Your tires are the only parts of your car that touch the surface of the road. While they may seem like a simple part of the vehicle, they are actually very important parts of keeping the car running properly. They are also easy to mess up, and that’s why you need a qualified mechanic to help. Our team can assist with everything from repairing flats to checking tread, so you can stay safe on the road.

Common Problems with Tires

As you think about your tires, you should know that there are a number of problems that can develop. Some common issues we see include:

·       Overloaded tires – Overloading a tire means inflating it beyond the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure. Check the door jam of your vehicle to see the recommended pressure for your car’s tires, and keep the pressure within that range.

·       Underinflated tires – Underinflating your tires is also dangerous. It can hurt your gas mileage and handling of your vehicle. Keep your car’s tire pressure within the recommended range.

·       Worn out tires – If your tread is less than 4/32 inch, then the tire needs to be replaced. Worn out tires will not get good traction and they are at higher risk for a puncture. In addition, the tread should wear evenly, and if it doesn’t then you need to have a mechanic take a look.

·       Old tires – Even if they look good, tires should be replaced after six years. The rubber can start to harden and corrode even if you don’t drive much.

Choosing the Right Tire for Your Drive

In addition to watching out for these problems, you need to make sure you’re choosing the right type of tire for your driving conditions.

·       All-season tires – All-season tires will give you more winter traction, but they aren’t great for hot roads and high-speed driving.

·       Passenger car tires – Passenger car tires are designed for a smooth, comfortable ride, but won’t work well under the weight of a truck carrying a heavy load.

·       Summer tires – Summer tires will not give you great traction on snow or ice, and they should never be used on temperatures below 45 degrees because they will harden.

·       Ultra-high performance tires – Similar to summer tires, these are designed for a comfortable ride, but do not handle well in the cold or ice.

Don’t Forget the Spare!

In addition to your four tires, make sure you have a spare tire that’s in good, working order. A full-sized spare that’s regularly checked can mean the difference between being stranded and getting on the road again after a flat.

Tire Rotation

Tire services include tire rotation. Rotating your tires on a regular basis will ensure more even tread wear and a longer life.

Are you in need of tire services? Stop in today to talk to our expert team.