Norlang Auto’s Tire Services
Norlang Auto Repair is not only Lower Mainland’s first choice for auto repairs and service but also your complete tire sales and service centre. You will find the best prices on brand name tires and receive tire promotions and manufacturers’ mail-in rebates when you purchase your tires from us. If you have a flat or your tires need rotating, we can do it in no-time flat.
We also offer a tire storage service to help you keep your tires in good conditions and ready whenever you need them. For only $30 per season, we will store your tires on-site with 24-hour security and help you free up space at home.
Tire Maintenance Tips
We always encourage our customers to maintain their tires in top condition in order to avoid excess fuel consumption, a reduction in their tires life expectancy and, most importantly, prevent any safety issues which might arise due to tire neglect. Unfortunately, we often service family vehicles which have uneven tread wear or even worn to the point where the steel wires in the tires become visible!
Checking tire air pressure, and regular tire maintenance such as rotation, alignment, and inspections can help you save money and avoid unsafe driving conditions. It only requires a few minutes every month to ensure your driving safety and the longevity of your tires. The following 5 tips will help you save money and create safer driving conditions for you and those who share the public roads with you.
Tip 1: Inspect Tires
I still remember my driving instructor always telling me to check my tires before getting into the driver’s seat and placing the key in the ignition. I’m sure, I’m not the only one who recollects this piece of wise advice. How many of us actually do it, though? It’s important to inspect your tires, if not every time you get into the car, at least every couple of days, especially if you drive on highways or country roads. We don’t always notice if one of our tires has been damaged. Consequently, by inspecting our tires regularly for wear and tear or any damage, we can avoid any unforeseen and potentially dangerous problems. It’s also a good idea to have professionals, like the technicians at Norlang Auto, inspect your tires every time you take your car in for an oil change or service.
Tip 2: Tire Pressure
Checking your tires’ pressure to ensure they are correctly inflated can determine how long your tires last. It’s best to check your tire pressure when tires are cool. For example, check before driving or if you have driven less than 5 kms at low speed. A high-quality pressure gauge is a necessary investment for anyone who owns a car since you can check your tire pressure at home before driving. In addition, the pressure gauges at gas stations are not always reliable so it’s better to use your own. If you are not familiar with checking your tire pressure, our technicians at Norlang Auto would be more than happy to show you how to do it.
You should know that improperly inflated tires don’t wear evenly and won’t last as long. Tire manufacturers state that if a tire is consistently 20% underinflated it will last 20% less. Therefore, a tire that should ideally last for 50,000 kms would be worn out by 40,000 kms. Also, underinflated tires are the greatest cause of using excess fuel since they have higher rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder to move your automobile.
Tip 3: Rotate Tires / Alignment
The front and rear axles and right and left sides of any car wear down tires differently. As a result, we need to rotate our tires regularly between the different positions. By doing this, we ensure they wear evenly and last longer.
If you notice persistent uneven tire wear, you should also ask your auto service centre to check your tire alignment/wheel alignment. This is an adjustment of your vehicle’s steering and suspension components. It is not an adjustment of the tires or wheels themselves. Proper alignment involves adjusting the angles of the tires and their contact with the road in accordance with your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications for parameters such as camber, toe, and caster.
Tip 4: Do Not Exceed Legal Speed Limits
Speed limits have been set to protect us. If you have a passion for speed then you can always take your car at one of the many race tracks around Vancouver and satisfy your passion under controlled conditions. Driving your vehicle at great speeds on public roads is extremely dangerous for numerous reasons. You should be aware that your tires have a greater chance of being damaged by road hazards or heat build-up if you drive at high speeds. Furthermore, high speeds can cause your tires to experience rapid air loss or even a sudden tire blowout. Of course, if you have a blowout, you may lose control of your car!
Tip 5: Take Note of Load Capacity
This tip is especially relevant to those of us who drive pickups, vans or light trucks. You should never exceed the load capacity of your tire’s load index. If your tires are loaded beyond their maximum loads, they can build up excessive heat which may cause a sudden blowout.
We hope our tips will help keep you safe and get the most out of your tires. For more information about tire maintenance and care, you can visit us, call us at 604-337-1515 or book an appointment online now.