Tire Maintenance: More Important Than You Think
Learn when to replace tires, signs of tire problems, and maintenance tips that save money and improve safety.
Read More →Tire Services & Maintenance
Your Only Contact Between Vehicle and Road
Professional Tire Service in Eustis, FL
Most drivers neglect tire maintenance until a problem occurs. Regular tire service extends tire life, improves fuel economy, ensures safe handling, and prevents expensive repairs. Simple practices like checking pressure monthly and rotating tires regularly can double tire life and save hundreds of dollars.
At AJ Auto Repair, we provide complete tire services including rotation, balancing, alignment, repairs, and replacement. Our technicians inspect your tires thoroughly and recommend only necessary services. We service all makes and models, from economy cars to heavy-duty trucks.
Benefits of Proper Tire Maintenance
Safety
Better traction, shorter stopping distances, predictable handling
Fuel Economy
Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage by 3-4%
Tire Life
Regular rotation and alignment double tire lifespan
Cost Savings
Maintenance costs far less than premature replacement
Our Tire Services
Tire Rotation
Tire rotation moves tires to different positions to equalize wear. Front tires wear faster on front-wheel-drive vehicles, making rotation essential for even tread wear.
- Every 5,000-7,000 miles recommended
- Front-to-back and cross-rotation patterns
- Directional tire considerations
- Visual inspection during service
- Extends tire life significantly
- Maintains even tread wear
Wheel Alignment
Proper alignment ensures tires contact the road correctly. Misalignment causes rapid, uneven wear and poor handling. We use computerized equipment for precision.
- Computerized alignment service
- Adjusts camber, caster, and toe
- Before and after measurements
- Prevents premature tire wear
- Improves fuel economy
- Eliminates pulling and vibration
Tire Balancing
Unbalanced tires cause vibration, uneven wear, and stress on suspension components. We balance tires using precision equipment.
- Dynamic wheel balancing
- Eliminates vibration
- Reduces tire and suspension wear
- Improves ride comfort
- Balancing with new tire installation
- Rebalancing as needed
Tire Pressure Service
Proper tire pressure is critical for safety, fuel economy, and tire life. We check and adjust pressure to manufacturer specifications.
- Free pressure checks
- Pressure adjustment to specs
- TPMS sensor service
- Valve stem replacement
- Seasonal pressure adjustment
- Nitrogen inflation available
Tire Repair
Not all punctured tires need replacement. We repair tires safely when possible, saving you the cost of unnecessary replacement.
- Puncture repair (tread area)
- Proper plug and patch method
- Interior tire inspection
- Leak detection service
- Safety assessment
- Honest replacement recommendations
Tire Replacement
When tires reach the end of their life, we help you select appropriate replacements and install them correctly for optimal performance.
- Tire selection assistance
- Quality tire brands available
- Professional installation
- Mounting and balancing
- Proper disposal of old tires
- Road hazard warranties available
Signs Your Tires Need Service
Uneven Tread Wear
Wear on one edge indicates alignment problems. Center wear suggests over-inflation. Edge wear on both sides indicates under-inflation. Cupping or scalloping points to suspension issues.
Action: Get alignment and inspection immediatelyLow Tread Depth
Tires below 4/32" tread depth lose traction in wet conditions. Florida's frequent rain makes adequate tread depth critical for safety. Legal minimum is 2/32" but unsafe before that.
Action: Replace tires at 4/32" for optimal safetyVibration While Driving
Vibration at highway speeds indicates unbalanced tires or damaged suspension components. Continuing to drive causes additional damage and uneven tire wear.
Action: Get balancing and inspection promptlyVehicle Pulls to One Side
Consistent pulling left or right indicates alignment problems, uneven tire pressure, or brake issues. This creates dangerous handling and accelerates tire wear.
Action: Schedule alignment check and tire inspectionVisible Damage
Bulges, cracks in sidewalls, exposed cords, or punctures larger than 1/4" require immediate attention. These conditions can cause sudden tire failure.
Action: Do not drive - have vehicle towed if necessaryAge
Tires degrade over time regardless of tread depth. Most manufacturers recommend replacement after 6 years. Check the DOT code on your tire sidewall for manufacture date.
Action: Replace tires over 6 years oldTire Maintenance Tips for Florida Drivers
Check Pressure Monthly
Check tire pressure at least once per month when tires are cold. Florida's temperature fluctuations affect pressure significantly.
Rotate Every 5,000 Miles
Regular rotation prevents uneven wear and extends tire life. Combine with oil changes for convenient scheduling.
Inspect Regularly
Look for cracks, bulges, embedded objects, and uneven wear. Catch problems early before they become dangerous or expensive.
Avoid Potholes
Florida roads can have potholes that damage tires and alignment. Drive carefully and avoid impact when possible.
How to Check Tire Pressure
The Most Important Maintenance Task
Proper tire pressure affects safety, fuel economy, tire wear, and handling. Under-inflated tires are the most common tire problem and cause excessive heat buildup, rapid wear, and potential failure.
- Find Correct Pressure: Check the sticker inside your driver's door jamb, NOT the number on your tire (that's maximum pressure)
- Check When Cold: Check pressure when tires haven't been driven for at least 3 hours
- Use Quality Gauge: Digital gauges are most accurate; cheap stick gauges are unreliable
- Check All Four: Check all four tires plus your spare
- Adjust as Needed: Add or release air to match recommended pressure
- Check Monthly: Pressure drops 1 PSI per month naturally, more in temperature changes
Florida temperatures can cause 30-40°F swings between summer afternoons and winter mornings, significantly affecting tire pressure. Check more frequently during seasonal transitions.
Understanding Tread Depth
10/32"
New Tire
New tires typically have 10/32" to 12/32" of tread depth. Maximum traction and water evacuation.
EXCELLENT6/32"
Good Condition
Tires still have good tread and plenty of life remaining. Continue regular rotation and maintenance.
GOOD4/32"
Start Planning
Traction in wet conditions begins to decrease. In Florida's frequent rain, consider replacement soon.
CAUTION2/32"
Replace Now
Legal minimum but unsafe. Poor wet traction, long stopping distances. Replace immediately.
REPLACEThe Penny Test: Insert a penny into tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, tires are below 2/32" and must be replaced. For better safety, use a quarter - if you can see the top of Washington's head, tires are at or below 4/32" and should be replaced soon.
Seasonal Tire Care for Central Florida
Summer (May-September)
- Check pressure more frequently - heat increases pressure
- Ensure adequate tread for rain season
- Inspect for heat-related damage and cracking
- Avoid parking in direct sun for extended periods
- Monitor for signs of overheating
Fall/Winter (October-April)
- Check pressure after temperature drops
- Cold weather reduces pressure 1 PSI per 10°F
- Inspect tires before holiday travel
- Ensure adequate tread for occasional wet conditions
- Consider tire rotation before high-mileage season
Hurricane Season (June-November)
- Maintain tires in good condition for potential evacuation
- Check spare tire pressure and condition
- Ensure adequate tread for heavy rain
- Consider rotating before hurricane season begins
- Keep tire repair kit or emergency sealant in vehicle
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