What Our Services Include
While GreatWater affiliated shops are full-service auto repair specialists, most are also tire experts. They can help you with all your tire needs, from providing the appropriate tire recommendations for your vehicle, to purchasing, installation, and repair. And every service at our local shops includes a complimentary tire check as part of our routine vehicle inspection. Remember that safety often starts with your tires, it's why they shouldn't be overlooked. Let’s get into the specifics of tire repair and service below.
Rim Repair
Whether you were involved in an accident, regularly drive on rocky or bumpy roads, or had a little mishap and hit a curb or a pothole, bent wheels or rims tend to happen over time. Such issues are more than just unsightly; they can also lead to poor fuel economy, handling problems, uneven tire tread wear, and even more impactful problems if they're not resolved promptly. We'll help restore the original shape of your rim or rims so you can return to the road.
Tire Rotations
As a general rule of thumb, your vehicle's tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles to ensure even tread wear that will ultimately prolong the life of your tires. Failure to rotate tires can also result in tire failure, increasing the likelihood of experiencing a blowout while you're on the road. As the name implies, a tire rotation is simply the process of moving the tires on the vehicle from their current spot to another location on the vehicle. For instance, the front tires may be swapped out with the rear tires - or vice versa. Since tires wear differently depending on where they're installed on your vehicle, regular rotations help ensure tread wears evenly.
Tire Repair & Replacement
The average tire lasts anywhere from four to five years, or about 60,000 to 75,000 miles, before replacement is necessary. The best way to know if it's time to replace your tires is to check the tread depth. You can do this with a penny or special tread depth tool. If the tread is at or below 2/32 of an inch, then the tire should be replaced. Or try the “Penny Test,” place a penny (if you can find one these days) into a tire groove upside down. If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tread is too shallow and worth getting evaluated by one of our certified technicians. Tread depth at or below 2/32 of an inch will significantly impact stopping distance and overall traction safety.
Seasonal Tire Replacement
If you live in an area that's subject to winter weather, talk to one of our local shop advisors or operating partners about whether snow tires are right for you. They’ll be able to give you advice on what’s best for you and your driving needs. Quality all-season tires could get you through the winter months while some will want specific snow tires to ensure they are safe when the roads get treacherous.
Winter tires feature deeper groves and irregular edges to better grip the road during snowy or icy conditions. They can also help drivers stop faster and corner better, enabling safer driving during more challenging conditions.
Tire Brands We Carry
If you need new tires or want to explore buying a second set of tires for seasonal driving, we've got you covered at our local GreatWater 360 Auto Care network of shops. We carry all brands from Firestone, Bridgestone, Goodyear, Continental, and many more. Our tire experts can help you select the best option for your vehicle based on your budget, driving habits, and performance requirements.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment to learn more about the tires that would work best on your vehicle.
How Often Should You Get Your Tires Checked?
Checking your tires is something that you can do yourself. We always suggest drivers visually inspect their tires and check their tire pressure at least once a month. Tires lose about 1 pound per square inch (PSI) of pressure per month and cold weather can cause them to lose pressure even faster.
In addition to routinely checking your tires at home, you should consider having them professionally inspected about once a year or every time you have your tires rotated. A professional inspection can help identify any issues behind uneven tread wear and premature wear, and also help determine tread life and when it might be time to consider a new set of tires.