Want Quiet Tires? Look for These Features

If you put a high priority on a quiet ride, your tire selection is important. Tread patterns, wheel size and traction elements can all affect tire noise.

SHOP TIRES

Tire Features That Cut Road Noise

Tire noise reduction is a science. Designers have figured out how to tune tread patterns to change the harmonics and disrupt air flow. There are sizing and rating considerations, too. Here’s what to look for to get quieter tires:

• Continuous, circumferential ribs with straight grooves in between.
• Varied tread block shapes that create a multiple pitch pattern.
• Smaller blocks.
• A reinforced shoulder, which stabilizes tread blocks.
• Small hash marks inside the grooves that break up air flow.
• Narrower tire sizes.
• Softer rubber composition.

What’s That Noise?

There’s more to quiet ride quality than your tires. The engine, suspension, transmission and wind all generate exterior sound. Road texture also matters. A mountain highway paved with asphalt that offers more winter traction will generally sound louder than the smooth blacktop on a freeway.

As for tires, there are several sources of noise. The air chamber inside the tire is one. Like a drum, the space inside a tire is big and empty. As the tire rolls, the vibration in this space causes a low-frequency hum.

Tread pattern and air flow also come into play. Tires with uniformly shaped tread blocks (the segments of the tire between the grooves) can produce a whining sound, known as harmonic noise. Differently shaped tread blocks create noise at different pitches that tend to cancel each other out, making it less noticeable to the human ear.

Tires with tall tread blocks, like on a traction tire, may squirm a bit which can also increase noise. The sound of air circulating through tire grooves and large voids adds noise.

Heavy-duty tires designed to carry big loads may produce more noise. Traction tires that have more space between the lugs that help with off-road traction are noisier. Tires that are getting to the end of their tread life may be louder since there’s less rubber between the steel belts inside and the road. Unevenly worn tires are likewise noisy: When the tread loses its uniform shape, the sound-muting features built into the tread pattern get distorted. They cannot perform as intended to reduce noise.

Other Factors in a Quiet Ride

Your vehicle type and options play a large role in how loud the ride is. A softer suspension generally means lower noise. Laminated windows can dampen sound. Station wagons are considered louder than sedans, which trap some of the road noise in the trunk. SUVs and trucks will have more wind noise. Accessories like tow mirrors and roof racks will also cause noise. Electric vehicles generate almost no engine noise.

To reduce tire noise, drive at slower speeds and keep tires fully inflated to the recommended air pressure for a quieter ride. Tires will stay quieter longer with simple maintenance that promotes even treadwear: regular rotations, rebalancing and alignments.

If you’re really after that catlike quiet, consider a luxury car that delivers the best insulation from engine, pavement and wind noise.

Tire Types from Quietest to Noisiest

Today’s passenger cars are an estimated 80 percent quieter and trucks 90 percent quieter than those made in the ‘80s. It’s a good thing, given all we have going on inside modern-day vehicles: GPS instructions, stereo and passengers involved in cellphone conversations, videos or games.

But some classes of tires are always going to be noisier than others.

If noise is a top priority, ask your tire dealer about the quietest tires in each category. Noise-reduction technology is always advancing so there may be new options on the market that can improve your driving experience.

How to Tell If You Need New Tires

Every year in the U.S., tire-related crashes cause 200 fatalities, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Thankfully, it’s easy to monitor your tires, and how to tell if you need new tires, with a quick video and some basic information.

5 Warning Signs You Need New Tires

The primary functions of the tread on your tires are to grip the road and to divert water that causes hydroplaning. Tires with plenty of tread can help you maintain control and reduce your chances of getting a flat. With a quick monthly check of your tread and tire pressure, you’ll know if you need to replace your tires.

Tread Wear Bars are Flush with the Tread:

Tread wear bars are small, raised bits of rubber that run between the tread blocks. As these bars become even with the top of the tread, it is likely time for new tires. See more about tread wear bars below.

Cracked Rubber:

Tires will wear down over time, even if you don’t drive much. Sunlight, heat, and chemicals used to melt snow and ice can reduce rubber flexibility, causing tires to crack, lose air, and eventually fail.

Uneven Tire Tread:

There are many factors that may cause uneven wear, which could shorten the life of your tires. Vehicle alignment, tire pressure, lack of rotation, and/or worn steering and suspension components can all contribute to this problem. To prolong the life of your tires and reduce uneven wear, consider getting them rotated at consistent intervals. At Les Schwab, we recommend getting them rotated every 5,000 milles. The pros at Les Schwab will also conduct a free visual inspection of your steering and suspension components. Schedule your free, pre-trip safety check today.

