stops. Stability is what manufacturers of tires aim for, so they duly suggest using the same type of tires on all fours. When substituting your factory-issued tires, it is always recommended that you check out your vehicle's manual to be certain that what you are choosing for replacement is compatible with the design and functionality of your vehicle.

My beat up Gremlin's engine has been acting up. It would start up but eventually die once I step on the accelerator. I've been meaning to buy another pre-loved car since I could not afford a brand-new one. However, I just could not let go of this because this is the first car I bought for myself. Any clue on what must be wrong with my car?

This could be a problem with the system ground. Basic troubleshooting would be to check under the hood and look into the wirings that connect to the chassis ground and relay box. There may be loose connections therein. Also, check your fuel level. Another reason for this is a battery that lacks charge, which normally causes the engine to start up fine and then suddenly lose power. There may be a lot of underlying reasons, and the only way to properly evaluate your engine's condition is to call a professional service technician for assessment. Older cars are basically susceptible to a myriad of issues, so you'd better be more careful in conducting periodic maintenance.

American Motors Gremlin Parts and American Motors Gremlin Accessories

SHOP

LIFE AT CARPARTS

HELP

BLOG

CONTACT US

Shop

Life at CarParts

Help

Blog

Contact Us