How Do You Know When You Need New Tires?

Are you tired of going out to your car each morning and seeing a flat tire?  Even with regular tire service, such as car alignment, tire balancing, and rotating the tires, tires can only last a certain number of miles before they will want to be replaced.  Don’t put yourself or others at risk because you’re driving on bad tires!

How do you know when you need new tires, you ask?  Under normal driving conditions and with regular tire service, most tires these days are rated to last up to 50K miles.  Tire specialists recommend changing tires about every 6 years, regardless of whether they have been driven 50K miles or 50 miles.  You should be aware that 6 years is the time limit for most tire guarantees.  And remember that if you have tires that have reached the 10-year mark, the rubber has weakened, and driving safety is compromised.

There are also some conditions that will shorten the life of your tires, such as neglecting regular tire service, driving constantly over bad roads filled with bumps and potholes, and fast stops and acceleration.  

Here are various tire service tips that will help keep your tires in good condition:   

• Maintain the correct air pressure – The right amount of air pressure in the tires will ensure that they are connecting with the road with the least rolling resistance which helps with fuel economy and that the tread wears more evenly. 
• Frequent inspections – Look for cuts or slashes in the rubber, excessive tread wear, or uneven tread wear patterns.
• Rotate tires – About every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, have your tires rotated so that the tread and rubber wear evenly.  
• Maintain the proper wheel alignment – All the tires should be going straight in a similar direction, indicated by the steering wheel in the correct position.  
• Keep the tires balanced – Weights placed on specific points of the tire help even out the weight of the tire, providing a smoother trip. 

Wonder how do you know when you need new tires?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about tire service and to request an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.

How To Know When Your Car Needs Maintenance?

Vehicles are one of the biggest purchases many people will make next to their homes. So keeping it in the best condition possible is critical to protecting your investment. A well-maintained vehicle may run for hundreds of thousands of miles. That said, ignoring the recommended vehicle maintenance will kill your vehicle, even if it’s brand-new!

Here are various signs how to know when your car needs maintenance:  

• Illuminated Warning Lights – Today’s cars are filled with sensors, monitors, and computers, some of which help control your vehicle, such as anti-lock brakes, cruise control, and other handy features of modern cars.  But the most essential function of those sensors is to let you know when something is wrong.  Here are the three most vital warning lights:
• Check Engine Light 
• Low Oil Light 
• Tire Pressure Gauge 
• Funny Noises – If your vehicle is running differently than it usually does, something may need attention. Knowing some of the basic noises and what they mean can help you communicate more effectively with your auto mechanic.
• Whining Under the Hood – Especially on older cars, this sound is almost always a loose belt. If a belt slips, it can cause extensive damage to the engine and other components of your car. 
• Unusual Engine Noise When Idling – When your car is idling, you should hear an even, constant engine sound. If the noise coming from your engine has been replaced or seems to be popping, revving, or slowing, take your car to your auto repair shop before the issues get bigger.
• Grinding Metal – No two metal components of your car should be grinding against each other. Take your vehicle to your auto mechanic to diagnose and fix the issue.
• Squealing Brakes – If your brakes are squealing, your brake pads are probably worn down and should be changed as soon as possible.  If the brake pads get too low, you can damage your rotors. Your brake pads also help dissipate the extreme heat caused by the friction of braking, leading to brake failure.

Whatever the symptom, if your car stalls in a risky location, you could put yourself and others in harm's way. Get your car into an auto repair shop as soon as possible.

Wondering how to know when your car needs maintenance?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about recommended vehicle maintenance and to request an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.