Picture this: you’re driving down the road and suddenly feel a jolt to realize you have a flat tire. This unfortunate instance has happened to all of us, and tire replacement is something you should be prepared for; whether it goes flat or it’s just worn down. But when it comes to our tires, we have a lot of questions: When should I get them replaced? What kind should I buy? Should I get a warranty? Kennedy Transmission has the answers to help your vehicle’s tires roll on without any issues.
The Right Time for Tire Replacement
Whether you’ve run over a nail, hit a curb, or have uneven wear, at some point one of your tires may no longer be working properly. While many flats appear in the form of loud pops or bumpy handling, they’re not always that obvious. To better identify when you need tire repair or replacement, look for foreign objects in your tires, and determine their wear from the following:
- Good: 4/32” or more
- Replace soon: 3/32”
- Replace now: 2/32” or less (use the penny test)
When you get a flat tire, your spare will only get you so far before it’s time for repair or replacement. Often times, we’re able to plug a puncture, but sometimes damage can be irreparable. In the case, replacement is your only option. Since your tires must be replaced by pair (either the front or back), you’ll have to consider buying two new ones – or even a full four if necessary.
High Quality is the Preferred Quality
Tires are like shoes for your car. You want a pair that lasts a while but also keeps your feet protected. For tires to be effective, you’ll need them to handle Minnesota road conditions, as well as the weight of their load. When looking for new tires, keep in mind that there are three tiers of quality:
- Tier 1: Highest quality and most expensive tires; last a long time while maintaining excellent traction
- Tier 2 (or private label): Lower quality and less expensive than Tier 1; don’t last as long but still provide solid traction
- Tier 3: Lowest quality and least expensive tier; don’t expect the durability or traction of the first two tiers
Like a low-priced shoe, cheap tires may seem attractive – that is, until they wear down and you need to buy new ones again. Surprisingly, you spend less on expensive tires in the long run because they don’t need to be replaced as often. In fact, many Tier 3 tires don’t even offer warranties due to their low quality. If you want a warranty for tires that do offer them, keep in mind that they’re warranted by expected mileage (for instance, 40,000 miles).
Keeping You and Your Tires Rolling
You’re probably wondering how to protect your new tires, as you don’t want to replace them again anytime soon. This is where air pressure comes into play. The lower the pressure in your tires, the shorter their life. Proper inflation means even tread and less stress on the tire, resulting in longer lasting tires. Also, replacing tires with low tread assures your safety. Worn tires don’t move water as effectively and may cause your car to hydroplane during rainstorms. After all, you wouldn’t want to put yourself at risk for a wreck.
Kennedy Transmission Covers Tires
Flat tires are rare and unfortunate circumstances, but tire replacement comes with the territory of owning a car. As car owners, we need to be able to identify when to replace our tires and act proactively. At Kennedy Transmission, we’re the Minnesota tire experts, and we’ll work to make sure your next tire repair or replacement is as painless as possible.
Find the store nearest to you and schedule your next tire maintenance job.