Tire Pressure Issues:

All tires deflate slowly over time, usually about 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) per month. Check yours monthly to keep them properly inflated. If your tires continually lose air or seem to completely deflate without warning, you may need to stop by Les Schwab for tire repair or replacement if necessary. Does the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) light often appear on your dash? This could mean your tires have developed a slow, continuous leak.

Sidewall Bulges:

If you hit a curb, pothole or other obstacle, your tires can develop sidewall bulges due to a break of the inner liner. These bulges can rupture causing a potentially unsafe situation. If you spot a bulge on your tires, get to your nearby Les Schwab and have your tires inspected.

Other Possible Issues:

If you experience new vibrations or thumping while driving, it could be a sign that one of your tire/wheel assemblies is out of balance. It could also indicate a suspension issue. Stop by your local Les Schwab and our professionals will check your tires, steering, and suspension.

Easy Ways to Check Your Tread

Use the Tread Wear Bars

All tires sold in the United States today have what are called tread wear bars. The tread wear bars on your tires are there to help you see how much tread you still have. These wear bars are small, raised bars of rubber in the grooves of your tire. Look at the tread pattern and you’ll see these bars running between the tread blocks.

How do I use them to diagnose worn tires?

Look at the tread pattern and you’ll see these bars running between the tread blocks. As your tires wear, these bars will become increasingly flush with the tire’s tread. It’s important to replace your tires before this happens.

Depending on where and how you drive, and the conditions you face on the road, you might consider getting new tires before they reach that point. City driving in mild conditions may allow you to wait until the tread is closer to the tread wear bar before replacing your tires. More adverse conditions, such as rain, snow, and unpaved roads, may require you to replace your tires earlier.

Do the Penny Test

An easy way to check the tread on your tires is to do the penny test. Take a penny and place Lincoln’s head in one of the grooves of the tire tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tire.

If the penny goes in enough that the tire tread is at least as deep as Lincoln’s forehead, your tires are generally considered safe and do not need replacing. Check all four of your tires when conducting the penny test.

Ready to Find the Perfect Tires?

You’ll find your next set of tires at Les Schwab. You also find our world-class customer service at a tire shop near you that cares about your safety on the road.

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What are Directional Tires?

Directional tires have a tread pattern designed to rotate in only one direction. When you look at such tires head on, the lateral voids and channels on the tread all point forward and down. The channels on both sides of the tread will run like two waterfalls joining from opposite sides, like this: ϒ

Directional tires (also called unidirectional) are better for performance cars — and traveling at high speeds — than tires with symmetrical or asymmetrical tread patterns. The tires channel water away efficiently for excellent hydroplaning resistance and deliver sporty performance on dry surfaces.

But directional tires cannot be easily rotated to as many positions on the vehicle. In order to rotate directionals to opposite sides of a vehicle — not just between front and back on the same side — the tires have to be dismounted from the wheels and remounted before being installed.

For this reason, most drivers end up just switching directional tires from front to back on the same side when they get a rotation. This means the tires will wear less evenly and more quickly, and that’s why you may get less mileage.

How to Identify Directional Tires

Most directional tires have a solid center rib, which adds rigidity for high-speed stability. Also, the lateral channels on the tread pattern all point down in a V-shape. Such designs are used on summer or winter tires.

Here’s a comparison between directional, symmetrical and asymmetrical treads.

The most common tread pattern for passenger cars is symmetric. The left and right tread blocks mirror each other, and the grooves and voids point in multiple directions. Both summer and winter tires use this type of pattern.

Asymmetric treads combine the above two patterns to offer good grip on dry, wet or snowy roads, making the tread type a better choice for all-season use. The inner side of asymmetric tires often features lateral voids like those found in directionals, while the outer side uses larger tread blocks.

Installing and Rotating

On directional tires, there’s an arrow on the sidewall of the tires — when correctly mounted, the arrow points toward the front of the vehicle. If directional tires get mounted backward, you won’t get the hydroplaning resistance and other performance driving benefits the tread is designed for.

Front and rear tires often wear at different rates. It is recommended to rotate standard tires between front and back and crossways to maximize lifetime mileage.

