Having effectively functional tires on your car is essential for the safety of you and your passengers. Tires wear down over time and eventually need to be replaced.
But when or how often should tires be replaced?
The frequency with which your tires will need to be changed depends a number of factors, such as:
Type of vehicle
Type of tires
Driving conditions
Driving approach
Tire care
Vehicle Type
The owner’s manual for your vehicle should provide you with the information needed about tire changes. It will recommend what type of tires should be used on your vehicle, as well as how often they should be changed.
The owner’s manual should also provide information about regularly scheduled maintenance, like consistent tire rotation.
Type of Tires
The type of tires you use will also play a role in how often they need to be changed. Tires made of softer rubber compounds may provide better traction and performance, but they will also wear out more quickly.
When you buy a new set of tires, the warranty should indicate how long the tires are expected to last. However, tires do not always last as long as they are projected to. Especially if the are not well cared for.
Driving Conditions
If you are driving in extreme or harsh conditions on a regular basis, your tires will need to be changed more frequently. Canada’s climate brings four seasons of extreme conditions, so owners will have to be more vigilant in providing adequate care.
Driving Approach
They way you drive your car, will also be a factor. Driving with a lot of stops and starts, cornering at high speeds, and breaking heavily can all serve to wear tires out before their due dates.
Driving responsibly and rotating your tires regularly will help optimize your tires’ lifespan.
Tire Care
This is a big one. Diligent tire care through regularly scheduled maintenance can really help stretch the longevity of your tires. It not only helps your tires wear more slowly, but also more evenly.
Even wear is crucial for a set of tires. If one tire wears out more quickly than the others, all the tires will have to be changed once that first one goes. It is also important to keep your tires properly pressurized and evenly proportioned to promote balanced wear.
Good tire care involves having yourtires service
d by a professional for regular rotation and inspection.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
Valvoline Express Care is an exceptional automotive service in the Brampton area, that specializes in tire care and maintenance.
The general rule is that tires should be rotated somewhere between 3000 kms and 5000 kms of use. The expert technicians at Valvoline make tire rotation a breeze, at the same time providing a check up for your vehicle to ensure you are getting optimal performance.
If you are changing your tires for the winter season, it is a perfect time to have them rotated. It is good practice to have your tires rotated twice a year, which can coincide with changing your tires for the season, with good planning.
How do you know when your tires need to be changed or replaced?
There are several telltale signs to look for, that can help you recognize when your tires should be changed. The main function of the treads on your tires is to provide traction on the road, while redirecting water from underneath the tire to avoid sliding or hydroplaning.
If your tires are completely worn, it poses a safety risk, and should be replaced as soon as possible.
Here are some warning signs to look out for:
Tread wear
Structural damage
Poor alignment
Tread Wear
This is the most obvious and easy to identify problem when it comes to your tires. Worn treads will leave you with less traction and responsiveness on the road.
One way to check to see if your tires are worn, is by using the penny test. The penny test involves taking a penny and placing it head down into the grooves on your tires. If you can see the entire head on the back of the coin, then your tires are worn and need to be replaced.
Most tires also have something called tread wear bars. These bars are located in the grooves of your tires. When the tread becomes even with the tread wears bars, it is time for a tire change.
Structural Damage
Structural damage to your tires can spell danger as well. Structural damage can be found in the form of bubbling or bulging on the sidewalls. If you see this happening to your tires, take your car in immediately. Once the structural integrity has been compromised, the risk of disaster increases greatly.
Poor Alignment
If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side, or the steering shakes and vibrates while you are driving, it is likely a problem with the alignment. This can be caused by uneven wear or uneven tire pressure.
Take your vehicle in for servicing when experiencing these circumstances.
Engaging in regular seasonal tire swaps can do a lot to prolong the life of your vehicle, and keep it operating at peak efficiency.
Depending on the driving conditions you are exposed to on a seasonal basis, it can be a good idea to swap your tires in two different ways:
Seasonal tire swap
Tire rotation
Seasonal Tire Swap
Living in Canada, you are no doubt accustomed to wild weather swings, and extremely polarized driving conditions.
Going from the relentlessly hot and baking sun in the summer, to snow, ice, and salt in the winter, can wreak havoc on your vehicle without the proper care.
