How we can care for your tires
In our last post, we discussed a simple tire check up you can perform to extend the overall life of your tires, as well as ensure the overall safety of your vehicle. This post focused on checking tire pressure and visual inspection. Though you can help maintain the life of your tires by inspecting them, routine tire maintenance requires more than just the owner’s involvement. There are several tire maintenance procedures that require specialized tools and knowledge – the experts at Neal’s Garage are available for tire rotation, tire balancing, and wheel alignment.
Tire maintenance is considered part of routine car maintenance and a common fix for unusual driving or steering. However, there are other causes for these problems, and the professionals at Neal’s can help determine a course of action for restoring the safety of your vehicle. Two of the most common problems drivers experience that can be fixed with professional maintenance:
- Unusual vibration or thumping noises usually indicate an out of balance tire, a tire with a separated belt, or a tire with a flat spot. This tire may need to be replaced or balanced, or there could be an underlying internal suspension issue.
- If you notice your car pulling to one side, you may have an under-inflated or damaged tire. You should check your tire pressure, as well as inspect your tire for punctures, because you could have a slow leak or embedded object. However, your vehicle pulling to one side could also be caused by a brake problem or you may need to have your wheels aligned.
If you notice unusual steering when driving your vehicle, you should bring it to Neal’s for a check with a experienced mechanic. While it is important to bring your car to a mechanic in these situations, tire and wheel maintenance is a crucial part of routine car care. These tire and wheel maintenance procedures – like tire rotation, tire balancing, and wheel alignment – should only be performed by experienced professionals with the correct tools.
- Tire rotation extends the life and performance of your tires. Usually a vehicle’s owner’s manual contains mileage recommendations, but usually a tire rotation should be performed every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
- Tire balancing help minimize uneven tire wear and extends tire life. . Any time a tire is removed from the wheel, like when installing new tires of for a repair, the tire must be balanced. Any vibration when driving could signify a tire is off balance, though a professional must determine there is not an underlying suspension issue.
- Proper wheel alignment is necessary for safe vehicle handling and maintaining your fuel economy. If your wheels are properly aligned, your vehicle will drive in a straight line without a drift or pull to either side. If your vehicle pulls to one side, consult a mechanic to determine that there is not an underlying cause. Wheels should be aligned any time new tires are installed, and the alignment should be checked by a qualified professional anytime unusual steering is noticed.
Schedule your next routine professional tire maintenance service with us today! At any time if you experience any driving or steering inconsistencies with your vehicle, schedule an appointment with an expert to diagnose and solve your problem. Neal’s Garage is available to solve all of your car and tire maintenance needs.