When you have directional tires, you can only easily swap fronts for rears on the same side of the car. If you want to cross tires to opposite sides, you’ll have to go through the time and expense of having the tires taken off the wheels, flipped, remounted on the wheels and swapped.

Pros and Cons

Directional tires provide superior handling in wet conditions or dry. The V-shaped tread allows water to be pushed outward as the tire rotates, evacuating water better than a symmetric tire.

The tires handle better at high speeds. Most race and sports cars run with directional tires.

Directionals can also provide better fuel efficiency since they have less rolling resistance. (But if you’re a spirited driver, faster accelerations and speeds may offset these gains.)

The main downside is cost. The rubber compounds used in these high-performance tires mean a premium price point compared to standard passenger car tires.

Also, directionals typically have shorter tread life. It’s not because the tread is less durable, but rather it’s because tire rotations involve extra labor and cost. Many drivers opt to swap front and rear tires on the same side to avoid the hassle.

Tire FAQ

How Do I Know If I Need New Tires?

Signs that your tires are wearing out or may need replacing include uneven wear, a decline in vehicle handling performance or ride, poor gas mileage, vibration, reduced brake responsiveness, tread that looks slick, and a tire that’s losing air faster than it should. Just stop by any Les Schwab for an honest opinion on the condition of your tires.

How Often Should I Replace My Tires?

It depends on many factors, including your driving style, the mileage rating for the tires, conditions on the roads you typically travel, weather, and more. Bring your vehicle in anytime for a free visual inspection on how your tires are doing.

What Are the Parts of a Tire?

Having a basic understanding of tire parts and how your tires are constructed can be useful when it comes time to buy tires. Here are the key components.

What Do the Numbers on the Sidewall Mean?

It’s a good idea to understand what the codes and numbers on the side of your tire mean. Learn more about reading your tire sidewall.

5 Questions Any Good Tire Dealer Should Ask

Tires are a big investment most people make only every few years. If you want to make the right decision, you’ve got two choices:

1. Become a tire selection expert.
2. Become a tire dealer selection expert.

Option 2 is a lot easier. Make sure the salesperson asks you these five questions:

1. “What do you use your vehicle for?”

The best tire for a commuter in an economy car may not be the same as what’s needed for the family car. The tire that’s best for comfort and least noise for your long-distance commute may be overkill for a third car that's used less often. If you’re hauling loads or a trailer with your truck, that suggests a different choice than what’s right on a truck used for lighter duty.

Road conditions are a part of this equation. If you regularly go off-road, you’re driving streets with lots of potholes, or you live in a place with winding roads and tight curves, the salesperson’s recommendations will differ.

2. “What are your driving habits?”

If your dealer asks this question, they’re a keeper.

Literally and figuratively, tires aren’t one-size-fits-all. For example, a new driver in the family can change the ideal tire. So can your tendency towards conservative versus faster driving.

3. “Will you be doing any driving in winter conditions?”

You need tires that suit the weather conditions where you drive and your dealer knows that. A good one will ask.

All season tires are the choice for drivers in sunnier places. If you’re driving on snow or ice every year, you’ll likely have winter tires for cold months and a different set for warmer weather. Your dealer’s recommendation on what’s going to last longest and perform best will also be different if you live in a place with extremes of heat and cold than someplace with more consistent weather.

4. “What’s your budget?”

All these factors — driving habits, safety, longevity, comfort, handling, noise — have to be balanced with your budget. A good dealer is happy to explain the differences between a quality, basic tire, a premium tire, and everything in between, because it narrows the choices to what's best for you. You should never get the feeling the store rep is pushing a tire just because it’s on sale or it’s the most expensive.

5. “Here’s how our warranty works …”

OK, it’s not really a question. But the best dealers will bring this up. If you want to get the best value for the money, it’s really important to think this through. Service warranties can include free services worth hundreds of dollars over the life of a tire. They vary substantially by dealer. Some features and limitations to find out about:

Does your service warranty cover flat tires?

• Road hazards: If you run over a pothole, nail, or debris that damages the tire beyond repair, is the value of the tire covered?
• Expiration: How long is the tire covered? Three years? Five years? The life of the tire?
• Workmanship: Are both the tire and the quality of installation/repairs covered?
• Free services: Are regular inspections for wear, tire rotations and rebalancing included? What’s the cost to fix flats?
• Locations: How many stores will honor the warranty? The service warranty that comes with tires you buy at a dealer is an agreement with the dealer, not the manufacturer. A service warranty goes beyond the standard workmanship and material warranty you get from the company that made your tires. It can cover labor and free maintenance services. But your service warranty is good only at the retailer that sold you the tires. (If you’re weighing buying online, consider that if you get a flat, or a tire is defective, you have to get it off your vehicle and return it yourself.)