One highly recommended way to preserve the life of your tires, and enhance your vehicle safety at the same time, is to do a seasonal tire swap. Changing to winter tires before the winter season is wise for a couple of different reasons.
The first reason is that your tires will last much longer. By using the proper tires for the appropriate season, both sets will have much better longevity.
Winter tires are designed to thrive in winter driving conditions. The rubber compounds used to make winter tires are different than those used for summer, or all-season tires. The rubber compounds in winter tires actually perform better as it gets colder. The treads have more traction and better grip in lower temperatures.
Conversely, your summer (or all-season) tires do not function well at all in the cold. As temperatures drop off, the rubber compounds in summer tires harden up and begin to relinquish their traction and grip on the road. By the time you hit -15 degrees below, your all-season tires will be pretty much useless when it comes to gripping the pavement.
So, the magic temperature you should be targeting for an ideal time to change to your winter tires is around 7 degrees Celsius. When the days are starting to average a temperature of roughly 7 degrees C, that is good indicator it is time for a tire swap.
Tire Rotation
Aside from changing your tires to adhere to the current season and corresponding weather conditions, it is also a good practice to have your tires rotated consistently. Your tires should be rotated regularly to promote even wear, and to optimize the handling and responsiveness of your vehicle.
Tires that do not wear evenly will need to be replaced much sooner. Once one tire is worn out, you will need to replace the entire set. The tires on the front of your car will wear out at a faster rate than the back tires. This is mainly due to the way turns are experienced, and weight.
When you make a turn, the front wheels actively angle into the corner, while the back wheels just follow along. Also, there is much more weight in the front of your vehicle considering that is where the engine is located on most cars. This means he front tires will wear out sooner if not swapped.
Not only should you keep your tires well balanced through consistent rotation, but you should also make sure your tires are all equally inflated at all times. Uneven tire pressure, can lead to uneven wear and poor alignment.
When the tires on your car are inflated to imbalanced pressure levels, you may find your vehicle pulling to the right or to the left.
Season Change Plus Rotation
The convenient thing about doing seasonal tire changes as well as tire rotation, is that they can be done at the same time. It actually works out perfectly, because it will ensure you are swapping your tires twice a year.
When you have your winter tires put on, you can rotate your tires to ensure they are not in the same position they were in last winter. Same goes for your all-season or summer tires.
This will ensure you getting maximum life out of both sets.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
If you are looking for an excellent automotive service provider, that can assist you with all your tire swapping needs, Valvoline Express Care Brampton is an excellent choice. The expert technicians at Valvoline are experienced and qualified to handle whatever type of vehicular maintenance you need done. They can ensure you are using the best tires for vehicle, and help with regular swaps and rotations.
Benefits of Tire Swap
There are numerous advantages to be gained through routine tire swapping, such as:
You’ve probably heard that rust proofing your vehicle is a good way to protect it from the elements. This is very true. However, rust proofing can provide other advantages to car owners and society in general.
First of all, let’s take a look at what rust proofing is and why it is helpful.
What is rust proofing?
Rust proofing is a service performed on your vehicle that helps prevent the rusting and corrosion of its metal parts. Rust is formed when a metal component on your car is exposed to oxygen and moisture for an extended period of time.
Why have your automobile rust proofed?
There are many strong arguments for having your car rust proofed on a regular basis. Every car should have rust proofing services performed for protection and safety.
Salt is an excellent conductor of the rusting process, so when salt is introduced into the mix, the whole process is accelerated. That is why it is very important to have rust proofing services carried out on your vehicle before the winter. A vehicle without rust proofing, heading into a Canadian winter, is much more exposed to rust causing agents, and is at a higher risk of corrosion.
But it’s not just the winter that can cause a car to rust. It is the extreme swings in temperature and conditions that cause the real issue. Canadian weather is all about extremes. That is why it is a good practice to rust proof your vehicle twice a year. Once before the winter and once after.
This is recommended because salt can hide away in the cracks and crevasses of your car until the warm weather hits. That’s when rust and corrosion begin to activate. Having your car thoroughly cleaned and rust proofed before winter, and then again after, has you covered on all sides.
But, rust proofing is not just to protect and optimize performance of your vehicle, it can also be useful in other ways.
