Tires are a crucial vehicle component, ensuring safety, performance, and comfort. However, they are prone to wear and tear, punctures, and other damage. Understanding the types of damage can help determine whether a tire needs repair or replacement. Come to Ace Body and Motor in Des Moines, IA, to learn more.

Types of Tire Damage

Small punctures from nails or screws can often be repaired if they are located in the tread area and are not too large. However, punctures near the sidewall or larger punctures may require replacement. Cuts and gashes can weaken the tire’s structure and compromise its integrity. Small cuts can sometimes be repaired, but larger ones often necessitate replacement. Tires with worn treads can affect traction and safety. While some tread wear is normal, excessive wear indicates the need for replacement. These occur when the tire’s inner lining is damaged, causing air to seep into the outer layers. Bulges and blisters are signs of internal damage and require immediate replacement.

Determining whether a tire needs repair or replacement depends on the extent and type of damage. Small punctures in the tread area that are less than 1/4 inch in diameter, usually, can be repaired using a patch or plug. However, a professional should do repairs to ensure safety. Damage to the sidewall, large punctures, cuts, and too extensive gashes cannot be repaired and require replacement. Additionally, a tire should be replaced if it has reached the end of its tread life. It’s safer to replace a damaged tire when in doubt than to risk driving on a compromised one. Tires play a wildly important role in vehicle safety. Driving on damaged tires can lead to accidents. Regular inspection and maintenance of tires are essential for safe driving. Understanding the types of tire damage and knowing when to repair or replace a tire can not only help ensure the longevity, but also the performance, of your vehicle. When in doubt, consult a professional tire technician to assess the damage and determine the best course of action. Remember, safety should always be the top priority when it comes to tire maintenance.

Bring Your Tires to Us!

Ace Body & Motor in Des Moines, Iowa, offers comprehensive tire services to ensure your safety and vehicle performance. Our ASE Certified technicians inspect tires for all makes and models, checking air pressure and tread wear. We repair minor damages like nail punctures, following strict safety criteria. If your tires are worn, we can recommend and install new ones suited to your vehicle and budget. Visit us or call (515) 243-7133 for expert tire service today!

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Understanding what road conditions can do to your tires

While most drivers understand that the condition of their tires can affect their driving experience, not everyone considers how the condition of the road impacts that same drive.

4 Types of Detrimental Road Conditions

Debris: whether due to nearby construction or other issues, items that have fallen out of the back of trucks, trailers, or natural debris from storms can create issues when you drive. It isn’t enough to change how you drive to avoid as much of the debris as possible. Even the most cautious driver can run over a small item, like a nail, causing a puncture in the tire itself. This includes off-road travel, which should be done cautiously if your vehicle is not equipped with the proper tires.

Damaged Roads: When you drive into an area known for flooding, you run into a number of possible issues. Debris beneath low flooding can cause tire punctures, and heavy rains can erode roads quickly, leaving drivers to maneuver through broken parts of the road or along deteriorated edges. This can damage not only your tires, but also the internal structure and associated parts of the suspension or chassis.

Potholes: this seems like a pretty obvious problem, but we all know that sometimes you can encounter an unexpected pothole when making a turn onto another road or into a parking lot. Avoiding them cannot always be done, and the impact, depending on the size of the pothole, can also cause structural damage to both your tire and the internal structure.

Rainy Weather: different from flooding, rainy weather can reduce the amount of traction between your tires and the road. Even the best and newest tires can be impacted if the vehicle is moving too quickly or the driver hits the brakes too hard. This can create the ideal conditions for hydroplaning or unexpected skidding, especially if there is any leftover oil from an older accident or vehicle incident.

Need Tire Repair?

The knowledgeable staff at Ace Body and Motor in Des Moines, IA, is here to help! Whether you need a repair for a damaged tire, a realignment, or an all-new set of tires to meet your needs and driving patterns, our trained team can help you get back on the road safely today!

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Flat tires are a fact of life that everyone has to deal with now and then, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to make sure you handle a flat as safely and efficiently as possible. One of the first questions to ask yourself when considering a damaged tire can be whether you are going to repair it or replace it. Different types of tire service can come with distinct advantages that can make some options better for your situation than others. Use these tips from the pros at Ace Body and Motor in Des Moines, Iowa, to help you get started.

Should You Repair?

Small punctures and minor damages on a tire can often be repaired to leave you with a good, functioning tire for much less money than it would cost for a replacement. If the damage that has occurred is limited, a tire service may be able to offer repairs. You can also look into some DIY options for fixing tires. Still, these are often temporary fixes that shouldn’t be relied upon for an extended period of time. To restore your tires to their highest level of safety for optimal control, visit a professional!

Should You Replace?

If you’re driving on a spare tire, you should replace it with a higher quality option as soon as possible. Alternatively, if one of your tires has taken serious damage that would be impossible to repair, you might be forced into finding a replacement. Where extensive damage is concerned, the safest option for tire service is often to buy a whole new tire. Our team can help you find the right fit for your car!

Are Your Tires in Good Shape?

As the point of connection between your vehicle and the road, tires can be one of the most critical parts of your car to keep it safe and healthy. If you don’t feel qualified to repair your tires yourself, a good tire service shop can be the next best resource. Safety should always be your first priority, and if the tire has taken a lot of damage, a full tire replacement may be the best route to take. Ace Body and Motor in Des Moines, Iowa, can provide fitting service for your tire needs.

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