All-Season Tires vs. Winter Tires: Differences & Benefits

Having the right tires on your car is critically important, especially during rain, or snow season. There are so many different types of tires on the market today that choosing the best ones can be confusing.

In this blog, we’ll examine two popular types of tires: all-season and winter. While many people think these types of tires are identical, they do have distinct differences.

What Are All Season Tires?

Many cars today leave the factory equipped with all-season tires. In addition to providing a quiet, smooth ride, they perform adequately in most weather conditions and are more than sufficient for drivers who can avoid winter travel on untreated roadways.

The Benefits & Disadvantages of All-Season Tires

Fuel Efficiency of All-Season Tires

All-season tires help optimize fuel economy for both city and highway driving.

All-Season Tires for Electric Vehicles

Many of today’s electric vehicles are equipped with all-season tires.

All-Season Tires in Light Snow and Rain Conditions

All-season tires perform well in moderate weather conditions, such as light snow, and rain.

Temperature Performance of All-Season Tires

An all-season tire’s construction helps it perform well in non-extreme temperatures (hot or cold).

However, they do have some drawbacks, namely that all season tires are not designed for heavy rain, or snow conditions. In these types of weather, they will not grip the road as well as other tire designs.

Additionally, as temperatures fall below 45 degrees, all-season tires are no longer operating within their peak performance range, making road grip and responsiveness less than optimal.

Winter Tires

While winter tires share some similarities with the all-season design, there are some distinct differences.

What are Winter Tires?

Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are specially designed for cold weather and slippery conditions and are ideal for drivers who must drive in extreme weather or on untreated roads. Made from a more flexible rubber compound, Winter tires are designed to deliver peak performance in temperatures below 45°F, Winter tires feature deep grooves and unique tread patterns to provide superior traction on snow, ice, and slush, offering better control and braking.

The Pros & Cons of Winter Tires

Improved Grip on Snow and Ice with Winter Tires

Winter tires utilize a large tread block, and deep groove design, which helps them cut easily through heavy snow and ice.

Braking Performance in Winter Conditions

Because of their specialty tread pattern, winter tires improve braking, as they do not slide as easily as other designs in harsh winter conditions.

Disadvantages of Winter Tires

However, winter tires also have certain limitations, including:

Road Damage

Although made of soft rubber, the tread grip on winter tires can damage asphalt and concrete. This is especially true if they come equipped with studs for extra traction.

Poor Handling of Winter Tires

The primary purpose of winter tires is to grip the road, not take sharp corners. Due to their construction and tread design, they do not handle as well as other tires do.

Soft Rubber = Increased Wear

Because winter tires are made from soft rubber, they tend to wear out more quickly. This is especially true if they are driven on dry roads in temperatures above 45°F, which prematurely shortens the life span of their special tread patterns. It is quite common for consumers to purchase winter tires along with a set of winter wheels so they can easily change back to all-season, or summer performance tires as soon as extreme winter weather is unlikely.

Car-X Can Help You Choose the Right Tires!

Choosing the right tire for your vehicle will depend on where you live, the area’s climate, your driving habits, and other important factors.

No matter where you call home, you can count on the pros at Car-X to help you select the right tire for your specific situation. We carry a large inventory of top brands and are your one-stop tire solution. Give us a call or stop in today to learn more about your tire options.

Ultimate Guide to Car and Vehicle Alignment

The Importance of Vehicle Alignment

Maintaining your vehicle’s alignment is a critical aspect of car care that often goes overlooked. Proper wheel alignment not only ensures a smoother and safer ride but also plays a key role in extending the lifespan of your tires and improving fuel efficiency.

In this ultimate vehicle alignment guide, we’ll delve into the importance of vehicle alignment and how Car-X can help keep your vehicle in top-shape with expert routine vehicle maintenance services.

What is Vehicle Alignment?

Let’s start with understand what vehicle alignment actually is. Vehicle alignment is the adjustment of a vehicle’s suspension system, which connects the wheels to the vehicle. Proper alignment ensures that all four wheels are parallel and that they make consistent contact with the road.

Common Signs of Misalignment

Recognizing the signs of misalignment is crucial in addressing the issue promptly. Some common indicators include uneven tire wear, a steering wheel that is off-center when driving straight, drifting or pulling to one side, and a vibrating steering wheel.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to schedule an appointment with a trusted tire and auto retailer.

Vehicle Alignments Impacts Your Car

Vehicle alignment is a crucial factor in maintaining the overall health and performance of your car. Beyond preserving your tires, correct alignment enhances fuel efficiency by minimizing rolling resistance and optimizing your vehicle’s handling. Importantly, a well-aligned vehicle contributes to overall road safety, providing better control and responsiveness.

Ignoring alignment issues can lead to a variety of mishaps. Here are three important impacts of vehicle alignments.

Tire Wear

One of the most significant effects of misalignment is uneven tire wear. When your wheels are not properly aligned, certain areas of the tire bear more weight than others, leading to premature wear and reduced tire lifespan.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Proper wheel alignment contributes to better fuel efficiency. Misaligned wheels create additional resistance, causing the engine to work harder and burn more fuel. By keeping your vehicle’s wheels aligned, you can save money on fuel and reduce your carbon footprint.

