You're in Need of New Tires? Find the Best Tires for Your Vehicle at Kunes Service Center

Is it time for new tires? Knowing when to replace your tires is crucial for your safety and your vehicle's performance. Look for these key signs to determine if it's time for new tires:

• Tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that can't be repaired correctly
• Low tread depth
• Sidewall damaged deep enough to show cord or fabric
• Uneven wear patterns
• Tire cord or fabric showing through the rubber
• Tire has a bulge or a split

Wheel alignment, also referred to as tire alignment, is a service that adjusts your vehicle's suspension to ensure that all wheels are correctly positioned in relation to one another and the road. Essentially, wheel alignment makes certain that each wheel is pointing in the same direction and that every tire maintains optimal contact with the road. This process helps prolong the life of your tires by preventing certain types of uneven tire wear. 

We recommend having your wheel alignment inspected when you purchase new tires to ensure even wear from the start. We also advise to have your vehicle aligned regularly to prolong the life of your tires; conveniently, this can be done when your vehicle is in for services like tire rotation. Performing wheel alignment requires precise measurements using specialized equipment and the expertise of a qualified mechanic. That's exactly what you'll find at your local Kunes Service Center.

Although tire imbalance is often caused by rough roads and other driving hazards, new tires should be checked for balance prior to mounting. If left unchecked, an unbalanced tire can reduce tire life, increase fuel consumption, and ultimately damage shock absorbers, wheel bearings, and wheel assemblies. Additionally, your ride will become bumpier and less safe. 

Even new tires can have inherent imbalance from the factory. Beginning with balanced tires and routinely checking balance as part of tire maintenance will help prolong the life of your tires.

Kunes advises installing a TPMS Service Kit with every tire bought for a TPMS sensor-equipped vehicle and testing the TPMS sensor to ensure accurate tire pressure measurement. Proper tire pressure maintenance extends the life of your tires by preventing premature edge wear and other damage. Your TPMS system alerts you to dangerously low tire pressure, which increases the risk of a blowout. Don't risk missing this warning due to inaccurate pressure readings or a malfunction in your TPMS's alert feature.

When purchasing new tires, it's recommended to have your wheel alignment inspected and your tires balanced to ensure even wear and a longer tire lifespan. Our expert Kunes service advisors are here to help you choose the right tires for your vehicle, provide expert installation, and maintain your tires for optimal performance.

Experiencing a flat tire brings on two disheartening feelings: the flat itself, and the thought of having to replace a tire prematurely. While we do offer new tires for sale, we prioritize tire repair whenever possible to ensure the set remains intact and lasts longer. Our goal is to help you prolong your tires' lives and assist you in choosing your next set when necessary.

During your tire repair appointment, our Kunes technicians will inspect your tire and inform you if it can be safely repaired according to specific U.S industry standards.

We can typically repair:

Tire tread punctures ¼ inch or smaller: We'll plug the hole and apply a patch to the area.
Air valve stem leaks: If damaged, we'll replace the valve stem and re-seal it if there's a leak where it's inserted into the tire.

WHY IS TIRE ROTATION SO IMPORTANT?

Each tire on a vehicle performs a different task, causin gthem to wear at different rates. Regular tire rotation allows tires to wear evenly, maximizing tire life and allowing tires to be replaced in sets of four, which is preferred.

WHY IS TIRE PRESSURE IMPORTANT?

The leading cause of tire failure is improperly inflated tires. Proper tire pressure helps a tire have optimum tread contact with the road, which improves traction, braking, and reduces tire wear. Underinflated tires generate heat, which is the tire's worst enemy, so maintaining the right amount of air keeps temperature where they should be.

HOW WILL I KNOW WHEN I NEED NEW TIRES?

You'll need new tires when the tread wear indicators, also known as wear bars, appear. These wear bars look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread and appear when it's time to replace your tires. If you can see three or more tread wear indicators, you should replace your tires. 

Tread Wear Indicators to Look Out For

• Cord or fabric showing through the rubber
• Cracks or cuts in the tread or sidewall deep enough to show cord or fabric
• Bulges or splits in the tire
• Punctures or damage that cannot be repaired

WHERE SHOULD I GO TO GET THE RIGHT TIRES FOR MY VEHICLE AT THE RIGHT PRICE?

Our Certified Service experts can recommend tires that are right for your vehicle, your driving habits, and your budget. Once you've selected the right tires, schedule an appointment with us so that we can install them for you. We employ factory-trained technicians who use state-of-the-art technology and equipment to help keep your vehicle running like new!