Longview Auto & Tire

Tire tread provides you with the traction to stop and hold your vehicle to the road on curves. Tires with good tread help funnel water out from under the tire to reduce hydroplaning on wet roads.  If your tires are well-worn, there is an increased risk of hydroplaning, loss of traction and likelihood of damage by potholes and other road hazards. The US Department of Transportation recommends that you replace tires when worn down to 2/32 inch (1.6 mm) tread depth anywhere on the tread face. Washington State and many other states require that tires be replaced when worn down to this depth. States may also require tires to be replaced for other signs of wear. Signs of Wear Signs of wear that require the tire to be replace include, but are not limited to, the following: Exposed ply or cord by the naked eye or when probing a cut or abrasion Bump, bulge, or knot that affects tire structure Improper repairs Tread depth less than 2/32" What is the Penn ... read more

Tire balancing will help with even wear of the tire, longer tire life and a comfortable ride.  It will result in a smooth rolling tire with all areas of the wheel and tire combination being as equal in weight as possible. Out of balance tires can cause uneven and faster tread wear, poor fuel economy, and vibration in the steering wheel, the floorboard or the seat that gets worse at faster speeds. Why does tire imbalance occur? In normal manufacturing, tires and wheels will be slightly heavier in some areas. Everyday wear can also cause imbalance. As little as half an ounce difference in weight can cause vibrations. How is tire imbalance corrected? Tire imbalance is easily corrected by a professional attaching small weights, each only fractions of an ounce, to the wheel. How are tires balanced? To balance your tires, a technician will attach a tire mounted on a wheel to a balancing machine. The machine spins the tire at a hi ... read more

If you are experiencing pulling in one direction or vibrations, a tire service professional can conduct an alignment to ensure that your car is properly aligned.  Tire or wheel alignment can help your tires last longer and improve handling. Hitting a curb or pothole can throw your vehicle out of alignment and damage your tires. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread wear and should be corrected.  When your vehicle is properly aligned, it not only results in extended tire life, but also better fuel economy and a safer ride. Why does Alignment Matter?1. Tire Life. Improper alignment can cause your tires to wear unevenly and prematurely.  It's ideal to have your vehicle aligned to catch and correct misalignment issues before you experience undue tread wear.  Alignments help you get full mileage out of your tires! 2. Safe Ride.  Poor alignment can lead to your vehicle p ... read more

You’re on a long road trip, and a wave of fatigue hits you like a sack of bricks. You blast the A/C to wake you up, but the cold air reminds you of the peaceful hum of the fan you sleep under at home. There isn’t any rest stop. With a few restaurants several miles ahead, you consider pulling over for a quick cat nap. There currently aren’t any nationwide laws that make sleeping in your car illegal, but you can suffer some extreme consequences depending on where you are. Car cat nap regulations are left up to each state. Sometimes a city may have specific laws in place to prevent dozing off in your car. No matter how many extra preparations we make, getting tired or fatigue is a normal phenomenon. There isn’t enough coffee in the world that can substitute a decent amount of sleep. If you don’t have expressed permission to sleep on private property (outside of your own), many cities have options. There are rest areas, campgrounds, 24-hour retailers, and tru ... read more

In order to have the smoothest, most comfortable ride and long lasting tire performance, your tires and vehicle need to be maintained. Find out how to ensure your safety on the road by inspecting, caring for, and maintaining your tire inflation pressure, alignment, tire tread, and tire rotation. Why are these important?1. Tire inflation pressure. Improper tire inflation can lead to uneven tire wear. Over inflation can cause the center of your tire to wear. Under inflation can cause the edges of your tire ro wear.  Your owner's manual or door jamb for your vehicle will show the correct tire pressure. Check your tire pressure using a tire gauge every month. 2. Alignment. Improper alignment can also lead to uneven tire wear. Unusual wear patterns include heel/toe wear, feather edge wear, or one-sided shoulder wear. A professional can check your alignment. 3. Tire Tread. Well-worn or bald tires can cause hydr ... read more