Rather than confusing you with the many different types of tires and their specifications, we've compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about tires. This list covers everything from tire pressure to tread wear.

Q: How often should you rotate your tires?

A: Tires are used to deliver optimal performance. They have a specific tread that provides traction, grip, and stability. As such, tires are meant to be rotated every so often in order to prevent irregular wear which can compromise their gripping capability. The frequency of rotation will vary depending on the conditions you drive through, but as a rule of thumb, rotation is recommended every 5,000-10,000 miles if your vehicle is equipped with run-flat tires.

Q: How often should I have my car alignment and driving tires checked?

A: Aligning wheels can be an essential part of car maintenance, so it's a good idea to find out what the recommended rotation and replacement guidelines are for your vehicle. If you notice that one or more of your wheels are wearing unevenly, or if your car pulls to one side while driving, wheel alignment may need to be adjusted. Your wheel alignment should be checked if you have been in any form of accident.

Q: Is there a difference between wheel balancing and wheel alignment?

A: Wheel alignment and wheel balance are two closely related services for vehicles. While people commonly confuse the two, the truth is that they are quite different. When your vehicle is having problems with staying in a straight line, the chances are that you need an alignment or wheel balance. This could happen when your wheels are out of alignment, and it causes the tires to travel unnaturally. If your car is having vibration issues around its rim, it's a wheel balance issue.

Q: What's the right pressure for your car's tire?

A: Maximum pressure on tires is not just about how well your car rides or handles, it’s also a matter of safety. The vehicle manufacturer recommends the maximum tire pressure for a reason: The tire pressure needed to give you the best balance between ride comfort and tire durability.

Q: Why is tire pressure necessary?

A: Overinflated tires are more likely to experience sudden and catastrophic failure resulting in a serious safety issue. Under-inflated tires will wear out excessively because they run hot when driven above speed limits for extended distances.

Q: Do underinflated tires affect gas mileage?

A: Tires are the only point of contact for a vehicle and road. Inflating your tires properly will save you money. Failing to inflate your tires can cause both performance and safety-related issues because it makes your car less fuel-efficient and increases strain on the engine. Tires that aren’t properly inflated cause an amount of resistance on the tires. This causes fuel to use up faster, and the car will run slower. Fueleconomy.gov says that well-inflated tires will improve your gas mileage by 3.3%

Q: Should you repair a minor defect on the outside of one of your tires or just buy a new replacement?

A: When it comes to deciding on whether or not to replace a damaged tire, the answer is less clear-cut than you might think. Obviously, with a puncture, the advice is always to replace your tire as safely as possible. The best type of repair that can be done depends upon the location and angle of where the object punctured your tire. If it's between the treads or at a straight angle, then plugging can often be a safe alternative to replacement.

Q: I have all-season tires, do I need snow tires during the winter?

A: Snow tires are likewise made to conform to icy road surfaces, and as such, they can provide good grip and handle a wide range of temperatures. All-season tires, in comparison, might not be able to sustain traction in wet conditions such as those which result from snow. Winter tires tend to have improved tread patterns that can help deliver better grip when turning on wet roads than other common car tires.

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We've been known for our excellent customer service at Island Auto Group. Not only do we provide the very best automotive services & sales, but we also keep you rolling with tire brands that are trusted by your friends and family. Visit us at one of our service locations, located on Hylan Blvd, in Staten Island.