Benefits of Rust Proofing You May Not Think Of
Aside from the obvious advantages, regular rust proofing can also be beneficial in other forms, such as:
Providing safety
Saving Money
Protecting the environment
Safety
Consistent rust proofing services can help contribute to the safety of you and your passengers. If your vehicle has never had any rust proofing done to it, it is at a higher much higher risk of corrosion in just a short time of ownership. After just a few years, even a brand-new vehicle can begin to rust without proper care.
The effects of cold, harsh winters filled with snow, ice, and salt, as well as the relentless, baking sun of hot, humid summers, can combine to cause serious damage to your auto.
Rust typically begins to show up in the weaker spots of the metal components like spot welds, cracks, chips, and creases. If left untreated, the rust will spread, destroying any metal it comes across.
This can compromise the structural integrity of your entire vehicle, making it unsafe to drive. Rust can also get into the mechanical parts of your car like the electrical system, brake lines, and the gas tank. This can lead to vehicle failure, and may end up leaving you on the side of the road in the dead of winter.
Saving Money
The fewer cars you have to buy, the more money you save. This should come as no surprise, considering how much a car depreciates in value after just a few years.
So, imagine the money you would save if you could keep your vehicle twice as long?
That would be the difference between buying 1 car instead of 2, in the same period of time. I’m sure you can see the massive potential for savings there.
This approach is completely feasible. All it takes is a diligent approach to regularly scheduled maintenance.
Protecting the Environment
This is one benefit of rust proofing that most car owners fail to consider. If a vehicle is not properly cared for, it has a much shorter life span. Plus, if the metal parts of that vehicle are all rusted out, they are not recyclable. This means they go to a landfill with all the other poorly maintained vehicles.
Billions of dollars are spent per year dealing with this unnecessary waste.
Regular rust proofing means you keep a car much longer, and the parts are not all useless and corroded after you are done with it.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
If you are looking for professional rust proofing service in the Brampton area, Valvoline Express Care is a perfect solution. The rust proofing technicians at Valvoline ensure a top-quality job every time, protecting your vehicle against the severe elements.
A lot of car owners don’t think about different types of oil when going for an oil change. But, the truth is, various types of oil do different things for your engine.
One major distinction between oil types is: Regular oil vs. Synthetic oil.
What’s the difference?
The major difference between synthetic and regular oil is the enhanced protection and performance synthetic motor oil provides for your vehicle.
But, the differences don’t stop there. In fact, about the only thing the same about regular oil and synthetic oil, is that they both originate in the ground.
Beyond that, the two substances are vastly different.
Most people don’t think of high quality when they hear the word synthetic. Usually it means fake or low quality. However, this is not true when it comes to oil. When talking about oil, synthetic typically refers to a superior product.
The word synthetic means fabricated or manufactured, which is exactly what synthetic oil is.
How is synthetic oil made?
Manufacturing synthetic oil is a complex and intensive process. Synthetic oil is refined and broken down to a molecular level. Through a distillation process, the impurities in the oil are extracted and the molecules are then customized to meet the specific needs of today’s car engines.
When synthetic oil is tailored to particular engine needs like this, it helps afford a higher level of performance and also better protection for your engine.
Other useful additives are then combined with the oil to produce a synthetic blend.
Benefits of Synthetic Motor Oil
There are plenty of advantages to be gained for your vehicle by using synthetic oil. Some of these benefits include:
Reduced engine wear
Cleaner engine
Better performance in extreme temperatures
Protection of engine components
Lasts longer
Reduced Engine Wear
The metal parts of your engine are in continual contact with one another. Without oil, the friction created by this contact would destroy your engine very quickly. So, it stands to reason, that higher quality oil would provide added lubrication.
Regular oils break down more quickly, leaving your engine exposed to damaged if not changed promptly when it is time for an oil change.
Synthetic oils provide longer lasting protection against engine wear.
Cleaner Engine
Synthetic oil also helps keep your engine cleaner and running more smoothly. Synthetic oils run at a higher level of efficiently, keeping your engine cleaner and your oil less contaminated with dirt and debris.
Conventional oils become polluted much more quickly, and can eventually start to form sludge if left unchanged for too long.
Synthetic oils begin with fewer impurities that combat debris build up and sludge formation.
A cleaner oil leads to a cleaner engine, which leads to improved fuel economy.
Extreme Temperatures
Synthetic motor oil performs better in very low temperatures, as well as very high temperatures.
