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A flat tire can be a nuisance, but it doesn't have to leave you stranded. As your Mitsubishi dealer, we want to tell you the easy steps to replace that tire so you can get on the road again ASAP. Advice From Your Mitsubishi Dealer: Steps to Change a Flat Tire Find a Safe Spot The most important first step in changing a tire is to locate a safe area. Changing a tire requires focus, which is much easier to achieve if no moving vehicles are close to you. Preferably, you want an open, flat space like a parking lot. If you must change the tire on the road, switch on your emergency flashers and open your hood and trunk. This will warn other drivers that you're stationary. Gather Your Tools You only need three items to replace that flat: a lug wrench, a jack, and a spare tire. These items are usually inside your trunk. You can easily find their location by checking your car manual. more Position The Jack Lifting points are located under your Mitsubishi on the frame. They're flat metal plates positioned behind each wheel that provide a safe place to fit the jack. Once you've located the closest lifting point, use the lug wrench to loosen each lug nut on the damaged tire until it can be turned by hand. Then fit the jack under the lifting point and jack your Mitsubishi until the damaged tire lifts off the ground. Replace the Tire Lift the old tire off the wheel hub and put it to one side. Then lift the new tire onto the wheel hub and rotate it until all the holes line up. Insert the lug nuts and turn them as tightly as you can by hand. Lower Your Vehicle Use the jack to lower your Mitsubishi to the ground. Use the lug wrench once more to tighten each lug nut as tightly as possible. Pack the jack, lug wrench, and damaged tire in their places, and you're ready to drive away. Using a Donut This advice applies only if your vehicle has a donut, which is a smaller, space-saving tire. This type of tire isn't intended for permanent use, as it's not as strong as a regular tire. Don't drive more than 50 miles or at more than 50 mph for safety when using a donut. Now you changed your tire, visit us at DELLA Mitsubishi in Plattsburgh, NY. Our technicians will install a new tire for you in minutes.

As time passes, brake components become worn or might sustain damage. Any problem with your braking system reduces your safety, as your brakes need to operate within seconds when you need them to. At your Mitsubishi dealership, we can fix any of these problems for you. These are a few signs that you need a brake repair. Signs You Need a Brake Repair at Your Mitsubishi Dealership Vibrations When You Brake When you hit the brakes, they should respond smoothly, and the only sensation you should feel is the resistance from the braking pedal. If you feel wobbling or vibrations when you brake, this is a sign that you have a brake problem. This type of problem is usually caused by damage to one or more of the wheel rotors. As soon as you step on the brake pedal, the brake calipers grab both sides of each wheel rotor.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Brake pads inside the calipers generate friction against the smooth rotor surfaces, and this action stops your wheels. The rotor surface becomes less smooth over time. If a caliper grabs an uneven part of a rotor, it will generate vibrations. We'll examine your rotors and resurface them if needed to correct this problem. more Screeching Noises Noise when you apply the brakes is never a good sign. The brakes are designed to respond quickly but silently. A high-pitched screeching noise is a sign that one or more of your brake pads has worn down. As we saw above, the brake pads generate friction that stops your wheels. The friction material covering a pad gradually wears off, and the pad will need replacement. When a pad reaches its replacement time, a metal spike becomes visible in the friction material. This spike will scratch against the rotor and produce a screeching noise. When you hear this sound, it's time to visit us for replacement pads. If a pad isn't replaced before the material wears off, the metal pad will gouge into the rotor surface and damage it. Replacing your pads is quick and inexpensive and can prevent unnecessary rotor damage. Leaking Brake Fluid Brake fluid allows your braking system to work. It produces the hydraulic pressure that enables the calipers to close on the rotors and stop your car. Brake lines can rust, and brake hoses can develop leaks if they're not regularly serviced. If you have a brake fluid leak, pressure in the braking system will drop, and your brake will become slower to respond. A fluid leak can be difficult to spot, as the fluid is pale yellow. You will notice a lack of fluid when you step on the brake pedal and feel little resistance. We can easily find the cause of the leak and permanently seal it. If you have a brake problem, call us ASAP at DELLA Mitsubish i.

