Page 5 - Football.2018

Wednesday, October 3, 2018 El Dorado News-Times 5
How to Choose a Tire Shop
Even the best luxury automobile will ride poorly if its tires aren’t properly maintained. That means choosing a set of quality tires is only the first step. You’ll need to regularly balance and rotate your tires in addition to periodically having them inspected for dangerous wear and tear.
For that, you’ll need to build a relationship with a good tire shop. Here are a few things to consider next time you put tires on your car.
Choose Your Budget
Cost should play a role in your decision-making process. Figure out what you can afford to pay for tires. It will stop you from wasting time at expensive shops. Hopefully, you will only need
to buy tires once a year; depending on how much you drive your car.
Choose Type of Tires
When selecting tires, consider the climate you live in. If it is dry and warm, then a standard tire will be fine. But if you live in a place that gets a lot of snow, then you will want a better grade of tires. Snow tires are good for snow or dry land.
High performances tires are good for driving at high speeds. If you commute a long distance, be sure to choose high-mileage tires.
Choose an Outlet
There are a variety of ways you can purchase tires. They are available through national chains or a local auto shop. You may even buy them online.
Buying tires in person allows you to inspect the tires. You can see exactly what you are getting. When you purchase tires online it is difficult to judge what you are getting.
National chain stores usually guarantee the product. They might be more costly, but buying them a big store may give you peace of mind. Local shops will likely be more inexpensive, and you might get more personalized service.
Ultimately, your choice should fit your priorities and budget.
New or Used
Some people don't mind purchasing used tires. Pulloffs are tires that came with a new car, but the new car buyer wanted custom tires. As a
result, pulloffs are almost new. Does your tire shop guarantee pulloff tires? If a dealer sells new and pulloff tires, the tire installer may not realize that each tire must replicate the way it was installed on the previous car. Failure to do so will result in the steel belt breaking through.
When tires have had the worn treads replaced, they are called retreads. A factory buffs the old tread and attaches a new one. Inspections ensure the casing is strong enough to hold a new tread.
If you are on a budget, pulloffs and retreads are great choices.
Anyone who purchases used tires should inspect each tire thoroughly. Bubbles, holes, cuts and metal showing are a sign that you should not purchase the product. It may not be safe.
Check out the Shops
When you visit a shop, look at their products and meet their employees.
You should feel as though the salespeople are trustworthy and knowledgeable. Once you find
a good tire shop, you will likely return again for other products. It is important that you develop a good working relationship.
Tires • Alignment • Shocks & Struts • Disc Brake Inspection • Brakes Wheel Balance • Tire Rotation • Lift Kits • Light Bars • AC Repairs
Serving South Arkansas For
VanHook Tire Center had its beginnings in 1947 as a small downtown shop operated by Bob VanHook. In 1965 the business was relocated to Lorene location and now is open at 2880 N. West Avenue to better serve you, the customer. After 70 years in the tire business, VanHook Tire offers the most expert service and the best selection of tires in the area, both for commercial fleets & for passenger cars.
Authorized Dealer!
We Accept
Monday - Friday 7:30 am-5:00 pm Saturday - 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
www.vanhooktire.com
12518
2880 N.W. Ave • (870) 863-8156