Longview Auto Repair

Tires are your vehicle’s first line of defense. After all, they’re the only part of the vehicle that comes in contact with the ground. (If anything else on your vehicle is touching the ground, it’s definitely a good time to call your mechanic!) All kidding aside – as your first line of defense, it’s important to know whether or not your tires are in good condition so you’re not unexpectedly left stranded. Although your tires may appear fine at a quick glance, there are certain warning signs that it’s wise to keep an eye out for. We’ll go over the most common ones so you know what to look for, and can stay safe on the road this season. WHAT IS TIRE AGING Tire aging happens through a process called oxidation. Over time, as the rubber in your tires is exposed to oxygen, it begins to stiffen and crack. Think of it like an old rubber band that has lost its elasticity. As this loss of elasticity happens in your tires, it can cause steel belts in the t ... read more

Old man winter is on his way, sweeping inland from the Pacific and pelting us with rain, ice, and snow. He also brings with him a flurry of questions like: What is the difference between winter tires and all-season tires? Are winter tires worth the investment? These are great questions. The bottom line is that having the right tires matters when you’re exposed to the diverse driving conditions that we experience here in the Pacific Northwest. HOW DIFFERENT TIRES PERFORM ON ICE Tests are run by tire companies every year, and they consistently show that winter tires perform far better than regular tires on ice. Much of this is a result of the rubber compound that makes up the tire. All season tires are made up of a rubber tread compound which stiffens as the temperature drops, resulting in less traction and increased risk of an accident. In contrast, the rubber on winter tires is designed to remain flexible, which allows the tire to grip the road better. This won ... read more