If you're driving a Mitsubishi and find that it's time to replace those worn-out tires, heading to your Mitsubishi dealership for new tires is a decision you won't regret. Need New Tires? Visit Your Mitsubishi Dealership Tailor-Made Tire Advice for Your Mitsubishi At the dealership, tire advice isn't one-size-fits-all. The experts here understand the unique needs of different Mitsubishi models and can provide you with personalized recommendations that ensure your tires are perfectly suited to your vehicle's specifications and your driving habits. A Treasure Trove of Tire Options Our dealership stocks a variety of brands, ensuring that whether you need rugged tires for off-roading adventures or eco-friendly options for everyday city driving, you'll find them here. In addition, we often have access to exclusive tire models designed specifically for Mitsubishi vehicles, enhancing your car's performance and handling. more Meticulous Installation and Alignment Replacing tires is more than just a quick swap. At our dealership, skilled technicians who specialize in Mitsubishi vehicles will make sure that your tires are not only properly installed but also perfectly aligned. This attention to detail extends the life of your tires, improves fuel efficiency, and keeps your ride smooth and safe. Complimentary Tire Health Checks Owning a Mitsubishi means you get more than just a car; you get a commitment to care. We offer complimentary tire health checks, ensuring your tires are always in top condition. Regular checks can detect issues early, preventing costly repairs and keeping you safe on the road. Warranty Benefits You Can't Ignore Here's a perk that's often overlooked: when you buy your tires from the dealership, you get an additional warranty. This coverage can be a lifesaver, especially if your tires encounter unexpected damage from road hazards. It's an extra layer of protection that provides peace of mind. All Your Service Records in One Place Getting your tires serviced at the dealership means all your maintenance records are consolidated. This complete history is not just convenient for you; it's also a valuable asset if you decide to sell your vehicle. A well-documented maintenance record can significantly increase your car's resale value. Specialized Tire Technology Knowledge We here at your dealership have advanced knowledge of the latest tire technology. That means we can offer insights into the newest innovations in tire design and materials, such as low-rolling resistance tires for better fuel efficiency or advanced tread patterns for enhanced grip. This expertise ensures you're not just getting a new set of tires but also taking advantage of the latest advancements in tire technology. Choosing your dealership for tire replacement is about more than just a new set of tires. It's about ensuring your vehicle performs at its best and keeps you safe on the road. Call or go online today to schedule an appointment with us here at DELLA Mitsubishi.

Your Mirage, Eclipse Cross, or Outlander relies on a complex system of components to slow and stop your vehicle. If any of these parts are worn, damaged, or malfunctioning, it can seriously impact your safety. Fortunately, there are ways to determine when the braking system is not performing as it should and a brake repair from your Mitsubishi dealer is necessary. One of the Brake Warning Lights Is On When you start your car, you will notice that the Antilock Brake System (ABS) warning light lights up. However, something is wrong if the light stays on or comes on while you're driving. The ABS light warns that your vehicle doesn't have antilock brakes, but if the brake system warning light is off, you can still rely on your brakes. If your car's brake system warning light comes on, it's crucial to get repairs done as soon as possible. more You Hear High-Pitched Screeching Sounds If you hear a high-pitched screeching sound when you step on the brake pedal, the wear indicators warn you that the brake pads are wearing thin and need to be replaced soon. Brake pads under 3.2 millimeters thick must be replaced immediately to prevent failure. Your Hear Grinding Noises When brake pads wear down completely, the bare metal will scrape against the steel rotors, making awful grinding noises. In extreme cases, the heat will cause your brakes to stick, which is incredibly dangerous. Repairing or replacing damaged rotors can also be quite expensive. You Notice a Brake Fluid Leak Brake fluid leaks will severely affect your vehicle's braking performance. When the brake fluid level drops, it will trigger the warning light. Check for yellow or brown puddles underneath your car that look like oil but don't have an oily consistency. If your car is leaking brake fluid, it's best to get the leak repaired promptly. Your Brakes Are Unresponsiveness When you step on the brake pedal and your brakes feel spongy and unresponsive, it could be due to worn brake pads, an air leak, or a leaking brake hose. It will also take your car longer to come to a complete stop. Addressing these issues immediately is essential to ensure your safety on the road. You Feel Vibrations When Braking If you notice vibrations through your brake pedal during normal braking, the rotors are warped and not making even contact with the brake pads. As your car's rotors get old or thin, they may start to warp. Excessive braking can create a lot of friction and heat, contributing to warping. You Smell a Burning Odor If you smell burning from your brakes, they are overheating and won't provide the stopping power you need to be safe on the road. Pullover, wait for the brakes to cool down, and schedule a brake system repair. The brake system is one of your vehicle's most critical safety features and must always be in perfect working order. If you have a braking problem, stop at DELLA Mitsubishi today, and our team of qualified technicians will perform expert and reliable repairs.