Find the Right Dealer and You Don’t Have To Become a Tire Expert

Real professionals will be happy to talk your ear off about technical features — tread bars, siping, harmonic noise — or just give you the basic benefits of a tire in layperson’s language, your preference. Make sure they’re asking the questions above as a starting point. The answers will make the best choice obvious.

14 Items to Put in Your Winter Road Trip Safety Kit

If you’re going over the hills, through the woods or over a mountain pass during wintry months, do yourself a favor. Put a winter road trip kit in your vehicle, just in case.

Icy roads and traffic jams in cold weather aren’t predictable. Preparing in advance may save you some misery...and keep you safer in bad driving conditions.

Here Are Items to Put in a Winter Road Trip Safety Kit to Keep in Your Vehicle During the Cold Months.

1. Plastic storage tub for keeping it all together and dry. And easy stowing when warmer weather returns.


2. Headlamp. It could be not only snowing but dark when you realize you’re going to have to put on the snow chains.


3. Speaking of tire chains, don’t forget them. If you have several sets of chains for several vehicles, putting the right chains in a dedicated winter safety kit for each car will keep you from being stranded with the wrong chains when you need them. (Here’s a video on how to install chains.)


4. Reflective gear. A fluorescent safety vest with reflective strips can be bought at most big box home improvement stores. Orange warning triangles are available at most auto parts stores.





5. Windshield ice scraper, in case of freezing rain, sleet or heavy snow.


6. Waterproof jacket with a hood and rainpants. You’ll be glad to have that hood to keep snow from going down your back if you need to put on chains.


7. Something to sit or kneel on when installing chains. Snowy or icy pavement is not a comfortable surface. A small tarp or even a piece of cardboard will really help.


8. Gloves. Mittens won’t do you much good if you’re installing snow chains. Get gloves that are water resistant.


9. Beanie or baseball cap. A knit hat that covers your ears will keep your head warm. Or a cap with a bill will keep snow from hitting your face.


10. A towel to use after snow chain installation and removal, to put on the seat to keep it dry from your wet outer layers.


11. Water. If there’s an accident on the pass you could be idled for hours. It’s a good idea to carry some water.


12. Snacks. Keep a few energy or protein bars with a long shelf life in your kit.


13. Kid items. Long road delays+hungry kids = nightmare. An extra diaper, a deck of cards and bag of snacks won’t take up much room and could make things a lot more tolerable.


14. Pet items. A foldable fabric water bowl, spare leash and treats will be rewarded with lots of wags.

And one last thing: keep waterproof shoes handy inside your vehicle. Driving to your destination with wet feet in winter is no fun. Bring along the galoshes, just in case.

Want more tips on winter road safety? See 19 Winter Driving Resources You Can’t Do Without.

Did you know you can get a free pre-trip safety check for your vehicle at Les Schwab? Find out more here.

Shop for Winter Tires

Do You Even Need a Spare Tire?

The fact that spare tires are no longer standard equipment on many newer-model cars can come as a surprise when you get a flat tire. While many new light trucks and larger SUVs come with a spare, many new vehicles do not include a regular-sized spare.

About one-third of new vehicles are not equipped with a full-size spare tire. Instead, many are equipped with a space-saver (donut) spare or tire sealant and inflation kit.

Getting a flat tire is a major hassle and can be costly. Here’s what to know about spares, including why more vehicles don’t come with one, how to decide if you really need one, and the upsides and downsides of inflator kits.

Which New Car & SUV Models Don’t Include a Spare?

The answer to that question is complicated as the number of vehicles that do not include a spare continues to change. See Consumer Reports partial list of spare-less vehicle models.

It can be difficult to tell which vehicles and models come with a spare and which don’t. Especially since some trim levels include a spare tire, but not all. Do your research before you head out to the dealership. And ask the sales rep directly. If you’ve recently bought a newer model car, be sure to double-check that it has a spare or flat tire option. That way you’re prepared in case of a flat.

Why Aren’t Some New Cars Coming With a Spare Tire?

There are several reasons why automakers have removed or minimized the spare tire.