Conventional oils do not adapt to polarizing weather conditions in the same way. Conventional oil takes longer to begin flowing through your engine. This is magnified in cold temperatures, meaning you must wait longer for adequate engine protection.
Synthetic oil also performs better in high temperatures. In the summer your engine can get very hot. Synthetic oil provides extra protection against your engine overheating.
Conventional oils will break down and evaporate more quickly in extreme heat.
Protects Engine Components
Synthetic oil provides better protection for your engines working components, like the pistons and other continually moving metal parts.
Cars being manufactured these days tend to have smaller engines to improve fuel economy. This involves adding a specialized turbo charger to increase engine power. These turbo chargers cause the engine to operate at higher temperatures.
Conventional oil is less effective for this type of engine because they break down faster due to high heat, and tend to leave behind deposits and debris.
This does not mean synthetic oil is not compatible with older vehicles, all engines can benefit from synthetic oil.
Lasts Longer
Not only is synthetic oil more effective and efficient, it also lasts longer. This means you will need to change it less frequently without having to worry about engine damage.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
Valvoline Express Care is a professional automotive service provider in the Brampton area. Valvoline specializes in oil changes and can handle any other type of maintenance you may need for your automobile.
There are a variety of options to choose from when having your oil changed with Valvoline. You will have a couple different selections of synthetic oils to choose from to keep your vehicle protected and performing at optimal efficiency.
Clean oil is essential for the optimal performance of your vehicle. If you think of your car as a person, the oil would represent the lifeblood that pumps though the system, making it operate. If this blood becomes contaminated and decayed, it can cause serious problems for the owner, right?
Well, an automobile is no different. Your car relies on clean and effective oil to keep it running without complication. For this reason, oil changes are an extremely important part of regular vehicle maintenance. Oil changes should be done every 5,000 kilometers or so. The frequency will depend on the type of vehicle your drive, as well as the driving conditions you are exposed to on a daily basis. Consult the owner’s manual to determine the recommended oil change schedule.
As far as conditions go, if you drive in severe conditions on a regular basis, you should be getting your oil changed more often. Severe conditions can include:
A lot of stops and starts in hot weather
Short trips in freezing temperatures that do not allow enough time for your car to fully heat up
Carrying extra weight – for example, if you are pulling a trailer or have the trunk or the roof loaded up
Driving in harsh elements like snow, ice, sleet, salt, dirt or gravel roads
Driving at slow speeds for extended periods of time
Once you have established the frequency of oil changes that will be most beneficial to your vehicle, then the next thing to do is decide on the method. The two main options are to either do it yourself, or have it done by a professional oil changer.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
Valvoline Express Care is a long established automotive service centre in the Brampton area. Specializing in oil changes, with a variety of product options to choose from, Valvoline is an ideal choice for regular oil changes and any other maintenance your vehicle may require.
With a selection of different types of oil to choose from, the expert technicians at Valvoline can help determine the best type of oil for your car.
Consistent oil changes are necessary to keep your engine lubricated, and to prevent deterioration of its components. When the oil gets dirty, it can start to build up with debris. Oil loses its lubricative properties over time as well.
So, to prevent your engine from overheating and possibly even seizing up, you should have routine oil changes done by a professional oil changer.
Why Use a Professional Oil Changer?
There are lots of advantages to be gained from employing the services of a professional, when it comes to changing your oil. Some of these benefits are:
Efficiency
Competency
Quality products
Minimal effort required
Warranty
Efficiency
Most car owners do want to have to worry about maintenance and things going wrong with their vehicle. However, maintenance is an unavoidable part of car ownership. Especially if you want your car to last a long time while preserving its value.
So, if you want your vehicle maintenance to be as quick and painless as possible, a professional auto service is the way to go.
Changing your oil yourself is an involved task, that takes the proper equipment and knowledge. You could end up spending hours trying to do it yourself, and then end up with subpar results.
Competency
Not only will a professional oil changer get the job done quickly, they will also get it done correctly. The automotive technicians at Valvoline have performed so many oil changes, that you can expect the same quality service every time.
Quality Products
Valvoline offers several different options when it comes to the oil you want your vehicle to run on. You can discuss these options with an oil expert to get informed and appropriate advice.