Winter driving is no joke, especially in Plattsburgh, NY; Burlington, VT; Potsdam, Lake Placid, and Malone, NY! One of your best defenses against icy winter roads is proper tires and tire maintenance. Check out the frequently asked questions below and if you want to know more, stop by DELLA Mitsubishi! When should I have my new tires installed? As soon as the temperature drops and stays consistently freezing bring your vehicle into our service center to have your new tires put on. How important is tire pressure? Extremely. The wrong tire pressure can cost you gas mileage and safety! Tires lose pressure as the temperature drops, so be sure to check them at least once a month. How should I store my tires when I’m not using them? Indoors, in a clean, cool and dark location. Direct sunlight and sources of heat can damage the tires making them useless the next time you need them. What should I do before a trip? Plan your route and check the road conditions before leaving the house. Be sure to have emergency phone numbers ready to go and your cell phone charged. And lastly, check all your fluid. "Winter Driving Tips | Michelin US." Www.michelinman.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Jan. 2017.

Distracted driving is an all-too-common issue. In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distraction accounts for close to 80 percent of the 10 million car accidents that occur in the Unites States each year. While most people associate distracted driving with cell phones, there are actually a whole list of distractions outside of our phones that have played a role in these accidents. Check out our list below of five of the most common driving distractions and be sure to keep all of these in mind the next time you get behind the wheel. 1.) Eating - We are all guilty of having something to eat while we are on-the-go. However, eating means that you do not have both hands on the wheel and you have your focus on something other than the road. There have been several instances of eating being the cause of an accident including one man in Ottawa, Canada who thought to try and eat an entire rotisserie chicken. Another woman in Blacksburg, South Carolina was even killed in an accident that was caused because she was finishing off some takeout after leaving a Waffle House. 2.) Changing - While people may use the back seat of a vehicle as a changing room, it is not the safest practice because you will most likely not be wearing your seatbelt which puts you in danger of being more seriously injured should an accident occur while you are mid-change. However, some people take this unsafe practice to the next level and attempt to change while they are the ones behind the wheel. In fact, the results of an NPR survey showed that over 25 percent of teen drivers admitted that they change their clothes while they drive. Once again, this affects your attention to the road and keeps you from having both hands on the wheel. So basically, if you need to adjust your clothes, pull over or wait until you arrive at your destination. 3.) Fighting - Anyone who has ever been on a long car trip knows that arguments are common when you are trapped inside a vehicle with one or more people for hours at a time. However, sometimes these arguments actually turn physical to the point where the driver and passenger will begin striking each other and the passenger may even try to grab the wheel. The moral is, control your temper when you are behind the wheel and keep anyone that you but heads with riding in a different vehicle. 4.) Pet Cuddles - Pet owners love to take their furry friends with them everywhere they go but they make pet carriers and animal car restraints for a reason. A survey from AAA that was conducted in 2010 found that 21 of drivers in America admitted that they let their dog ride in their lap when they drive, five percent said that they played with their dog while driving, and seven percent even admitted to feeding them while they were behind the wheel. Driving with your pet in your lap or allowing them to distract you is dangerous for both you and your pet as well as other drivers around you that could be affected if your distraction leads to an accident. Either travel without your pets or keep them properly restrained for the entire trip. 5.) Applying Makeup - Women everywhere know the struggle of running behind when your makeup is not finished and the temptation to take advantage of that mirror under your sun visor to apply the finishing touches. However, when your focus is on making sure that your eyeliner is being applied correctly, it is not on the road where it should be. In fact, a study conducted by the Virginia Polytechnic Institute found that applying makeup while driving increased your risk of a crash nearly twice as much as talking on the phone. Baker, Matt. "The Dumbest Things People Do Behind the Wheel." SafeBee. N.p., 16 Sept. 2016. Web. 30 Sept. 2016. <http://www.safebee.com/travel/dumbest-things-people-do-behind-wheel>.

