Have you noticed how foggy and cloudy your headlights look?

Maybe they used to be crystal clear, but now they look dull and almost like they're always dirty, right?

That's because the plastic headlight cover has oxidized from wear and weather. The oxidation sits stubbornly on the plastic like rust on top of metal. And no amount of washing will get
them off.

That's dangerous because cloudy headlight covers
prevent light from shining through. This makes it
harder for you to see at night.

And when your headlights are caked with snow
and winter road grime, your already dimmed
lights seem weaker.

But there's a way to get your headlights looking
shiny and new again without replacing any parts.

Depending on how oxidized your headlights are,
you can try the do-it-yourself headlight cleaning
kits found at any auto parts store.

Be careful with those though. Some work well.
Some don't do much of anything and all are
extremely toxic.

So if you do it yourself, be sure to wear rubber gloves
and safety glasses.

Or you can try this homemade formula for lighter oxidation:

1. Wash and dry headlights dry with a towel.
   
2. Mix 3 parts toothpaste to 1 part baking soda into a paste.
   
3. Apply paste mix to headlight with a soft polishing rag
   using small circular motions.
4. Then thoroughly wash with soap and water and rinse well.
5. Mix 1/2 cup baking soda in 1 gallon of water and re-wash
   the polished surface. Rinse and dry.
   
   Depending on how much oxidation you have, you may need to
   repeat steps 1-5 again.
   
   Another option is to take it into Mill Street Tire for a
   professional headlight clean and polish.
   
   We use professional-grade solutions and a thorough 3-step
   process that will get those dull, cloudy headlights looking
   crystal clear and new again.
   
   Our professional headlight cleaning is only $75.95. And for
   a limited time, we'll also replace your worn windshield wipers
   as an additional safety gift to you!
   
   With dangerous winter driving conditions and all of the extra
   driving you do around the holidays, it's important you do
   keep your loved ones safe.
   
   So come in for a professional headlight polish PLUS get a
   free pair of windshield wipers while the offer lasts.
   
   Then you'll be able to see clearly and safely (and others can
   see you better too) throughout the winter.

Years ago, we had to prepare our cars to handle our bitterly cold winters. If we didn't, the heater could stop working or the car wouldn't start.

But these days, most cars can handle extreme hot and extreme cold without too much trouble. But when you live in areas that snow, it's best to do a light winterization to keep our cars working reliably all season long.

The 6 steps to winterizing your car:

1. Flush your radiator
   This ensures a proper mix of coolant and
   water runs through your radiator so your
   car's heater works dependably.
2. Change to winter weight oil
   Some manufacturers recommend a different grade of oil that flows better in cold temperatures. Check your owner's manual.
3. Check the battery
   Be sure the electrolyte level is at the top. (Warning:this is extremely caustic. Wear
   eye protection and heavy gloves).
4. Check your tires
   Be sure they have the proper tread and
   enough tread to handle slippery winter roads.
   Or change to studded snow tires.
5. Check your windshield wiper blades
   Worn out blades leave nasty smears on your
   windshield, which could lower your visibility
   and safety while driving.
6. Check your windshield washer fluid
   You'll need lots of it to clean the road grime
   and messy splatters.

If you don't feel like doing it yourself, take advantage of our winterizing special. Other places usually charge $139, but you can have it all done by the skilled mechanics here at Mill Street Tire for only $99.95.

So be sure to schedule your winterizing special today and keep your car running reliably all winter long!

You probably heard people say use a penny to test how much life you have left on your tires. But the latest safety research shows with today's tire technology, you must use a quarter instead.

That's because studies show your tire tread should measure at least 4/32 of an inch to prevent sudden blowouts, flats, or braking accidents. And to maintain control during sudden movements.

Here's how to do the quarter test: Place a quarter head first (that's upside down) into the groove between the tire treads. If the tread stops at the top of George Washington's head, you're at the legal minimum and should plan to get new tires soon. 

If you see any part of his head covered, then you're fine. 

But if you see more than the top of his head exposed  then come into Mill Street Tire immediately for a free Tire Life Test. It only takes a few seconds.

Remember, to prevent sudden blowouts, braking accidents, or loss of control, use the quarter test or come by Mill Street Tire for a free Tire Life Test.

It only takes a few seconds to keep you and your loved ones safe!

(in the margin, a graphic that says the following)

Only Mill Street Tire gives you the Safe Tire Guarantee™

• Guaranteed expert service 
• Guaranteed tire quality
• Guaranteed the ideal tire for your needs and budget

Most of us like to save money whenever we can. So it’s tempting to take advantage of those “$99 brake job” specials. After all, a brake job is a brake job, so there’s no sense paying more, right?

Wrong. Many times, those specials are designed to pull you in thinking you’ll get a deal. But chances are, you’ll  walk out paying more.

But it’s possible to find an honest brake job at a fair price once you know the common tricks to avoid:

• Starting the work without testing the car first

No matter what the braking symptom (shaky steering wheel, squealing, etc.), don’t let anyone assume they know what needs fixing before they get all of the information first.

For no extra charge, this should include: a test drive, taking measurements, a thorough inspection, and asking you questions like how the car feels, sounds it makes, when those sounds occur, and so on.

Otherwise, you could likely be paying for something that doesn’t need repair. Or worsen a condition that could jeopardize your safety.

• Replacing more than needed A brake job usually involves: replacing the brake linings

(which means replacing the brake pads and/or shoes), resurfacing the rotors and/or drums, adding new brake fluid and bleeding the system if needed. Plus checking other components for wear.

Many times, your rotors or drums can be resurfaced (smoothed) instead of replaced. There are times when they’re so worn, you can’t legally smooth it down anymore. But anytime a garage says you need more than brake pads or shoes replaced, ask for proof.

• Using generic, cheaper pads

Many garages use generic, less expensive brake pads so they can make more profit. Although generic pads are safe, they have disadvantages:

• They wear out faster so you may have to replace the pads again within a year instead of the usual 4-6 years.
• You’ll always hear squeaking or other noises because the pads don’t fit properly and never “break in.”

• Charging more as a sign of quality

After you’re told what kind of brake repairs you need and how much the repairs cost, call three other shops (from independents to chains and dealerships).

Let them know what you need and ask for an estimate. You’ll be surprised to see how a job can range from $99 to $500 for the same work!

For a typical passenger car, a standard brake job using quality parts (see list on #2) should cost around $180 – $240.

Remember, a reputable shop should always:

• Gather all information before starting
• Report their findings with a clear estimate
• Have your approval before doing any repairs
• Use quality (not generic) parts
• Only use properly trained mechanics
• Get the job done right the first time
• Stand behind their work

To your safety, Patty