Any equipment comes with a limited lifespan, and this includes your car’s tires. The quality can degrade through time, and while preventive maintenance can preserve its peak performance, it’s best not to wait until your tires are caving in from the pressure. After all, tires can take miles of beating every time you drive. 

Replacing them as soon as you notice any tell-tale signs of old-age can save you the risk of running into a hazardous blowout on the road. Visual inspection alone won’t clue you in on the right time to update your tires, that’s why the guide below should showcase warning signs to steer you in the right direction when considering new tires:

Red Flag #1: Low Tread Depth

The golden rule for drivers is that their car’s tires should never fall below 1.6 millimetres in depth. The standard for the tread depth becomes more apparent when driving on slick or wet roads as the tread depth is responsible for maintaining a safe level of traction, though it’s best to have twice the level of depth to enhance your car’s grip. 

Fortunately, measuring your tire’s tread depth will only cost you a penny – literally! Take out a coin and insert it into the tread – if you see the top part of the coin’s head, it’s a visible sign that you don’t have enough tread. With that in mind, you can quickly solve the problem by getting a new set of tires from your local mechanic.

Red Flag #2: Tread Wear

Constant driving can cause tires to wear-and-tear. Conversely, new tires have a modern way of checking its state and performance thanks to the indicator bars built into the tires. This indicator visibly signifies if the treads are worn out beyond its safe depth, allowing you to kick the tires and test its reliability. 

Keep in mind that while the indicator bar showcases the tire’s longevity, your driving habits will directly influence the actual results. On that note, you’ll need a quick change of tires if you notice the tread-wear grade is low.

Red Flag #3: Cracks in the Sidewall

In addition to staying vigilant with your tire’s treads, don’t forget to check up on its sidewalls too. Any cuts, grooves, or cracks in the sidewall can lead to costly consequences as it could lead to leakage, which results in eventual, dangerous blowouts. Even if you notice just a hairline scratch, it’s best to make a pit-stop to your nearest car repair and replace your old tires.

Red Flag #4: Excessive Tire Vibration

Minute vibrations are typical in cars, especially if you are driving through bumpy roads or install the tires incorrectly. If you notice any excessive vibration at 40 to 50 mph, long after you re-align the wheels, it’s a tell-tale sign that you need to have a professional diagnose your tires for any internal problems. 

Updating your worn-out tires can make a world of difference in improving driver safety. With that in mind, watch out for the common red flags above to drive away from trouble and ensure a smoother, more secure ride. 

If you’re looking for new tires for your car in Richmond Hill, get in touch with us today! We’re happy to help.

There’s a vast difference between vehicle maintenance and repair. The former is part of the vehicle’s service schedule, as specified in the owner’s manual. This routine maintenance keeps your car in optimal condition and can be conducted in any dealership. Meanwhile, repairs mostly happen only when there’s an issue that needs fixing.

Dealership or third-party auto shop?

These repairs can range from fixing the brakes to repairing the vehicle’s body. Meanwhile, complicated repairs include electronics system malfunctions and transmission overhauls. Check with your dealership if the original warranty covers these fixes, and if you can get the repairs for free. The dealership can also perform service campaigns to correct vehicular defects.

However, determining where to take your vehicle when it is out of warranty is often a concern among many vehicle owners. It’s best to visit a shop that specializes in a particular brand because they have the proper training and updated information on how to handle the vehicle. Competent technicians will also suggest whether or not the dealership can handle the repair job better.

Problems that are exclusive to your model like electronic and navigational systems merit a visit with the dealership. Safety recall work is also for dealership mechanics only.

Finding a great car mechanic

Annual surveys reveal that car owners experience a better level of satisfaction in independent shops over dealerships. However, identifying a mechanic you can trust takes more than answering a survey. Instead, you must take the time to find these traits that signify a great mechanic.

1. Recommendations – Ask people who have vehicles similar to yours and find out where they brought their car for repairs. If they mention a specific shop in your locality that satisfied their need, that’s where you must go.

2. Search the Internet – Look for information about local mechanics through online directories or car websites that review mechanic services. You can also subscribe to Consumer Reports for estimates on car repair as well.

3. Certifications – A certification from accredited bodies like the National Institute for Automotive Service is an assurance that the auto shop provides quality service. Otherwise, they will get a lousy reputation by losing their accreditation.

4. Warranties – Warranties differ per shop, and you can ask them ahead of time. Ask for their warranty on brake repairs as a guide for their offerings.

5. Convenience – Find an auto shop that won’t take long for you to reach. Even the best shops are not worth the visit if it takes you hours to get there. Make sure that there are several public transportation options around the shop to make going home easier.

6. Give the shop a try – Try local shops for small repairs like oil and filter changes to assess the quality of their work. If they turn out to be good, commission them for advanced repair tasks as well.

7. Check their supplies – Aside from assessing the quality of their repair equipment, determine the level of the spare parts they offer. Inquire if they use high-class material, especially with the tires they suggest when your set needs replacement.

Determining whether to go to an independent auto repair shop or a dealership can be difficult at times. With the seven considerations mentioned above, you’ll be able to determine which option will best suit your needs. If you’re looking for an auto repair shop in Ontario, get in touch with us today to see how we can help.