Ultimate Guide to Tire Safety and Maintenance in El Paso

When it comes to vehicle safety and longevity, nothing is more critical than understanding the ins and outs of car tires. But, surprisingly, one of the most overlooked components of a vehicle is its tires. They are the only part of a car that comes into contact with the road, making them crucial for maintaining control and avoiding accidents. 

That is why equipping your car with the right tires and maintaining them properly is so important. Doing this will help ensure a smooth driving experience and also help to prevent accidents and costly repairs. But, for many drivers, buying tires and keeping them in good shape can be an overwhelming experience, especially with so many options for new tires and tire service terms you might not know.

We’ve put together this in-depth guide to make these things more transparent. It covers everything you need to know about car tires, including how to determine when it’s time for new tires, how to select the perfect tire, how to ensure the safety of your tires, and more.

Warning Signs That It’s Time for Tire Replacement

If you’re wondering how to tell when it is time to go to the tire shop to buy new car tires, there are a couple of red flags to keep an eye out for. The following items all indicate that the tire’s structural integrity and safety have diminished, and you need tire replacement:   

• The depth of the tire’s tread is less than 1.6 millimeters (1/16 of an inch). 
• You can visibly see the tread wear indicator bar.
• The tire’s sidewall has visible holes, cuts, or cracks.
• There is a bulge or blister in the tire.
• There is a significant scalloping/cupping pattern along the center or edge of the tread. This is usually the result of overly worn suspension components.
• The tire’s tread is feathered. This is when one side of the tread ribs is worn smoother/lower, and the other side is sharper/higher.

If you see any of these warning signs on your tires, bring your vehicle to your nearest Martin Tire location to look into tire replacement. 

The Different Types of Car Tires

The engineering specifications of many car tires are based on road conditions and driving habits. Once you know your specific environmental characteristics and handling needs, you can zero in on the right tire type(s). 

To help you determine which type may best suit your needs, here is a brief breakdown of each of the available tire types:

• All-season tires: All-season tires, as the name implies, are designed to provide superior performance in a variety of weather environments. These tires offer excellent tread life, a quiet, smooth ride, and good fuel efficiency. They perform okay in light snow, but should not be used in extreme winter conditions. They do not offer safe traction in sub-zero temperatures, thick snow, or on ice. 
• Summer tires: Sometimes referred to as “regular” or “standard” tires, these tires offer the best performance in warmer climates and provide superior traction on wet roads. You’ll also have better grip and overall performance with summer tires than with all-season tires. But these tires should never be driven in snow or on ice. The soft rubber that makes up summer tires will quickly harden in freezing winter temperatures, making them unsafe in cold climates.
• Snow tires: These are specifically designed for use in cold weather climates during freezing temperatures. Snow tires offer superior performance and safety in extreme winter environments like no other type of tire can. A specialized rubber compound ensures snow tires will not harden in freezing temperatures and helps provide excellent traction in tough winter road conditions like ice, slush, and deep snow.
• High-performance tires: These tires, which are usually wider and with a lower profile, are specifically designed to be used on high-performance sports cars. Performance tires can easily handle high speeds, grip the road like racing tires, and offer superior performance when cornering. But, because of their soft rubber, these tires won’t last nearly as long as other types of tires.
• Touring tires: Touring tires are premium tires considered a step up from all-season tires. They offer minimal road noise, a smooth, comfortable ride, more responsive handling, and long tread life. Like summer tires, touring tires offer great performance in rainy conditions. They should not be used in extreme winter conditions.
• All-terrain tires: All-terrain tires offer a durable and reliable option for trucks and SUVs occasionally driven off-road. These tires have a deeper tread depth with an overall “beefier” appearance, allowing them to perform very well on all types of rough surfaces, including mud, rocks, and sand. These tires will still provide a comfortable ride and good handling on typical roads and highways.
• Mud tires: Mud tires are the best choice if your vehicle is mainly driven in tricky off-road conditions. Because of their deep, rugged tread pattern, these tires can handle soft sand and thick mud better than any other type of tire. But, unlike other tire types, mud tires can be pretty noisy and bumpy when driven on paved roads.
• Spare tires: When buying new car tires, it’s necessary to consider your spare tire. In the event of a flat, it’s critical to have a reliable backup, whether it is a temporary compact or a full-size tire. As a temporary solution, the compact spare should only be driven on long enough to get you to your closest tire shop for tire replacement. If your spare is a full-size tire, it will serve as your vehicle’s fifth tire. So, if one of your four main tires fails, the spare would be able to directly replace it for the long term.

Suppose you are considering upgrading to a custom tires and wheels combination for your vehicle. In that case, whether that means a different size tire or an alternate type of tire, we highly recommend consulting with the tire experts at a professional El Paso tire shop, like you’ll find here at Martin Tire Company. These professionals know exactly how to help you select new tires that properly fit your wheels and your driving needs but will not jeopardize your vehicle’s steering, handling, or ground clearance.

Things To Consider When It’s Time To Buy Tires

Though many of them look almost the same, not all tires are created equal. As you can see above, a wide variety of tires are available. All of them are designed for different types of vehicles, driving requirements, and road conditions. Choosing new tires that fit all of those variables is imperative.