Vehicle Safety

Maintaining proper alignment is crucial for your safety on the road. Misaligned wheels can affect your car’s handling and responsiveness, especially in emergency situations. An alignment service can help ensure that your vehicle performs optimally, providing you with a safer driving experience.

Get Vehicle Alignment Services at Car-X Today

At Car-X, we take pride in offering state-of-the-art alignment services using cutting-edge technology and skilled technicians. Whether it’s a routine alignment check or correcting a significant misalignment, Car-X has the expertise and equipment to get the job done efficiently.

Whether you’re looking to a vehicle alignment service, ABS repair, a safety inspection, or a tune-up, our technicians are available to help you whenever you need it. Schedule a visit to Car-X today and experience the difference that expert alignment services can make for your car.

Can My Flat Tire Be Fixed?

At some time or another, most people will experience a flat tire on their car. Flats can happen for a variety of reasons, and the good news is that in most cases, tires that have gone flat can be repaired. However, not all tires can be repaired.

In this blog, let’s take a look at the various ways a flat tire can be repaired, when it can’t, and the importance of having a good quality spare should you ever need it.

Why Do Car Tires Go Flat?

Car and truck tires can go flat for a number of reasons, including:

Punctures from a nail, bolt or glass in the tread area.
Broken bead.
Faulty valve stem.
Damage to the tire’s sidewall.

Punctures

There are many objects in the street or highway that can cause a tire puncture. If a sharp object has torn a hole in the tread of your tire, it can usually be repaired.

One- & Two-Piece Patches

A highly effective way to repair a punctured tire is with a patch. Today, there are both one piece and two-piece patches available. A qualified technician will be able to determine which type of patch should be utilized.

With patches, it’s important to know that the location of a tire puncture can only be in the area known as the crown. The crown is defined as the region between the shoulders of the tire.

The angle at which the tire injury occurred will determine whether a one piece or two-piece patch should be used. If the injury angle is less than 25-degrees, a one-piece patch repair can be made. Tires that have a puncture angle of more than 25-degrees require a two-piece patch.

Sidewall Damage Cannot be Repaired

When inflated, tires are under a tremendous amount of pressure, especially around the sidewall area. If a tire experiences damage to the sidewall, it cannot be repaired safely. Tires with sidewall damage must be replaced.

Broken Beads

The bead is the seal between the tire and the edge of the rim that is designed to keep air from escaping. Age, weather conditions, or hitting a big pot hole can cause a tire’s bead to fail. A qualified tire technician can remove the tire from the rim, clean both thoroughly and apply a special bead sealer adhesive. Once dry, the tire can be re-inflated and put back on the car.

Broken Valve Stems

The valve stem is mounted into a tire’s rim and allows for the filling and releasing of air. If a valve stem is broken or faulty, it will not hold air. Valve stems can be easily replaced by a qualified technician.

Everything You Need to Know About Spare Tires

Nobody really thinks about their car’s spare tire, until they need to use it! Be sure to check the air pressure in your spare tire every time you check the rest of the tires. Be sure to follow the instructions on the spare tire with regard to inflation limits.

While some cars have full size spares, many vehicles today have what are known as “space savers” or “donut spares”. These types of spare tires are much smaller than your car’s regular tires, and should only be used for a very limited amount of time and miles. No matter what kind of spare tire you have, be sure it is in good condition, has adequate tread, and properly inflated.

Car-X is Your One Stop Tire Solution!

Car-X has been providing quality, reliable automotive services since 1971. Maintaining your tires is important to do all year long. If you have a flat tire, our experienced team can get you back on the road in no time. We also carry a large selection of brand name tires at a great price should you need them.

Call Car-X today and schedule an appointment for all of your tire repair or replacement needs!

Safety Tips for Driving In Heavy Rain

Wipers clearing rain, and roads busy with traffic.

Spring has finally arrived- along with an increase in rainy days. Heavy rain may be beneficial to flowers, but it is not the best weather to drive your car in. The roads become slick and visibility can be limited due to rain and fog. Use these tips to ensure a safe trip during heavy rainfall.

Slow down! Be sure to drive at or below the speed limit when the roads are slick.
Avoid hard braking, turn slowly, and ensure ample distance between the car in front of you.
Turn on headlights (but not the brights) In 18 states it is illegal to use your windshield wipers without turning on your headlights during inclement weather. Some of those states include Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio.
If you feel uncomfortable, pull over. Sometimes it is best to wait until the rain slows down before you continue your route. You should never drive when stressed out or uncomfortable about your safety.
Keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires have less pressure pushing the car down on the road. You will you have less tire-to-road contact than a properly inflated tire, which increases your risk of hydroplaning.
If you find yourself hydroplaning- don’t slam on the brakes. Instead, ease off the gas pedal and use a light pumping method on the brakes.
Rain causes humidity. If you need to quickly de-fog your windshield, turn on the A/C to cool down the interior of the car.
If you hydroplane, steer in the direction your car is going. This will help your tires realign and gain traction back.

