A Car Owner’s Guide to Tire Repair

Maintenance is an essential part of vehicle ownership. One of the most important—and unfortunately, most overlooked—aspects of maintenance is tire care. While taking your car in for tire repair in Santa Clara is always an option, you’re best off taking good care of your tires and avoiding the repair shop as long as possible. Here’s a brief guide to tire repair and maintenance.

Tire Maintenance

The best way to avoid the need for tire repair is to keep your tires in tip-top shape. This involves keeping them inflated to their recommended pressure, which can be found on the driver’s side door jamb or in your owner’s manual. It’s also a good idea to get your tires rotated once every 8,000-10,000 miles so that they wear more evenly. Finally, it’s important to periodically check your wheel alignment, as improper alignment could lead to uneven wear and an increased risk of a blowout.

Punctured Tire Repair

Of course, even the most vigilant maintenance regimen may not be enough to save you from a leak or blowout. For example, a large, sharp rock in the middle of the road could damage a brand new tire. Instead of throwing up your hands and purchasing another new tire, you can have your Santa Clara auto repair shop plug up the hole. Tire repair has gotten very sophisticated, and the right repair team could help extend your tire’s lifespan by years.

When to Get New Tires

Unfortunately, some tires are so old that they’re simply not worth repairing. Separated tires, for example, are considered hazardous and must be replaced. Also, tires with tread that is worn down to 1/16” are not considered safe. One easy way to tell whether your tires need to be replaced is to place an upside-down penny in the groove of your tire—if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time for a change. If you’re having trouble determining whether you need to repair or replace a damaged tire, simply ask for your mechanic’s recommendation.