To help you do just that, there are a couple of factors to consider:

• The required tire diameter for your wheels: To help narrow down the options in tire types available for your vehicle, make sure that you are focusing on tires that fit the diameter of your wheels. This number can be found within the chain of letters and numbers on the sidewall of your current tires.
• The environmental conditions you’ll be driving in: Your tires need to safely handle the environment you’ll be driving in. So, think about the weather conditions you most frequently drive in and the worst conditions you could face.
• The road surface that you primarily drive on: Whether it be on long highways, city streets, gravel roads, or muddy trails, they all require different tire specifications. 
• Your driving style: Do you prefer a more relaxed and cushioned ride or fast, high-performance driving? Each style requires a different tire type.

Tire Safety Tips To Keep in Mind

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to driving. And your vehicle's tires are critical to keeping you and your passengers safe on the road. Consequently, following safe driving practices and taking good care of your tires is important. Here are some tire safety tips you should keep in mind:

Safety Tips:

• Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on the road.
• Drive at a safe speed appropriate for the road and weather conditions.
• Avoid sudden stops and starts.
• Do not overload your vehicle beyond the tires’ weight capacity.

How To Safely Handle a Tire Blowout:

A tire blowout can be a scary experience. Knowing you can handle it confidently can help prevent an accident. If you experience a tire blowout, you should:

• Remain calm and keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
• Gradually slow down by taking your foot off the accelerator.
• Do not hit the brakes suddenly.
• Steer the car to a safe location away from traffic.
• Change the tire or call for roadside assistance.

The Importance of Maintaining Proper Tire Inflation

Correct tire pressure is essential for safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Make sure to check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips and adjust as necessary to meet the recommended tire pressure. This number can be found in your vehicle’s owner's manual or the information sticker on the driver's side door jamb.

Tire Safety During the Winter

Even though the El Paso area doesn’t get much snow at all, winter weather can still significantly impact your tires. Here are some precautions you should take when driving in cold winter months:

• Check your tire pressure regularly, as it tends to drop in cold weather. Not only does this impact vehicle handling and your tires’ grip on the road, but it will also decrease your gas mileage.
• Make sure your tires have plenty of tread for optimal grip in slippery road conditions. Even if there is not much snow on the road, black ice can still form overnight if the water on the road freezes.  
• Drive more slowly and keep a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Avoid sudden movements and sharp turns.
• Use your headlights to improve visibility. During the winter, the sun sets earlier. This can make it harder to see road hazards on your commute. Coming into contact with one can impact your tires’ durability.

The Essential Aspects of Tire Maintenance

Keeping your car tires in good condition is essential for safety and performance. Proper tire maintenance can also help prolong the life of your tires, saving you money in the long run.

The mechanics at your local El Paso auto service shop know exactly how to care for your tires and ensure the most even tire wear possible. This helps extend the life of your tires. 

The following routine tire services should be part of your vehicle maintenance schedule:

Visual Tire Checks

Regular visual checks are crucial to ensure your tires are not damaged or overly worn. Your tires should be inspected at least once a month for any foreign objects, cuts, bulges, or punctures on the sidewalls. The tread should also be checked for excessive or uneven wear.

Tire Rotation

Your vehicle’s tires can wear at varying rates. To encourage more even tread wear and extend their lifespan, they should be periodically rotated from where they are on the axle. During a tire rotation service, depending on the vehicle and tire type, the tires are moved from front to back, from one side to the other, or a combination of both of those movements in an “X” pattern. 

The general recommendation is to rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. A good habit to get into is having a tire rotation done each time your vehicle is in for an oil change service.

Tire Balancing

This service helps to ensure that weight is evenly distributed around the entire diameter of the tire. In doing so, excessive vibration and uneven tread wear can be prevented. These problems can lead to tire repair or replacement much sooner than expected. The tire balance should be checked if you notice a vibration in the steering wheel or floorboard when driving.

Wheel/Tire Alignment

A wheel alignment service helps keep your wheel/tire assemblies angled correctly and spinning optimally. Consistently providing proper wheel alignment minimizes uneven and excessive tire wear. At a minimum, you should have your vehicle’s alignment checked once a year or as soon as possible after hitting a large pothole, curb, or other obstacle.

Tire Repair

If your tire is flat due to an embedded foreign object or puncture, it can usually be fixed by a professional tire repair service if the damage isn’t extensive or on the tire’s sidewall. A good tire shop mechanic will use high-quality materials and adhere to the Rubber Manufacturers Association’s guidelines. This will guarantee that the repair’s quality, effectiveness, and safety are top-notch. The damaged tire will be removed from the rim, and, depending on the damage, it will be repaired from the inside using either a plug or patch. 

You Can Count on the Tire Experts at Martin Tire Company 

Your car tires are one of the most critical components of your vehicle. They provide the necessary traction and support to keep you safe on the road. With all of the information we’ve covered, you’ll be able to walk into the shop with confidence and know how to narrow down the options when it’s time to buy tires. Plus, now you know exactly how to keep your tires in top condition, and you can feel secure that your vehicle is always road-ready.

When you’re searching for the top tire shop in the El Paso area, look no further than Martin Tire Company! You’ll find tire experts at each of our convenient locations who can answer any questions that you may have, help you narrow down the options for new tires, and help you find the best new tires for your vehicle, driving needs, and budget.

You can count on our expert team for all your tire service and maintenance needs, including installation of new car tires, tire repair, tire rotation, tire balancing, and wheel alignment. Our ASE-certified mechanics can help you determine the best tire maintenance schedule for your vehicle based on your tire type and driving habits. We only use professional tools and state-of-the-art equipment to help maximize your tires’ performance and lifespan.

We are proud to be your one-stop auto service shop. Our expert mechanics have the skills and experience to meet all of your vehicle maintenance and repair needs, all while providing top-notch customer service and reasonable prices.