Above all, it is important to remain cautious and calm while driving through heavy rain. Stop in to your local Car-X if you need a headlight or wiper blade replacement, brake repair, or a general inspection of your car.

Are Your Tires Ready For Winter?

With the winter season upon us, it is inevitable we will soon be dealing with colder temperatures, snow, and ice. Properly maintained tires are vital to the safety of your vehicle during the winter months. Your tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road. Because of this, there are a few precautions you should take before the weather becomes unfavorable.

• All four of your tires should be the same type, size, tread pattern, speed rating, and load index. Differences in these factors can negatively affect a vehicle’s handling and stability.
• Proper inflation and pressure are imperative. Having inadequate tire pressure can cause unnecessary wear, as well as impact your vehicle’s fuel consumption. Keep in mind that as the temperature drops, so does the pressure in your tires. Make it a priority to check your tires’ pressure every few weeks in the winter.
• Have your tires checked for proper alignment and tread. This is something that should be done on a regular basis, but is most crucial to have done in preparation for winter.
• Make sure your tires are in good shape, or get new ones. Tires that are worn, cracked, or out of balance can seriously hinder your ability to drive and control your car. The majority of winter accidents are caused by loss of control of the vehicle on snowy or icy roads.
• Should you decide to get new tires, winter or snow tires are the best bet for those living in regions that have particularly cold and snowy winter months. Snow tires can provide up to 20% better snow traction than all-season tires. With snow tires, you receive the benefits of shorter braking distances as well as more predictable and controllable turning.
• If you choose not to purchase winter/snow tires, be sure to check the tread on your current tires. The next time you do purchase tires, check for deep grooves on the edges of the tires. These types of grooves move both snow and water outwards from underneath your tire, creating better handling and traction year-round.

Tire Season Has Begun

October is Tire Month at Car-X! Why? It is the best time of year to pay attention to your tires and make sure they are ready for the coming winter months. The importance of tire maintenance cannot be underestimated – they are your vehicle’s only contact with the road.

• Have your tires inspected for proper wear and tread depth. Have them rotated if necessary according to your owner’s manual.

• Make sure your tires are in good shape. If they’re not, have them replaced. Tires that are worn, cracked, or out of balance can seriously hinder your ability to drive and control your car. The majority of winter accidents are caused by loss of control of the vehicle on snowy or icy roads.

• Depending on where you live, you may want to consider winter or snow tires. Snow tires can provide up to 20% better snow traction than all-season tires. With snow tires, you receive the benefits of shorter braking distances as well as more predictable and controllable turning.

• The valve caps on your tires are more valuable than you may think. They keep out any debris and prevent moisture from entering the tire, which can cause damage if the moisture freezes. This is especially critical for vehicles equipped with TPMS.

• All four tires should have the appropriate amount of inflation and pressure. This should be checked every few weeks once the weather gets cold, as the cooler temperatures cause the pressure in your tires to drop.

• Low tire pressure also negatively impacts gas mileage. According to a study done by the U.S. Department of Energy, having properly inflated tires can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3%.

• When was the last time you checked your spare? Take a look at your spare tire to ensure it is in good condition. A time when you really need it is not a time to find out it is flat.

Making sure your tires are in good condition is important, especially when preparing for the winter months. Read our article about the other components of winterization.

How to Change a Tire

It is likely at some point in your life you will get a flat tire. Do you know what to do without having to ask for help?

• It is important to find a flat, level surface on which to change the tire. This will prevent the car from rolling.
• Your vehicle should be in “Park” and should have the parking brake on.
• Place heavy objects in front of both sets of tires.
• Getting out the jack and spare tire, place the jack under the frame of the car, near the tire you will be changing.
• If your car has plastic along the bottom, as most cars do, make sure the jack is in the correct spot based on your owner’s manual. If it is not in the correct spot, it could crack the plastic.
• Raise the jack to a point where it is supporting, not lifting, the car, ensuring it is firmly in place under the vehicle. It should be at a 90 degree angle to the ground.
• To remove the tire, you first need to take off the hubcap and loosen the nuts with a wrench, turning them counterclockwise. They do not need to be taken off completely, just loosened.
• Depending on the jack, pump or crank the jack to lift the tire up off the ground. While doing this, make sure that the car feels stable and the jack is lifting straight up and not at an angle.
• At this point, remove the nuts entirely. Remove the tire, keeping in mind that it may be stuck because of rust buildup. Hitting the tire with any sort of object (such as the spare tire), should loosen it.
• Aligning the rim of the spare tire with the bolts of the wheel, place the new spare tire on and put the nuts on.
• Tighten the nuts first by hand and then with the wrench once they get tighter.
• Lower the jack, but do not yet put the full weight on the tire. Tighten the nuts as much as possible, then lower the car completely to the ground and remove the jack.
• Ensure the nuts are tightened all the way and replace the hubcap.
• If the tire is not destroyed, take it into a mechanic. Tires with smaller holes can typically be repaired for under $20.
• Always refer to your owner’s manual if there are any questions about where things go.

If your replacement tire doesn’t cut it, see a local auto repair shop and pick up a new one.

For a demonstration, please see the below video.