HOW DO I KNOW WHEN I NEED NEW TIRES?

Many tires have tread wear indicator bars molded into the tread. When the tread is worn down to where you can see a solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread, it is time to replace the tire. Here's a simple test you can perform to measure tread depth on your tires: Place a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time to visit Jensen Tire & Auto for a new tire. (back to top)

IS IT SAFE TO REPAIR A FLAT TIRE?

If a tire loses all or most of its air pressure, it must be removed from the wheel for a complete internal inspection to be sure it's not damaged. Tires which are run even short distances while flat are often damaged beyond repair. Most punctures, nail holes, or cuts up to 1/4 inch — confined to the tread — may be satisfactorily repaired by trained personnel using industry-approved methods. Don't repair tires with tread punctures larger than 1/4 inch, or any sidewall puncture. Also, never repair tires which are worn below 1/16 inch tread depth. Your best bet is to make sure your spare tire is always ready to do the job. Check it regularly for proper air pressure and be sure that it is in good shape. If your car is equipped with one of the several types of temporary spares, be sure to check the spare tire's sidewall for the correct inflation pressure, speed, and mileage limitations. (back to top)

MUST I REPLACE MY PRESENT TIRES WITH THE SAME SIZE TIRES?

Most customers replace worn out tires with the same size. For customers purchasing custom wheels or new tires designed for improved performance, a different size tire may be appropriate. You should consult with a trained tire professional at Jensen Tire & Auto to determine what new tire options will work on your vehicle. (back to top)

WHAT IS ALIGNMENT?

A vehicle is said to be properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound and when the tire and wheel assemblies are running straight and true. Proper alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering. Uneven front- or rear-tire wear, or changes in your vehicle's handling or steering response (e.g. pulling to one side) can indicate misalignment. Many vehicles today are equipped with rear suspensions that can be adjusted for alignment. Your vehicle may need a 'front-end' alignment or a 'four-wheel' alignment, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. The moderate cost of having your vehicle aligned can more than pay for itself in tire mileage, performance, and comfort. (back to top)

WHY DO MY TIRES NEED TO BE BALANCED?

Properly balanced tires are important for driving comfort and long tire life. Unbalanced tires can cause vibration, resulting in driver fatigue, premature tire wear and unnecessary wear to your vehicle's suspension. Tires should be balanced when they are mounted on wheels for the first time or when they are remounted after repair. Tires should be rebalanced at the first sign of vibration or 'shimmy.' Vibration may also be due to misalignment or mechanical problems. (back to top)

HOW MUCH AIR SHOULD I PUT IN MY TIRES?

Proper inflation is the single most important part of tire care. The inflation pressure on the side of the tire is the maximum operating pressure. It is not necessarily the right inflation for your vehicle. Always use the inflation recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. You can find it in your Owner's Manual, posted on the edge of the driver's door, on a door post, or on the inside of the glove box door. Always check inflation when tires are cold: when the vehicle has been driven less than a mile or one hour or more after driving. Use a good quality tire gauge. Note: It's natural for radial tires to have a slight bulge in the sidewall at their proper inflation pressure. Check or adjust inflation every few weeks, before any long trip or if traveling with a heavy load. And don't forget to check the spare. At Jensen Tire & Auto, we can answer any questions you may have about tire inflation. (back to top)

SHOULD I ROTATE MY TIRES?

Regular tire rotation promotes more uniform wear for all of the tires on a vehicle. Check your vehicle's Owner's Manual for the manufacturer's rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. The first rotation is the most important. When tires are rotated, inflation pressures must be adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Uneven tire wear may also be due to misalignment or mechanical problems. (back to top)

WHERE SHOULD I GO IF I HAVE WARRANTY CONCERNS ON MY TIRES?

Our expert tire technicians at Jensen Tire & Auto can determine for you the warranty eligibility on your tires. Stop in the Jensen Tire & Auto store location nearest you with any warranty concerns. (back to top)

WHAT IS SPEED RATING?

A tire receives its speed rating by the U.S. Government through meeting minimum standards for reaching and sustaining a specified speed. In general, a higher speed rating will result in better vehicle handling.

It is not recommended to mix and match tires with different speed ratings. It is also not recommended to downgrade the speed rating of your tires because it may result in poor handling and unpredictable steering. To improve cornering response, it is recommended you install a higher speed-rated tire on your vehicle.

Before making any change in your vehicle's tires, be sure to talk to one of the experienced tire technicians at Jensen Tire & Auto. (back to top)

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF NITROGEN INFLATION?

Nitrogen is a dry, inert gas used for years nationwide to inflate race car tires, commercial airline tires, off-road truck tires, the U.S. Space Shuttle tires, and U.S. military vehicle tires.

Tires filled with nitrogen perform better, last longer, and function with a greater degree of reliability than tires inflated with standard compressed air.

Nitrogen Is Safe
Nitrogen is a completely safe, non-flammable, inert gas. In fact, 78% of the air you breathe is nitrogen.

Better Fuel Mileage
With improved tire inflation comes improved gas mileage. You can save as much as five percent of your gas expenses when your tires are filled with nitrogen.

Longer Tire Life
Because nitrogen is a clean, moisture-free gas, it slows down internal tire oxidation, which slows down the aging process of your tires, allowing them to perform at optimum levels longer.

When you have your tires filled with nitrogen at Jensen Tire & Auto, our expertly trained professionals will top them off at no charge for the life of the tire so you can continue to save money, mile after mile.

Enhanced Performance
Nitrogen helps maintain proper tire inflation, allowing your tires to run cooler, which increases tread life and provides you with better control of your vehicle.

Simple and Affordable
It's easy to fill your tires with nitrogen. Simply stop by any of the 18 convenient Jensen Tire & Auto store locations and ask to have your tires checked and re-inflated with nitrogen. The cost per tire is nominal, especially when you consider the fuel savings and performance enhancements you will enjoy with properly inflated, nitrogen-filled tires.

At Jensen Tire & Auto, when you buy a new set of tires, the cost of nitrogen inflation is already included in your purchase price.
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