Purchasing New Tires - Maintenance & Services

At Driver's Choice Repair LLC, our customers' safety is our top priority. We want to make sure you get to your destination in a reliable and safe vehicle every time. The main problem area for cars and trucks that come into Driver's Choice Repair LLC is the tires. Tires are your connection to the road, and if your tires aren't functioning properly, all of your car's handling development and safety testing may not keep you safe. Here is some basic information about tires and how to know when it's time to replace them.

Why are old or low-quality tires dangerous?

As mentioned above, tires are extremely important parts of your car or truck. If you've ever lost control in a car, you know how terrifying it is to be a helpless passenger inside a two-ton metal box. Driving with tires that are too old, improperly inflated, unbalanced, or not designed for weather conditions can spell disaster for your safe ride. Tires are designed with very specific tasks in mind. Improper use can have sudden and catastrophic consequences.

Signs Your Tires Need Air

This problem is easy to spot. If your tires seem wider in the portion that contacts the road, you may need to add air to your tires. Driving with underinflated tires will wear faster due to uneven pressure on the sidewalls and can lead to a complete blowout or even the tire eventually falling off the wheel! Having low tire pressure can ruin your vehicle's fuel economy. If you've ever ridden a bike with underinflated tires, you know how much extra effort it takes to get the bike moving and keep it rolling. On the other hand, having overinflated tires is not safe either. While hitting a large pothole is unlikely to cause a tire to blow out (remember, tires have a lifespan of thousands of miles), having too much air in your tires can reduce the contact patch, which is the area of ​​rubber that is in contact with the road. This can lead to a decrease in grip and control of your vehicle. Every tire manufacturer will print the correct tire pressure on the side of the tire, so it's easy to find the best tire pressure for your ride.

Signs of Tire Tread Wear

Like overinflated tires, worn tread can lead to decreased control and poor handling in your car or truck. The tread pattern of your tires helps them grip the road and move mud and water away from areas where grip is needed. If the tread is not deep enough, your car could pool water on the road, causing you to completely lose control. There are a few common ways to measure tread depth, such as using a penny, to tell if your tires need to be replaced, but we recommend that you head to Driver's Choice Repair LLC to get a professional opinion. Not all tires are created equal and must be replaced at different times.

Signs of Tire Damage

Signs of tire damage can come from a few places. A visual inspection can reveal potential problems before they become major issues, such as nails or rocks embedded in the tread grooves. Always remember that there is a lot of pressure inside the tire. If you see any cracks, bubbles, or hear a hissing sound of air escaping, it is best to stay away from that tire and seek help from a professional. Trust us, you don't want a tire to explode near you.

You can sometimes feel tire damage while driving. If your car starts making strange noises or handling suddenly becomes worse while driving on the road, you should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so. Driving on flat ground is a bad idea and will usually result in more serious damage to your vehicle.

What Can and Can't Be Repaired

Tires are expensive, and we take every opportunity to safely repair them and save you money. Small punctures can usually be plugged and patched (which should always be done at the same time!), but sometimes the tire is already dead. If the puncture is on the outer edge of the tire (outside the tread), it may not be safe. The same is true for driving on a flat tire. In this case, the sidewall has weakened and the tire is no longer safe. As with recommended pressures, each manufacturer has guidelines on what can and can't be repaired.

We offer these services to help you extend the life of your tires.

Alignment

Wheel alignment (or just alignment for short) is standard automotive maintenance that involves adjusting the angle of the wheels so that they meet the manufacturer's specifications. The main purpose is to get the suspension and steering system to operate at the desired angle - which reduces tire wear. Alignment is a complex process that not all mechanics can do correctly. For an expert to handle your car's alignment, come to Driver's Choice Repair LLC.

Balancing

If you feel your car vibrating excessively or your steering wheel is shaky, your tires may be out of balance. Driver's Choice Repair LLC has the professional equipment and technicians to measure the balance of your vehicle's tires and make the necessary corrections. If you have any questions, please contact us so we can evaluate your tires.

