Align, rotate and inflate your tires. You can help keep everyone safe. Like a superhero without the tights.
Wondering if it’s time for new tires? One way to tell is to insert a penny, head first, into the tire tread. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it’s time for tires. But tire tread isn’t the only indicator of problems. If your tires are more heavily worn on the inside than the outside, or vice versa, you may also have wheel alignment issues that won’t be solved with a new set of tires.
A discount store might not be able to tell you that, but the expert auto repair technicians at Auto Tech Specialists understand how all of the components in your car work together. Our total car care philosophy gives you peace of mind knowing you’re taking care of the cause of problems, not just the symptoms.
When you visit Auto Tech Specialists technicians will inspect, rotate, and balance your tires, as scheduled by your vehicle’s manufacturer. And when it’s time to replace them, we will determine the correct size and kind of tire you need for the car and type of driving you do. Finally, we will make sure your new tires are properly installed.
Need a wheel alignment? We’ll take care of that, too. So, visit Auto Tech Specialists and ask about tire sales and tire repair services. We think you’ll find we’re a perfect fit. And don’t forget: manufacturer recommended vehicle maintenance typically includes tire services such as tire rotation and wheel alignment.
Properly aligned, rotated and inflated tires will help save you money on gas. Regular tire service from ATS can help.
Here are a few pointers to help keep you and your tires rolling along trouble-free.
- Have your tires rotated regularly. Your vehicle’s manufacturer has specific recommendations for tire rotation. Keeping to this schedule will help extend tire life. Our expert Auto Tech Specialists mechanics will provide you with this information and help keep you on track.
- Keep your tires properly inflated. Your tires typically lose 1 psi (pound per square inch) each month. That adds up very quickly. And remember, temperature can have a major impact. A drop of 10°F can also cause a 1 psi loss in pressure. Low tire pressure, in turn, can result in reduced gas mileage and excessive heat buildup leading to tire damage.
- Check for signs of excessive or uneven tire wear. Uneven wear on the inside or outside could be an indication that other problems are lurking, so make sure your tires are professionally inspected.
ASK THE MECHANIC
Tires & Tire Repair FAQs
Q: Do I really need a separate set of snow tires if my car has all-weather tires?
A: Snow tires are built to handle harsh winter weather, and they have the muster to conquer icy hills and abrupt, unexpected stops. The decision is really a matter of how often you drive in true winter conditions, although we recommend that you always err on the side of caution.
Q: Can driving in the snow in regular (non-snow) tires damage my tires?
A: Snow tires have a special rubber compound that keeps them flexible when temperatures drop, unlike their all-season or summer counterparts, which tend to stiffen in cold weather.
Q: I drove over a nail and had my tire professionally repaired. Is it dangerous to drive on a repaired tire?
A: As long as the tire was repaired to the Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA) standards – which are the only way we repair tires at Auto Tech Specialists – you should be good to go. RMA says to repair a flat tire if: 1) the puncture is ¼ inch or smaller; 2) it is located on the tread (not the sidewall); and 3) it doesn’t overlap with an existing tire repair.
Q: How often should I rotate my tires?
A: According to most maintenance schedules, tires should be rotated with every oil change. Check your owner’s manual, or your service technician at Auto Tech Specialist can tell you the exact tire rotation time interval to follow.
Q: Why does my TPMS light go on? The tire looks fine to me, and my car is only a year old.
A: If your tires are under- or over-inflated, the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) activates the warning light on your dashboard. When the light is steady, it means you need to have your tire pressure checked. If the light is flashing, it means you need to have your TPMS checked.
Q: How can I tell if I need new tires?
A: If you notice any of the following, it’s probably time: 1) uneven tire wear, 2) cracking or bulging tire treads or sidewalls, 3) anything poking into the tire, 4) tread pulling away from the body of the tire or 5) worn treads that don’t pass the penny test.
Q: How do I use a penny to determine when I need new tires?
A: Stick a penny in the tire tread, top first. If the tread doesn’t touch Lincoln’s head, your tires are worn and likely need to be replaced
Q: My car sometimes shudders when I am going faster than 40 mph. I feel like it’s my tires, but I just put air in them. Can you help?
A: We’ll know for sure after a quick inspection at Auto Tech Specialists, but based on your description, it sounds like you might need to have the balance of your tires and suspension checked.
Click the button below to make your Tire Appointment today!