Some of the products you will have to choose from are:
Valvoline Premium Convention Motor Oil
Valvoline MaxLife Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
Valvoline SynPower Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Valvoline Full Synthetic with MaxLife Technology
Minimal Effort Required
Having your oil changed by a professional means you have to expend very little effort. You don’t even have to get your hands dirty! All you have to do is make sure to drive your vehicle over to Valvoline safely.
Warranty
With some vehicles, the warranty states that regular oil changes must be carried out by a professional in order for the warranty to remain valid. Check your warranty for details.
Stop By!
If you are in the market for an oil change, or any other type of vehicular maintenance, stop by Valvoline Express Care Brampton today. No appointment necessary.
It is important to know when you should have your tires repaired or replaced, for the safety of your vehicle, your passengers, and yourself.
You count on your tires for a lot. You depend on them to get you where you want to go, safely and competently. Complications or issues with even one of your tires can spell disaster out on the road. Having your tires checked regularly can help you avoid serious problems with your vehicle and personal injury.
Tires should be rotated on a consistent basis anyway. That is just a part of regular vehicular maintenance. It is recommended to have your tires rotated every 6 months, or every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers. Frequency will differ based on vehicle type, driving conditions, and what the owner’s manual suggests.
So, when you are having your tires rotated, it is a perfect time to have them inspected for wear and tear or damage.
However, you may notice something wrong with one of your tires before it is time for your regular maintenance. In this case, it is advised to have your tires checked immediately to see if repair or replacement are necessary.
Valvoline Express Care Brampton
Valvoline Express Care Brampton is an ideal automotive service provider, to handle all your maintenance and repair needs.
Come in and have your tires inspected for damage, get them rotated, or take care of any of your other automotive requirements.
Types of Tire Damage
Tire damage is an expansive term that covers all types of issues that affect the overall performance of your tires. To expect optimal performance from your tires, you should be doing all you can to keep them in good condition.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, there are many external factors that might compromise the quality of your tires. Harsh weather conditions, construction on the road, inadequate repair, or simply bad luck can damage your tires.
There are three basic types of tire damage:
Bead damage
Tread damage
Sidewall damage
Bead Damage
Bead damage refers to issues arising where the tire comes into contact with the rim. If there is no sealed connection between the tire and the rim, beading damage is a likely result. The outcome of bead damage will generally come in the form of a significant drop in tire pressure. A quick drop in pressure can result in an explosion or the tire coming off the rim causing an accident.
This can be avoided making sure you have the correct tire size for your rims, and having it installed by a professional.
Tread Damage
The main objective of the tread on your tires is to have your tire maintain a firm and steady grip on the road. If the tread becomes compromised, it can result in your car slipping and sliding. Also, if the tread on your tires are worn, it can jeopardize the effectiveness of the brakes. Less tread will mean slower stopping times, especially in unfavorable conditions.
Good treads are needed for traction when speeding up, slowing down, or negotiating turns.
The tread on your tires can become damaged in two basic ways: from a puncture in the tread, or balding of the tires. If you drive over something sharp, it may become stuck in your tire, slowly leaking air. Worn, or bald tires, are not safe to drive on because they lack the necessary traction to navigate the terrain and keep your car on the road.
Sidewall Damage
Another type of deterioration your tire may endure is sidewall damage. Sidewall damage may involve a puncture in the sidewall, or cracks forming on the side of the tire. These cracks may be cause by extreme weather, lack of pressure, reckless driving, or using poor quality products for cleaning.
Causes of Tire Damage
There are several factors or elements that may cause damage to your tires. The most common sources of tire damage are:
Tire pressure
Reckless driving
Excessive weight
Tire Pressure
Underinflated or overinflated tires can cause serious problems for the overall performance of your vehicle. Improperly inflated tires can lead to worn treads, uneven alignment, reduced traction, and slow braking.
Underinflated tires cause them to work harder, which can lead to overheating. Underinflated tires will wear out much more quickly.
Overinflated tires cause reduced traction, uneven wear, and oversensitivity to bumps and potholes.
Reckless Driving
Driving at excessive speeds will cause your tires to heat up which can result in the tread separating from the rest of the tire. It also more likely if you hit a pothole, bump, or other debris at high speeds, the outcome could be fatal.
Excessive Weight
Don’t overload your vehicle with things you don’t need. Putting useless weight on your tires is an unnecessary burden that can end up damaging your car and costing you more in fuel.