Repairs

Improperly repaired tires can be a safety hazard to you and your passengers. At Driver's Choice Repair LLC, our tire experts will determine if your tire can be repaired or if it needs to be replaced. If the tire can be repaired, our certified technicians will ensure it is properly repaired and get you back on the road.

Tire Inspections

It is recommended that tires (including spare tires) be inspected regularly by a tire service professional during routine maintenance intervals such as oil changes and tire rotations. We will inspect the tire tread and sidewalls for irregular tread wear, cracks, scratches, bulges, cuts, snags, foreign objects, or other damage caused by use. We will remove any rocks, glass, foreign objects, etc. embedded in the tread to prevent further damage. Even minor damage can lead to further injury and ultimately tire failure. Tires with excessive cracking in the tread or sidewall should be removed from service. This is often caused by underinflation, overloading, improper storage, and/or long-term improper parking.

Tire Rotation

Tire rotation is the practice of moving your car's wheels and tires from one position to another to ensure even wear and thus extend the life of your tires. Rotation is important because each tire on your car carries a different amount of weight and therefore wears at a different rate. By rotating, you essentially even out those differences. Your owner's manual will tell you how often to rotate your tires, but generally speaking, they should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

We Carry Most Major Brands of Tires

At Driver's Choice Repair LLC, we understand that tires are an important part of your car. The quality of the tires and the materials they are made of has a huge impact on the performance of your vehicle. The main purpose of a tire is to protect the rims and improve the performance of your vehicle. For this reason, we only carry branded tires. In addition, we offer fleet tire management services to ensure you get the best value, fuel economy, and longevity from your tires.

At Driver's Choice Repair LLC, customer safety is our top priority. We hope this information makes you a little safer. If you would like to discuss whether your tires need to be inspected or replaced, please contact us and have a great trip!

Tire Related FAQs

At what mileage intervals should I rotate my tires?

Experts recommend that you rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. While this is a good rule of thumb, the exact interval for your vehicle will depend on its drivetrain and your driving habits. Aggressive drivers in the area may need to rotate their tires more frequently. The experts at Driver's Choice Repair LLC can work with you to determine the most effective tire rotation schedule.

What are the benefits of rotating your tires?

The main benefit of rotating your tires is to even out the tread wear of your tires. Evenly worn tires contribute to a smooth and comfortable ride. Frequent tire rotations can also extend the life of your tires. It can improve safety by helping to prevent strain and uneven grip between the tire and the road.

How do I check tire pressure?

First, remove the cap on your tire's air valve and keep it somewhere you won't lose it. Press the tire pressure gauge against the open valve stem for a second or two. Next, read the air pressure gauge. Compare the number on the pressure gauge to the recommended tire pressure in your car's owner's manual or on the sticker next to the driver's door opening. Finally, replace the tire's valve cap. You can also bring it directly to Driver's Choice Repair LLC.

Does my tire warranty affect my tire rotation schedule?

Tire manufacturers know that tire rotation is important for even tread wear. Tire mileage warranties are usually set by the manufacturer and include tire rotation. Failure to rotate your tires may void your tire manufacturer warranty.

What causes tires to become out of balance?

If you hit a curb or pothole, your wheel-tire assembly can become out of balance. Routine wear and tear of tires and wheels can also cause imbalance. Many experts recommend that you balance your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or every 2 years.

If you purchase a new set of tires, you may find that tire balancing is included with your purchase. At Driver's Choice Repair LLC, we can check your tire balance and make any necessary adjustments for you.

How do I check tire tread depth?

Check all tires in multiple locations by inserting a coin into the tread groove of the tire with Lincoln's head facing you and the top of the head touching the tire.

If you can see Lincoln's entire head, your tires are worn and need new tires. Of course, you can bring your vehicle to Driver's Choice Repair LLC and our experts can check it for you.

How does snow tire usage affect rotation decisions?

If you have snow tires, check tire pressure and rotate them in with winter tires regularly. Rotating snow and winter tires is important to maintain even tread wear and to preserve maximum traction in icy conditions.

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