Finding a tire repair shop is a surprisingly complicated process. Some areas in the U.S. are almost overrun by repair shops and service centers, while others have a surprisingly sparse number of them. In Albion, MI, heading to Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is the obvious option, but what if you live somewhere else? Explore the best ways to find a tire repair shop in your area.
Signs It’s Time to Find a Repair Shop
Many tire problems are easily patched up by anyone with basic car maintenance and repair skills. However, if you don’t have the knowledge or equipment needed for a tire replacement or are experiencing problems even after replacing your tires, it’s time to take your car to be looked at by a professional.
Tire Damage
One of the most common reasons drivers take their car to the shop is to get a flat tire repair. Whether you drove over something sharp or suffered a blowout on the road, it’s a good idea to take your car into the shop for repair, especially if the tire damage came from hitting something. Blunt force can force your car’s suspension system out of alignment.
Consistently Low Tire Pressure
It’s normal for air to escape from your tires gradually, and you can quickly inflate them at a gas station. However, minor tire damage or problems with the tire’s valve system can cause air to leak out more rapidly, giving you constant problems with tire pressure.
As of 2008, industry standards require that new vehicles are built with a tire pressure monitoring system. This monitoring system activates a light on your dashboard upon detecting low tire pressure. If you have an older car that lacks a monitoring system, you can check the tire pressure yourself with a tire pressure gauge.
- Let your tires cool off. Checking your tire pressure immediately after driving will give you inaccurate readings.
- Locate the valve on your tire.
- Take the valve cap off. (You may hear a hissing noise once the cap is off. This is normal.)
- Take the pressure gauge and put it on the valve stem. Apply enough pressure to stem the hissing noise.
- Check the pressure gauge. Most tires should register around 32 to 35 psi, although the exact number can vary depending on the car. Check the owner’s manual to make sure.
- Remove the pressure gauge and replace the valve cap.
Worn Treads
Your tires contain wells and grooves known as tire treads to grip the road and avoid skidding. Tire treads wear down naturally over time, but mechanical problems like low tire pressure, misaligned wheels, or worn brake pads strain your tires and accelerate wear and tear. Certain types of driving, like drifting or hard braking, also cause your tires to break down faster due to excessive friction.
It can be hard to tell at a glance whether your tires are balding. Luckily, the classic penny trick makes it easy to tell if your treads are thinning.
- Find a penny.
- Turn the penny so that Lincoln is upside down.
- Place the penny in the wells of your tires. Lincoln should still be upside-down.
- Look at the penny. If your tires are in good condition, the top of Lincoln’s head should be mostly obscured by the rubber. If there’s a gap between Lincoln’s head and the rubber, your tires are worn down and need to be replaced.
Scheduled Maintenance
No matter the condition of your tires, you should always get them replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this is usually every 6 to 10 years. If you keep a spare tire in your car, remember to replace the spare, too.
How to Find a Nearby Tire Repair Shop
If you live near Albion, MI, bringing your vehicle to Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram may seem obvious for a tire repair or replacement. However, for those outside of Albion, check out these tips to make your search easier.
Look Online
Perhaps one of the easiest solutions is to use an online search engine to find a service center in your area. Simply enter “tire repair service” along with the area you live in. For instance, if you live in Jackson, Michigan, try looking up “tire repair service jackson mi” to find local repair shops like Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
Ask Around
Do you have friends and family nearby who have taken their cars in for service? Have you just moved in and are looking to get acquainted with your neighbors? Ask them if they know of any good mechanics or service centers in your area. They can offer you advice on which mechanics or service centers provide high-quality service and which ones are best avoided.
Check Local Ads
If you’re in a smaller town, finding car repair shops online can be harder. Bulletin boards and local newspapers often list car repair services you can’t find through a search engine.
Get Your Tires Repaired at Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram
If you’re having tire trouble in Albion, Michigan, it’s easy to receive service from Hometown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. Simply make an appointment online or give us a call at (517) 436-0433. Our mechanics service all sorts of tire problems so you can get back to driving.
