Frequently Asked Questions About Tire Maintenance in Calgary

Specializing in Tire Balancing, Tire Rotation, and More

We know you have questions about tires, and we have answers. With more than 20 years in the auto maintenance business, Tire Pirates is your Calgary, AB expert when it comes to tire pressure, tire balancing, tire rotation, tire tread depth, and everything else tires. Take a few moments to read the answers to the questions we’re frequently asked, and feel free to contact us if you have any questions that remain unanswered.

What Is a Tire Rotation and Why Is It Important?

Today’s tire technology is better than ever before, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your tires completely. One of the most important, and most often ignored parts of tire maintenance is having your tires rotated. Tire rotation means having your tires moved from one wheel of your vehicle to another. Most of the time, tires are rotated from the front of the vehicle to the rear, and the tires that were at the rear get moved to the front. It’s also fairly common to have tires rotated from one side to another while being moved from the front to the back and vice versa.

How Often Should I Have My Tires Rotated?

A general rule of thumb is to have your vehicle’s tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. There are exceptions, so you should be sure to check your owner’s manual for specific instructions for your vehicle. The reason that tires are rotated is to make sure that they wear evenly, which can save you money by extending the life of your tires. The experienced professionals at Tire Pirates specialize in tire rotations and can get the job done right in little to no time at all. Check out our blog post to find out why tire alignments and rotations are so essential to auto maintenance.

How Do I Check Tire Pressure & Keep Tires Properly Inflated?

Keeping your vehicle’s tires properly inflated is vital because properly inflated tires will last longer and provide better fuel-efficiency and a quicker steering response. Checking your vehicle’s tire pressure can be done on your own or by bringing your car to Tire Pirates in Calgary. If you want to check your tire pressure yourself, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge. It’s best to check your tire pressure when the tires are cold, meaning you haven’t just driven on them. Vehicle manufacturers specify the PSI (pounds per square inch) that your tires should be at. You can find that recommended PSI in your owner’s manual, and most vehicles also have it on the driver’s side door jamb. Once you know the PSI you want, it’s time to check your car’s tire pressure. Remove the valve cap from the tire you are checking and place the pressure gauge on it. Press down firmly until the hissing sound goes away, and your gauge provides you with a reading. If it’s easier for you, bring your car to Tire Pirates, and we’ll check your tire pressure for you quickly and accurately. We can also fill your tires with air to the recommended PSI. If you need to do this on your own, you’ll need an air compressor, which you can find at some gas stations.

What Is Tire Balancing and Why Is It Important?

Tire balancing, or wheel balancing, is important because it keeps weight evenly distributed to prevent several possible problems that occur when that weight is uneven. This auto maintenance service assures the best performance from your vehicle and makes your tires last longer. Tire balancing will assure a smooth ride and is a necessary service that is typically performed every 5,000 to 6,000 miles or every six months. Your tires lose balance over time as you drive on them, causing the distribution of weight around your tires to change and lead to an imbalance. If you feel a vibration coming from your steering wheel or your car shakes as you pick up speed, you likely need to have your tires balanced. When you need wheel balancing in Calgary, AB, leave it to the pros at Tire Pirates.

What Is Tire Tread Depth and How Do I Measure It?

The tread on your tires is critical when it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s safety and performance. Tires become less effective as their tread wears away, so it’s important to make sure it doesn’t get too low. Tread depth measures the amount of rubber on the tire from the top to the bottom of its deepest grooves. Most new cars have about 8mm of tread depth, and tires should be replaced once they get down to 3mm. Driving on tires with less than 3mm tread depth puts you at serious risk on the road. Tire tread is especially important for driving on wet roads, but it’s important for driving on all types of surfaces. To measure your vehicle’s tire tread depth, you’ll need a tread depth gauge, or you can utilize your tire’s built-in tread indicators. Push the gauge into the tire’s shallowest groove and push the shoulders flat against the tread before checking the result. Tire Pirates can check your vehicle’s tire tread depth quickly and accurately to find out whether or not you need new tires in Calgary, so visit us today.