Your Safety Starts with Proper Tire Care
At Swanson's Auto Service, your safety is our top priority. We're committed to keeping your vehicle dependable, safe, and ready for the road. One of the most critical - and often overlooked - components of vehicle safety is your tires.
If your tires are worn, underinflated, or damaged, even the most advanced safety systems and engineering can't perform at their best. That's why staying on top of tire condition is essential.
If you're unsure about your tires' health, stop by Swanson's Auto Service in Grandville for a professional inspection. We'll help you determine whether it's time for a replacement and guide you on how to maintain them for maximum performance and safety.
Why Are Old or Bad Tires Dangerous?
Your tires are your vehicle's only contact with the road-when they're compromised, so is your safety. Old, worn, under-inflated, or poorly matched tires can lead to dangerous handling, poor braking, and a higher risk of blowouts or hydroplaning. In high-stakes driving situations, the wrong tires can make you feel like a passenger in your own car.
Signs Your Tires Need Air
Underinflated tires often appear flatter at the road contact point. This causes uneven wear on the sidewalls, reduced fuel efficiency, and in severe cases, complete tire failure. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, reduce the contact patch-making it harder for your car to grip the road, especially during sudden turns or stops. For the safest and smoothest ride, check your vehicle's recommended pressure (usually listed on the driver's side door) or visit Swanson's Auto Service in Grandville, MI for assistance.
Signs of Low Tread Depth
Low tread reduces traction, especially in wet conditions, increasing your risk of hydroplaning and poor vehicle control. Your tire's tread channels water and debris-without enough depth, it simply can't perform. Try the penny test at home, or better yet, bring your vehicle to our shop in Grandville, MI for a professional tread inspection.
Signs of Tire Damage
Look out for embedded debris, cracks, bulges, or bubbling. You may also feel vibration or hear odd noises when driving-both of which may indicate internal damage or structural failure. If you suspect an issue, it's best to avoid handling the tire and let a pro at Swanson's Auto Service take a look.
What Can (and Can't) Be Repaired
Small punctures within the tread area can usually be safely repaired with a plug and patch. However, damage to the sidewall, large gashes, or tires driven on while flat are often beyond repair. Swanson's Auto Service follows strict manufacturer guidelines to ensure any repair made is 100% safe.
We offer the following services to help you prolong the life of your tires:
Repairs
An incorrectly repaired tire could pose a safety hazard to you and your passengers. At Swanson's Auto Service, our tire experts will determine whether your tires are able to be repaired, or if they need to be replaced. If the tires are repairable, our certified technicians will make sure they are repaired correctly and get you back on the road.
Alignments
Wheel alignment (or simply alignment) is standard car maintenance that involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they are set to the manufacturer's specifications. The main purpose is to let the suspension and the steering systems operate at their desired angles - this reduces tire wear. Alignment is a complicated process and not all mechanics get it right. To have experts handle your car's alignment, visit Swanson's Auto Service.
Tire Rotation
Tire rotation is the practice of moving the wheels and tires of an automobile from one position to another, to ensure even tire wear, which extends the useful life of a set of tires. Rotation is important because each tire on a car carries a different amount of weight, making them wear at different rates. By rotating them, you basically even out those differences. Your owner's manual will tell you how often to rotate your tires, but as a rule of thumb, it should be done every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Balancing
If you feel excessive vibration in the car, or wobbling of the steering wheel, your tires may be unbalanced. Swanson's Auto Service has the professional equipment and technicians to measure the balance of your vehicle's tires and make necessary corrections. Call us at 616-532-3111 if you have questions, or schedule an appointment so we can evaluate your tires.
Tire Inspection
It is recommended that tires, including the spare, be periodically inspected by a tire service professional during routine maintenance intervals such as oil changes and tire rotations. We will inspect the tire tread and sidewalls for irregular tread wear, cracking, scrapes, bulges, cuts, snags, foreign objects or other damage resulting from use. We will remove any stones, glass, foreign objects, etc. embedded in the tread to prevent further damage. Even minor damage can lead to further injury and eventual tire failure. Tires with excessive cracking on the tread or sidewall(s) should be removed from service. This is typically caused by under inflation, over loading, improper storage, and/or improper long-term parking.
We Offer Most Major Brands of Tires
At Swanson's Auto Service, we understand that tires are an important part of your car. The quality of tires and material used on them highly affects the vehicle's performance. Their main purpose is to protect the wheel's rims and improve vehicle performance. For this reason, we only deal with brand name tires. Also, we offer fleet tire management services to ensure you are getting the best value, fuel economy, and life from your tires.
At Swanson's Auto Service, customer safety is our number one priority. We hope you'll be a little safer with this information. If you'd like to talk about whether your tires may need inspection or replacement, call us at 616-532-3111 or visit us at 3957 56th St SW in Grandville, MI. Happy travels!
We offer most major brands of tires:
Tire Related FAQs
At what mileage should I rotate my tires?
Most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5,000-7,500 miles. However, this can vary depending on your vehicle's drivetrain and driving style. Let Swanson's Auto Service in Grandville help determine the ideal rotation schedule.
What are the benefits of rotating my tires?
Tire rotation ensures even wear, extending the life of your tires and promoting a smoother, more balanced ride. It also improves handling and reduces the risk of uneven traction.
How do I check my tire pressure?
Remove the valve cap and press a tire gauge onto the stem. Compare the reading to your manufacturer's recommended PSI (found in your manual or inside the driver's door). Re-cap the valve and add or release air as needed. Or visit Swanson's Auto Service-we're happy to check it for you.
Does my tire warranty influence my rotation schedule?
Tire manufacturers know that tire rotation is important for even tread wear. Tire mileage warranties are most often set by the manufacturers with tire rotations included. Failing to rotate your tires may void your tires manufacturer warranty.
To learn more about our Tire services, call us at 616-532-3111 or request a quote by clicking below:
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