New & Used: 9673 Kings Auto Mall Road, Cincinnati, OH 45249
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Every car eventually will require the tires to be replaced, but the big question is when? Wear and tear on the threads will wear down the tire, and then there's the risk of getting a flat, or worse, damaging the wheel. Before it gets to that point, it's important to have the tires on your vehicle checked regularly, maintained, and replaced when needed. For a tire shop with high-quality service and discount tires in Cincinnati, drivers need to visit McCluskey Chevrolet.
However, there is more to maintaining your tires than simply checking the treadwear and replacing them when you can see Abe Lincoln's head on a penny. Tires are more complicated than they might look, and there are a few other things to pay attention to. This ranges from air pressure and tire age to tire alignment and wheel balancing. But don't worry - here at McCluskey Chevrolet, we make maintaining your tires easy!
Many drivers ignore their tires until it is too late. However, it doesn't take an expert mechanic to know when you should consider replacing your tires. Here are some simple signs to look out for that will let you know that a tire replacement might be in your near future:
Generally, it's best practice to look into tire replacements around the 50,000-mile mark. However, this all depends on a number of factors, such as where you drive your vehicle, whether the tires are weather-worn, how often you've traveled off-road, and whether or not you do a lot of trailering or hauling. Different tires also wear differently, and you can't expect to get the same life out of a high-performance summer tire as you would from a common all-season tire.
Another factor that determines when a good time is to replace your tires is brand. Most brand-name tires offer warranties that cover your tires for tens of thousands of miles. For instance, Goodyear tires come with a 30,000 to 85,000-mile service warranty, depending on the type of tire. So if the tires run into problems before then, you can have them serviced or replaced.
Michelin also has a warranty plan for most tires that varies depending on make, model, weather conditions, and mileage. Michelin warranties will run as low as 20,000 miles for ultra-high-performance summer tires or as high as 80,000 miles for all-season passenger tires. Michelin also has a three-year roadside assistance policy so that if your tire goes flat, you need a tow, or even if you simply locked yourself out of your car, they will cover roadside assistance.
Off-brand tires won't offer you those sorts of guarantees, and it's important to keep that in mind when you're buying new tires. Another thing that could affect how quickly your tires wear down is vehicle weight. The gross weight of a vehicle combined with road conditions can determine the lifespan of a tire. Light vehicles on mostly asphalt roads will generally see longer tire life, while off-road vehicles with a high curb weight that are driven across difficult or rugged terrain will likely see a shorter lifespan.
There are several noticeable signs to pay attention to that will let you know when it's time to replace your tires. So what are the signs that your tires need to be replaced? The most common and easy to check is the tread depth level, as that can be done in a matter of seconds without any special tools.
Now, you might be asking, what is tire tread depth level? This is a good question, especially if you're new to inspecting tires. The tread depth level for a new tire is typically 10/32 to 12/32 of an inch. As you drive a vehicle, the tire depth is reduced from wear and tear. As the treads begin to dwindle down, this affects how much the tires are able to grip the surface of the road in bad weather.
Additionally, different tires can have their wear affected adversely by different road conditions. Examples include using winter tires during the summer or mud-terrain tires on asphalt. There are multiple ways to check the health of the tire, including the tread wear markers molded into most tires. These are small rubber bars running across the tire's grooves - if they're flush with the tread surface, then the tire needs to be replaced. You can also take a penny and place it upside down inside the groove of the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, then your tire is worn down below the legal limit, and it's high time to replace your tires.
However, there are some other signs to look for, as well. Even if the treads on a tire don't seem to be worn, sometimes tires will lose pressure over time and need to be replaced. This usually happens on older tires that have not been driven much. Most cars have a tire pressure warning light that will indicate if your tire pressure is low. Constant low tire pressure may indicate a leak and that the tire needs to be replaced.
Finally, a tire may simply be damaged. If you notice cracks, missing tread, peeling rubber, or anything else that seems out of the ordinary, then it is probably time to replace the tire. If you ever have any doubt over whether a tire needs to be replaced, then it is time to head to a tire shop near you to get an expert's opinion. Driving on bad tires is a sure way to find yourself in a preventable accident, so do not take that risk.
What exactly does a tire consist of? When shopping for new tires, it's very important to know the anatomy of a tire so that you can choose the right tire for your vehicle and can make an informed decision. The main components of a tire are the body, bead, sidewall, tread, and belt. Each of these components plays a very important part in the overall structure of your tire.
Together, the sidewall and body of a tire are also referred to as the carcass. The body of the tire is what carries most of its load. This is where most of the rubber weight can be felt when you hold it in your hands. Since the body carries most of the load, it needs to be strong enough to support it.
The sidewall is the part of the tire that you see when the tire is mounted on a car. This part of the tire plays a large role in your vehicle's ride quality and handling, as a thick sidewall increases flex and better absorbs impacts. The sidewall of a tire lists all relevant information about a tire, such as its load index, speed rating, construction type, tire dimensions, and so on.
The bead is the part of the tire that connects to the wheel. The bead is found at the end of the sidewalls. When installing tires, it is important that they are properly seated on the bead so that you can be sure that there will be no slipping or movement of the tire.
The bead consists of steel wires that are inserted into rubberized portions on both sides of the rim. Most radial tires have a wire or plastic bead filler in the bead to prevent it from collapsing when the tire is inflated. This can be seen as a horizontal line running around the circumference of the tire.
The inner liner of a tire is the layer that separates the air inside of the tire from the rest of the components and mechanisms that make up a tire. The job of an inner liner is to protect the air inside of a tire. Without this component, your tires would quickly go flat.