The National Safety Council has reported that cell phone use while driving leads to about 1.6 million automotive accidents annually. Additionally, one out of every four of those accidents is caused by an individual texting while driving. While it seems that just about every driver understands that any type of cell phone use is distracting and dangerous, a 2011 Harris Poll showed that even with that knowledge, nearly half of drivers under 35, that own a cell phone, still text and drive. So the question is, how do we as drivers start to create better habits? We have a few suggestions! Before you start your vehicle, take a moment to think of all the apps you need to check, calls you need to make and texts you need to send. Take care of those before the keys ever touch the ignition. You’ve heard of a designated driver before. So why not attribute that concept to texting? When you have a passenger, ask them to be your designated texter. On the other hand, if the person that you’re with seems preoccupied with their phone, offer to drive so they won’t be tempted. Put your phone out of reach. Keep it somewhere that you won’t be tempted to take a peek. We suggested a glove box (locked if you must) or even in a purse, in the backseat. Sometimes being able to hear the ringtone or vibration of your phone can ignite the reaction to reach for it. Putting it on silent can make this issue moot. Lastly, if you absolutely need to use your phone, pull over and put on your emergency flashers. While waiting until after you arrive at your destination is still a better option, pulling over is better than trying to send a text while going 65 mph. "Texting and Driving Statistics - Distracted Driving Drives Up Risk." Edgarsnyder.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2016. "Safety Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving." Digital Responsibility. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 Aug. 2016.

Back-to-school time tends to elicit groans from kids, but cheers from parents. While you’re getting the new pencil cases, backpacks, and school clothes, it’s a good idea to have a refresher on safe back-to-school driving tips. The Bus is Always Right- When driving near a school bus, always consider the fact that there are about 40 kids aboard that the driver is trying to get to their destination safely. Yes, frequent stops can be annoying, but you can adjust your schedule around them if need be. And when you’re on the road with a bus, try to be helpful. Allow them to merge, keep a safe distance, and make sure your kids know to cross in front of the bus. Be Aware in the School Zone - The posted speed limits for a school zone are no joke. Yes, there will be kids crossing the street but there is more to consider. School zones will have new, inexperienced drivers, and it won’t be just during the hours there are classes. Think about school dances, sporting events, and clubs. Be a Smart Pedestrian - Don’t jaywalk, cross at inappropriate times, or text while walking. 33% of pedestrian accidents are due to kids darting out into the road. Stay alert when walking next to roads and stay visible to drivers. Keep the Carpool Safe - Make sure your vehicle is in top shape before transporting your kids and their friends to their school events. Also, make sure that everyone in the vehicle wears their seat belt no matter where they sit. Take Some Classes of Your Own - Taking a driving safety course is always a good idea. There are usually some offered by your city and most insurance companies will give a nice discount! "5 Back-to-School Driving Tips." Safety Insurance. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 Aug. 2016.