Can I stud a tire that isn’t new?

You can have old tires studded, however, the debris that stays in the stud holes can often push studs out which is why it’s best to stud a tire when it is new.

When do I need a balance?

You should have the balance checked when there is a vibration between 70-100k, or anytime a passenger or light truck tire is dismounted and mounted again.

Do you do alignments?

We do not, but we can recommend some quality shops.

Do I need to prepare for the appointment?

If you have your own tires please place them indoors, if able, or have them ready for installation 20 minutes before appt.

What’s the difference between winter, all-weather, and all-season tires?

- An all-weather tire is designed to perform in winter and summer conditions while giving optimum handling, performance, and stability.

- A winter tire is designed to perform, move, grip, and disperse at extreme winter temperatures but is compromised in the heat.

- An all-season tire generally has a harder compound for handling, stability, and performance for temperatures of 7 degrees or higher. Less than this, the all-season becomes hard and compromises the braking distance and grip needed for safe driving in the winter.

What is a directional, asymmetrical, or symmetrical tire?

- Directional tires, typically winters, are designed to go in one direction. They can only be rotated from back to front and most of the time you’ll see arrows on the sidewalk indicating what direction it is meant to roll. There is better-wet traction and dry performance because the tire disburses heat better and the v shape pumps water faster through the tire.

- Symmetrical tires are the most common, and they can be rotated in any direction, better wear, and deliver a smoother quiet ride, commonly with the all-season tire.

- An asymmetrical tire combines both the features and benefits of the other tread designs. Normally, this would be with your all-weather tire and have an inside and outside stamped on either side of the tire to indicate which position should be faced up.

What happens when you drive on winter tires all year?

Heat is what destroys tires. If you ride your winters during the summer they will wear rapidly, decrease fuel economy, and perform poorly on dry and wet surfaces of temperatures over 7 degrees or higher.

Can I put mismatched tires on my vehicle?

Since your tires are the only thing between the vehicle and the road it is best to ensure you in the best handling, performance, and, safest position possible. Having the same tire on your vehicle does that. You should never have two winter tires and two summer tires on a vehicle, as it causes spin-outs and other unnecessary risks.

When should you rotate your tires?

Tires should be rotated at least every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres, or to be simple, every second oil change. If you have all-weather tires, it’s not a bad idea to rotate them every service since the compounds are a bit softer. If you have a full-size spare, that tire should be included with the rotations. This rule of thumb goes for 2 wheel drive 4x4 or AWD.

Can you drive on a flat tire?

- No, you could damage the tire beyond repair.

- You could damage the wheel since the wheel would also receive a lot of impacts causing bending and cracking.

- You could lose control of your vehicle and hurt yourself or someone else.

How do you know when your summer tires are worn out?

- If you see cracks, bulges, or abrasions, they should be replaced.

- If the tread depth is 4/32 or less.

- When a tire is at 2/32 it is considered legally bald and needs replacing.

- Tread gauges are available just about everywhere, and you should have one handy right next to your pressure gauge to always give your tires a quick check before that summer trip.

What causes uneven tire wear?

There are several types of wear on a tire starting with:

- One-sided wear is generally caused by an alignment issue. Or the angles, camber toe or both, aren’t set straight. Worn mechanical parts in the front end can also cause one-sided wear.

- Wear on both shoulders of the tire is caused by under-inflation when the outside edges of your tire are flexing harder and making constant contact with the road. This is when this sort of wear will appear. Making sure your pressure is set to the placard on the inside of the driver’s door is key to the prevention of this kind of wear.

- Center wear is caused by over-inflation or too much air can cause the tire to bulge in the middle and not on the sides.

- Unusual wear, such as cupping, feathering, etc. is usually caused by worn-out mechanical components and should be inspected by a mechanic to verify what the problem is before proceeding.

What is a speed rating on a tire mean?

- It has to do with how well a tire performs up to a certain speed as well as how the tire stays cool and how the tire handles just in time.

Load rating

For light truck there only three:

- LT load range C which is a 6 ply

- LT load range D which is an eight-ply

- LT load range E which is a 10 ply

- Each one has its purpose but a keynote is to remember that the heavier the truck, the heavier the ply needed. The pressure can not exceed the max amount on the tire, not the placard.

What Brands Do You Carry?

-We carry Michelin, Bf Goodrich, Goodyear, Hankook, Carlisle, and much more!

-We carry custom wheels as well.

What is considered light truck?

A large SUV such as Yukon, Denali, 2500 or 3500 Express Vans, etc.

Hyundai, Jeep, minivan, etc. would be considered a passenger.