Tire Shop Advice: The Dangers of Improperly Installed Tires and How To Avoid Them
Don’t Let Just Anyone Install Your Tires
Tires are an important yet often forgotten aspect of every motor vehicle. While most drivers put heavy emphasis on their engines and transmissions, not every driver is so meticulous with their tires. At Tire Works, we’re certified tire experts who can handle all of your vehicles out of related needs. Our mechanics are ASE-certified to ensure that each service that you receive in our tire shop is backed with total peace of mind.
When it comes to tire repair, tire installation, or other tire-related needs, you can count on us foryour next tire service. Let's explore the dangers of improperly installed tires and discover how you can avoid them by trusting the experts at Tire Works in Las Vegas, NV.
Travel with the ultimate peace of mind in knowing that a certified expert is here for all your tire-related needs.
Unpacking the Importance of Tires
Your tires are the only components of your vehicle that actually make contact with the road, so it's important that they are properly installed, inflated, and maintained throughout their life span. Improperly installed tires can pose a serious safety risk that could lead to loss of control or even an unfortunate collision.
Many drivers are unaware of just how many aspects of their vehicle that their tires impact. The truth is that your tires play a large role in various aspects of your vehicle, including its:
- Fuel economy
- Acceleration
- Braking
- Cornering
- Traction in wet weather
- Traction in snow
- Ride quality
- Cabin noise, and more
Because your tires can have such a large impact on the performance, handling, and safety of your vehicle, it is vitally important to make sure that your tires are always properly installed by a certified professional.
How Tires Are Properly Installed
It might seem fairly simple to install a set of tires. After all, tire installation is simply placing a tire on the rim and filling it with air, right? You might be surprised to see what proper tire installation looks like; it requires more detail than one might think. Here is what a professional tire installation will look like:
The Old Tire Is Removed
When new tires are installed on your vehicle, the old ones will have to be properly removed in a way that does not cause damage to your wheels. Without the proper equipment or the proper technique, your rim could crack, which could cause constant air leaks and pose safety risks as you drive.
A New Tire Is Installed
A professional mechanic will prepare your new tires for installation. This will include properly applying mounting lubricant on the inside of your new tire before it is installed on the wheel. This lubricant is important to ensure a tight seal between your wheel and tire, as well as to prevent corrosion.
After this lubricant has been applied, your new tire will be installed on your rim and inflated to the proper PSI according to your vehicle's manufacturer's recommendations for weight and drive configuration.
The New Tire Is Balanced and Mounted
After your tire has been installed onto the rim and inflated to the proper PSI, it will then be balanced. Although each tire is manufactured with incredible precision, tiny imperfections in each tire's molding process can cause small weight imbalances. Tire balancing is the act of installing counterweights that weigh just a few grams on the inside of your wheel to counter these imbalances. Without proper tire balancing, your tires could cause your vehicle to vibrate violently once you reach highway speeds. This can pose risks, including:
- Difficulty cornering
- Low traction
- An uncomfortable ride
- Unpredictable handling
- Reduced fuel economy
Once your tires have been properly balanced, they’ll then be mounted on your vehicle, and your lug nuts will be reinstalled with the proper torque.
How to Avoid Improperly Installed Tires
Properly installing your tires takes expertise, knowledge, and the proper equipment. Trusting someone other than a certified professional could turn a simple installation into a dangerous situation. Here are just a few of the many dangers that can happen from trusting an unqualified professional to install your tires:
- Improper balancing. This could lead to harsh vibrations on the road.
- The mounting lubricant was not applied. This could cause a leak between your tire and your rim, resulting in an indefinite leak in your tires. Over time, temperature changes and weather can cause your tires to form a permanent seal around your wheels, making them impossible to remove without causing damage.
- Incorrect installation. Believe it or not, some drivers have had their tires installed backward by subpar tire shops.
To avoid these dangers, we recommend trusting Tire Works for all your tire-related needs. Our tire shop in Las Vegas employs ASE-certified mechanics who can properly install new tires onto your vehicle and leave you with lasting peace of mind.
Enjoy Peace of Mind at Tire Works
Whether you're looking for tire repair services, or you're shopping for a new set of tires, our tire shop is here for all of your needs. We carry all of the major brands and can even special order the particular tires that your vehicle needs.
At our Vegas auto shop, you’ll discover why drivers trust us for all of their auto-related needs. Don’t forget to check our current specials to see how much you can save on your next service!
