GERALD's TIRES & BRAKES

There are many misconceptions about tires and their relationship to common vehicle problems. Unfortunately, it is surprising how many automotive businesses subscribe to these as well!

 

Alignments fix vibration issues: Although vibration can occur because of an "accident-level" alignment problem this is very rare.

 

Bottom line: 99.9% of all vibration issues are not caused by a bad alignment.

 

Actually: Most often balancing is the key to vibration problems. Balance vibrations will come and go within a specific range of speed. If the vibration seems more uniform (all speeds) worn, separated or just plain old tires may be contributing as well. Worn front-end parts can be another cause of vibration and although a weak suspension may not cause vibrations they can amplify them. Also, getting a simple tune-up can help as well, a rough engine can vibrate through the entire car. Also see CV axles, warped rotors

 

Tire rotation can be put off: It seems a strange source of potential wear but it is true, not rotating your tires on time will eat your tires alive!

 

Bottom line: You can loose more than half of your tires life if you don't rotate your tires at least every 4,000-6,000 miles.

 

Alignment comes with new tires: Although it is a smart idea to get an alignment with the purchase of new tires it is not normally included with the total tire price unless requested.

 

Bottom line: Many folks mistake the service of balancing for the service of alignment and vice-versa.

 

Actually: At Gerald's, balancing is included in our tire pricing while alignments must be requested separately.