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What I Need to Know about Tire Buying & Maintenance in Granite City, IL

March 3, 2023

Your vehicle is quite probably the second biggest investment you have. Tires then become a big part of that investment when it is time to replace them.


At one time, there was such a thing as “rock” tires, but tires have since been re-engineered and are made of rubber, which, unfortunately, makes them a delicate part of your car considering the amount of use and abuse from the roads we drive.

When buying tires, consider how long you are going to keep the car, what kind of driving you do with the car, whether mostly city or highway matters, and who is driving the vehicle. Grandma? Or your teenager who runs all his friends around every weekend? Or a spouse that travels for work. All this matters. 


Tire Prices

Tires are priced based on a number of factors:  The Manufacturer: A better-known manufacturer will sell more tires and have a better warranty.  Compounding: While all tires are compounded, their “ingredients” can vary drastically. Technology: The major manufacturers will integrate the latest technologies from Formula 1 and NASCAR into their passenger tires.  Tire Mileage Warranty: Tires are sold with varying mileage warranties, meaning how long the manufacturer knows the tire should last with PROPER MAINTENANCE! 


How Long Will Tires Last?

Unfortunately, tires have a shorter life compared to other parts of your vehicle you maintain. Taking proper care of your tires is the best thing you can do to ensure they give you a full life, comfortable ride, and your money’s worth! Even with PROPER MAINTENANCE, most tire manufacturers (and the Tire Institute of America (TIA) strongly recommend tires be replaced after 6 years, unless the tires have not received proper care, then they will need to be replaced sooner. Our professional tire experts will guide you on the safety of your tires.


What is Considered Proper Maintenance?

Tire maintenance is pretty easy. How your tires wear is dependent upon many factors, but the major contributors are over or under-inflation, lack of rotating and balancing on schedule, and failing suspension parts. Therefore:


Tires should be inspected monthly for proper air pressure and to look for evidence of a failing tire, such as a bulge on the sidewall. 



Tires should be rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles. A tip for the best way to remember when to have them rotated is when you have your oil change: either every other 3,000 mile oil change or every 5,000 mile oil change, depending on the oil recommended for your vehicle.


Tire balance should be checked with every rotation, or at the very most every 18,000 miles.


Finally, have the suspension checked on your vehicle every year or every 12,000 miles, depending on your driving habits or the road conditions where you live and work. If the roads are full of potholes, have your suspension checked every 6 months.


Tires are expensive. Get the most out of them by spending a little time and money on keeping them maintained.

Mechanic | O'Brien Tire & Auto Care
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