Flat Repairs/Tire Repairs

If you’re comfortable under the hood of your vehicle, some battery maintenance tasks are not that difficult. First up, check your battery terminals for signs of corrosion. This can appear like a white or green chalk around the posts and terminals. If you spot any, give it a good cleaning with a soft bristle brush like an old toothbrush. Make sure the fasteners are all secure and then add a good measure of dielectric gel to the posts and terminals to prevent corrosion.

An often-overlooked task, regularly checking your tires’ air pressure is one of the easiest and most important things you can do to help extend the life of your tires and keep your vehicle safe on the road. A good habit to get into is checking the air pressure at least once a month. It should definitely be checked if you’re going to be towing anything with your vehicle, hauling a heavy load in your truck, or if you are about to go on a long road trip.

When you have a flat tire, in many cases, the damage to the tire can be remedied with professional tire repair. But, there are some instances where trying to repair the tire would be unsafe due to the reduced durability of the tire:

A puncture, crack, or split on the sidewall or shoulder of the tire, no matter what size it is.
If the puncture is long and straight, irregular, or has a diameter greater than 1/4”. (Long cuts often cause damage to the belts of the tire as well.)
A crack or split located on the edge of the tire that sits on the wheel.
Multiple punctures that are less than 16″ apart.
If the tire tread is separating (this usually occurs where the tread meets the sidewall).
In any of the above cases, replacing the tire will ensure your continued safety on the road. When you need new tires and are looking for a tire store you can trust, we’ve got you covered! Our manufacturer-trained tire experts can help you find a high-quality tire that is a perfect fit for your vehicle, driving conditions, and budget. Northwest Express Auto Care is proud to carry tires from major tire manufacturers.

No—Rubber Manufacturers Association guidelines prohibit unsafe repair procedures like using an old-fashioned ‘plug’. When applicable, the proper procedure calls for the internal application of a plug-patch, which both seals the lining and fills the void left by whatever damaged the tire.

There are some things you can do to help get the most life out of your tires:

Regularly check your tires for damage (e.g., embedded objects, cuts, uneven tread wear, or cracking).
Maintain the recommended air pressure levels in your tires.
Proper tire inflation helps reduce excess wear and tear.
Keep up with regular tire maintenance to keep your tires properly balanced, rotated, and aligned.
Avoid driving around corners at high speeds (this wears down the outer edge of your tires much faster).
Give yourself enough time to come to a slow and controlled stop versus quickly braking and wearing down the tread. – Avoid aggressive acceleration that would cause the tires to squeal.
Try to avoid driving over any potholes or broken pavement.
Stay below the maximum load capacity for your tires when hauling or towing. Remember, once a tire has reached a tread depth that is at or less than 2/32″, it should be replaced.