AutomobileGator
Did you know that almost a whopping 11,000 car accidents occur every year in the United States because of flat tires? This fact was revealed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Needless to say, for your vehicle to function optimally, you need to take good care of the tires.
Despite being one of the most crucial components of a vehicle, car owners often overlook tire repair requirements. While some people simply ignore the tires altogether, others can’t afford to replace them too often. The good news is you can get away with repairing the tires if there is only a small issue. However, if the damage is beyond repair, then tire replacement is the only way to ensure a safe and comfortable drive. Tire inspection should be a part of your regular car maintenance routine, advice by experts at Adams Automotive, a leading car repair service in Houston, TX.
Let’s see when you should consider visiting an auto repair shop in Houston, TX, for tire repair or replacement.
Is the Damage Repairable?
A punctured tire can be repaired if the length of the split is lesser than a quarter of an inch. Any car maintenance service in Houston can fix such punctured tires with patches and plugs. The tire can only be repaired if its tread depth is greater than 1/16 inch.
So, check the tread depth of the tire before deciding whether it needs repair or replacement. You can take the tires to the nearest tire repair shop in Houston to measure their usable tread depth.
Find the Source of the Leak
The loss of air pressure is the first and most obvious sign of a flat tire. Now, this pressure loss can occur in different ways. There could be a full blow out or the air might leak out slowly. In case the tire has completely blown out, the damaged part will be easily noticeable. If it is leaking slowly, you need to check the sidewalls, tire treads, and other components of the tire to locate the leak.
It is easier to locate the leak when you remove the tire from the vehicle. Sometimes, the loss of air pressure in the tire doesn’t occur due to a puncture. It could also be caused by regular wear and tear. Malfunctioning valve stems can also lead to air pressure leaks, so it is important that you check the tire properly. If the leak in the valve stem has caused a flat tire, then that doesn’t need tire replacement. You can take the tires to the tire repair shop in Houston and have the valve stem repaired.
Regular Maintenance
Tires should be replaced once the tread goes below 2/32 inches, says the National Traffic Highway Safety Administration. No matter how well you drive the car, regular wear and tear are quite common in tires. In addition to careful driving, make sure you have a car mechanic for regular maintenance and servicing. The maintenance package should include car AC repair, car engine repair, tire repair, and more.
If you ensure regular maintenance and tire pressure checks, you gain peace of mind while driving. So, make sure that you and others stay safe on the roads with a good car mechanic by your side.
