Stay Rolling And Cut Costs - Deciding Between Tire Repair And Replacement

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Culture and society have long romanticized the freedom and opportunity provided by the open road, but access to that road depends on your ability to keep your vehicle in great shape. Your tires are in constant contact with the road and take the greatest amount of stress, and as such, it's important that you know how to handle common damage.

Below, you'll find a guide to deciding between repairing and replacing your tires. Making the right decision is an important part of saving money in both the short term and the long term, and having healthy tires is the best way to stay safe and avoid running into issues on the road.

Consider The Tread

Making sure that your tire has adequate tread is an important part in making sure you can maintain control of your car. When the tread is worn down, your vehicle won't make correct and consistent contact with the road, and you can find yourself struggling in even moderately difficult road conditions.

Regardless of the extent of the damage, you should be sure to replace your damaged tire if the tread is worn down beyond what the manufacturer considers to be an acceptable level. If your tire is new or still has strong tread, however, small damage will likely be able to be patched or plugged.

Locate The Damage

If you detect air leaking from a tire or other signs of decreased performance, it's important that you locate the exact spot of the damage. Tires that are damaged in the spots which undergo the most stress will almost certainly need to be replaced.

Contrary to popular belief, your tire's sidewall is actually its most common stress point. This is because the pressure exerted on the tire by the vehicle pushes the air outward, so damage to the sides can happen more easily. If you have a small puncture in or between the treads, however, it's more likely that it can be easily patched.

Remember Your Warranty

For many people, cost is a large concern when it comes time to repair or replace their tires. However, paradoxically, many people neglect to consider the replacement options that are provided to them by their vehicle's warranty. In most cases, your tires will be fully covered up to a certain mileage. This can allow you to receive free or severely reduced price tires that will keep you on the road without putting stress on your pocketbook. Contact a company like Down East Tire & Service LLC for more information.


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