Buried in the body of the tire are the belt plies. These are what give a tire its strength and make it durable enough to roll down the road without flying apart. The material of the belt varies by tire type (highway, all-terrain, etc) and may contain a mix of steel, polyester, aramid, nylon, and other materials.
Modern tires are referred to as "radial tires" because the cords run radially along the tire. This design was invented in 1946 by Michelin and replaced the older diagonally-wrapped "bias ply" tires, although it wasn't until the 1970s that radials became common in the United States.
Now that you know what the rest of a tire consists of, it is time to talk about tread. The tread of a tire is what comes into contact with the road and provides traction for driving with your vehicle. In short, the tread is the uppermost layer of rubber on your tire. There are many types of tread available depending on the type of tire you are purchasing (highway, off-road, etc). The tread may be molded deep into the rubber, or it may sit on top of the tire.
The tread is the part of your tire that is likely to wear out the quickest. Your tread will get run down and smoothed out as you drive. It is important not to let your tread get too thin or smooth because this can greatly affect the safety of the vehicle. Make sure to replace your tires regularly, so your tread is always in the best possible condition.
While not technically a separate part of the tire, the rubber compound is critical to tire performance. While you may not think about it, not all rubber is created equal, and different types of compounds will behave differently depending on temperature and other factors. Each type of surface and weather requires specific compounds, which may either be high for wet pavement or low for warm pavement. Some of the most advanced tires will even use different compounds for different parts of the tire in order to achieve the desired effects.
Now that you know the anatomy of a tire, you can make informed decisions when it comes to what tires are best for your vehicle and driving style. When shopping for new tires, it is important to know what type of tire you need and what kind of conditions your tire is going to encounter on a regular basis. Once you know this, you can pick a tire based on the above components that will comfortably and successfully meet your anticipated driving needs.
So what different types of tires are there? There are actually many different types of tires, and each tire has a different purpose. Each part of your tire is uniquely chosen to complete a specific job. Knowing where and how you plan on driving your vehicle on a regular basis is a very important part of picking out the right type of tire. Let's go over a few of the most popular types of tires. If you have any questions at the end, just give the team here at McCluskey Chevrolet a call, and we will find you the right tires for your needs.
All-season tires or highway tires are the best type of tires for most dwellers. If you plan on driving primarily on the highways with some city driving, an all-season tire would be your best bet. All-season tires are intended for long mileage and can handle a multitude of different weather conditions, including rain, snow, and extra hot pavement. While they don't excel at anything, you can count on them for safe driving in virtually any situation.
If you want to have a tire with a lot of grip, high-performance summer tires are the way to go. These types of tires have a higher speed rating which allows them to do exceptionally well on highways and roads, offering excellent handling. However, they usually come at a higher cost, and summer tires should never be used in snow or ice. If you have a sports car or plan on treating your vehicle as a performance vehicle, these are probably the best option for you.
If you plan on taking your vehicle off of the road or it is primarily used for off-roading, an off-road tire is the best option for you. Off-road tires are very similar to high-performance tires in that they offer exceptional grip and handling on different surfaces. The main difference between the two is that off-road tires are built to handle harsh weather and rough terrain. The tread of an off-road tire is designed specifically for different surfaces such as mud, rocks, loose gravel, and so on.
Depending on how much off-roading you do, you should choose between mud-terrain and all-terrain tires. While mud-terrain tires are the most capable off-road, they are not great for highway driving. All-terrains are a better all-around choice and provide a balance of capabilities that makes them adaptable to most situations. These tires are good for people who do a lot of city driving but also regularly venture off of the pavement and onto dirt or rocky roads or driveways.
When the temperature drops and the snow and ice comes rolling in, winter tires are a must! Winter tires offer increased traction on snowy and icy roads, which makes driving in those conditions much safer. However, winter tires are more than just snow tires - they also provide better grip in cold weather even when the roads are dry. Even if you have a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle, winter tires are a must for those snowy days!
At McCluskey Chevrolet, we not only offer a wide range of new and used vehicles, but we also provide car maintenance and repairs at our certified service center. We offer expert assistance with a variety of new tires and tire repair services for all of your tire care and maintenance needs. Our tire shop professionals will help you in picking out the right kind of tires for your vehicle, whether that be summer tires, all-season tires, winter tires, all-terrain tires, performance tires, or touring tires.
We also offer tire rotation and wheel alignment services to help keep your vehicle running in tip-top shape and further extend the life of your tires. Be sure to schedule a regular checkup for your vehicle at McCluskey Chevrolet's tire shop so that you can reduce any unnecessary wear and tear on your car's tires, wheels, and suspension. Our specialists can take a look at your vehicle and provide you with expert advice on how many miles you can put on your tires before they need to be replaced and what sort of services you may need to keep your vehicle running. Your tire's health is a very important part of staying safe on the road, and McCluskey Chevrolet will help ensure that your vehicle will keep running with our dependable tire care services.
Don't hesitate to visit our Cincinnati-area dealership today for discount tires. Be sure to schedule an appointment or browse through our website to learn more about how to keep your vehicle in great shape before visiting us to have our tire experts take a look at your car and ensure that you're getting the most out of your tires. Our certified mechanics can check your tires for leaks, low pressure, damaged sidewalls, poor traction, or worn-out treads in order to evaluate and offer you the best advice for tire care, service, or replacement. If you need an alignment, a wheel balanced, or replacement tires, we will get you the service you need promptly and at a competitive price. For more information about McCluskey Chevrolet's tire services or any other type of car maintenance, be sure to chat or talk with a member of our team today.
