Tire Installation Kitchener

Every vehicle needs tires replaced or repaired over time. While driving your vehicle everyday it is common for tires to pick up a puncture and need repairing. You can also expect to replace your tires from time to time during the lifespan of your vehicle. The average lifespan of a vehicle is around 240,000 kilometers, and the average expected life of a new set of tires is 80,000 kilometers. This means that your vehicle will go through a minimum of 3 sets of tires during its lifetime, and perhaps more. Driving habits, type of vehicle, types of road surfaces, and more can affect the life of your tires. At Hansma Automotive, we can repair or replace your tires as needed. Contact us if you have any questions about your tires. If you would like to know when and why you should change your tires to accommodate winter and summer driving conditions click here.

Most Common Tire Repair Issues

Listed below are 5 of the most common tire issues we see. 

1   Puncture

One of the most common tire issues we see are punctures. Punctures can be caused by a wide variety of things. Usually a sharp object, such as a nail, pierces the tire and creates a hole through which the air can leak out. Most tire punctures can be easily repaired in a few minutes with an inexpensive patch.

2  Sidewall Damage

Sidewall damage is caused when the side of the tire comes into contact with an object that causes it harm. This is often the result of hitting a curb, a pothole or some kind of hard object with force. The tire may become sliced, creating a gouge or tear in the sidewall. As this compromises the integrity of the tire, it is best to replace it.

3   Bubbles

If you inspect your tires regularly - and you should - you may see a type of bubble forming on your tire. This is an indication of interior damage to the tire. One or more of the steel belts that gird the inside of the tire has broken, causing the bubble. In this case, the tire should be replaced.

4   Leaking Valve Stems

Leaking valve stems are a common tire problem and easily repaired. The valve stem is that part of the tire through which you can add air. Over time the valve stems can rot or become damaged. This will cause a slow leak that leaves your tire constantly under-inflated. Although air can be added at most gas stations, failure to replace the leaking stem will likely cause damage to the tire tread and sidewalls, and may negatively affect your steering. For more information about monitoring tire pressure, read our post entitled, "Monitor Tire Pressure to Keep Fuel Economy and Tire Grip at Optimum Levels."

5   Uneven Tread Wear

Uneven tire tread wear is the result of the tires not making contact with the road evenly. This will result in the tires wearing excessively either on the inside or the outside. Often the result of the wheels being out of alignment, it is best to replace tires with uneven tread wear. Always ensure that your vehicle's wheels are properly aligned to avoid premature wear and potential damage to your vehicle's suspension.

New Tire Installation

When it comes to new tires, trust us to do the job for you. We can mount and balance the tires, dispose of your old tires, and provide a wheel alignment. We recommend that tires be installed in sets of four. However, if you only wish to install a pair, we will install them on the rear axle for safety purposes. Snow tires should only be installed in sets of four. We strongly suggest replacing Four Wheel Drive and All Wheel Drive tires in sets of four. 

For information about how to choose the correct tire size for your vehicle, read our post entitled, "What Do The Numbers On Tires Mean? - Tire Sizes Explained."

You may also be interested in reading our article Friendly Tire Change in Kitchener Waterloo which talks about why you should change your tires for winter and summer driving and when is the best time to do that.

Where To Find Hansma

Hansma is located at 88 Shoemaker Road, Kitchener. We are open daily from 8-6pm. Contact us for an appointment.