1. To improve fuel efficiency. Removing the spare can reduce a vehicle’s weight by up to 50 pounds, including the jack and lug wrench. It can also improve aerodynamics by reducing air drag from a spare tire that sits below the undercarriage of a vehicle. These two factors can affect a vehicle’s MPG.


2. To save space and weight. There can be a trade-off between comfort and the space in small cars. A spare can take a lot of space — especially if you’re driving a compact or sports vehicle.


3. To make room for hybrid, diesel, and electric vehicle components. Batteries and emissions equipment can often take up the same space as a spare.


4. To save money. Carmakers can save several hundred dollars per vehicle by foregoing the spare in new vehicles.

Where Can I Buy or Replace a Spare Tire?

According to most automakers, a spare tire should only be used to get from where you discovered your flat tire to the nearest tire repair shop. But what should you do when that spare tire needs to be replaced?

The answer depends on the type and size of spare that originally came with your vehicle. See Les Schwab to get the right spare for your vehicle.

What Are Alternatives to a Spare Tire? Are They Any Good?

Some new cars are coming from the factory equipped with inflator kits or run-flat tires that claim to make the spare tire unnecessary. There are upsides and downsides to these alternatives.

What Is a Run-flat Tire?

Run-flat tires were first designed decades ago to improve safety and steering performance of high-end sports cars in case of a tire failure. These tires were (and still are) built with either a reinforced sidewall or an internal support ring to carry the vehicle’s weight if the tire suddenly loses air pressure. Since then, run-flat tires have become more common on everyday vehicles, allowing drivers to travel without air in their tires for up to 50 miles at less than 50 MPH before getting the tire repaired or replaced.

Potential Downsides of a Run-flat Tire

Driving on a run-flat for even the shortest of distances will ruin the tire. This means it will need to be replaced. Plus, if you’re somewhere remote and get a flat, you may not be within range of the next tire repair shop. Other downsides include higher prices and reduced ride comfort.

What Is a Donut Tire?

Also known as a donut spare or space-saver tire, donut tires were designed to save space in smaller vehicles. If you drive a compact or smaller vehicle, you may have a space-saver spare.

Potential Downsides of a Donut Tire

These tires have less traction than your regular tires, are smaller, should not be driven at speeds over 50 miles per hour, and should not be used for more than 50 miles.

What Is a Self-sealing Tire?

Self-sealing tires are coated on the inside with a special sealant. When an object on the road pierces the tread, the sealant material is designed to surround the object and prevent air from escaping from the tire. This gives you time to get to a tire repair shop.

Potential Downsides of a Self-sealing Tire

The self-sealing tire won't work if a puncture is more than a quarter inch in diameter. They also don’t work for holes in the sidewall of the tire. Self-sealing tires can be difficult to repair.

What Are Inflator Kits?

Inflator/sealant kits offer a temporary fix for minor tread punctures. With many kits, you simply remove the cap from your tire’s air-inflation valve, connect the inflator kit, and then spray the sealant into the tire.

Potential Downsides of an Inflator Kit

Tire sealant kits only work on small holes in the tread, and don’t work at all for slits or holes in the sidewall. Sealants also leave grime inside the tire that can affect your TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system), the safety equipment that alerts you if you’ve lost air in a tire. Any time you use a sealant, there is a good chance you’ll need to have the TPMS sensors replaced.

When Is It Ok to Go Without a Spare Tire? And Not?

If you’re buying a new car, here are five tips to help decide if you need a spare, based on cost, safety and convenience, where you live, and what type of driving you do.

1. If you live in an urban area with 24-hour towing, and you’re doing mostly daytime driving, you may be good with no spare. Just be sure you have roadside assistance coverage included in your auto insurance policy or another service. Without it, a standard tow (around 5 miles) can cost you over $100.


2. Decide before you buy the vehicle if you’re willing to go spare-less. If you find yourself regretting your decision later, you’ll need to buy a tire, jack and lug wrench. Plus, there may not be space to safely carry the tire and tools in your vehicle.


3. If you take a lot of road trips, routinely drive in places with long distances between service stations, or travel a lot on rough roads, you need a spare tire. Getting a flat in rural areas means you could be many miles from a repair shop. If it’s after business hours, you could be stranded for hours or overnight, and forced to pay a hefty towing fee.


4. Consider how much you rely on your vehicle every day. A spare can save you a lot of time and headaches in the event of a flat tire.

Les Schwab Tires Provides Free Flat Repairs. As long as you purchased your tires from us, we repair fixable flat tires for free. Find a store near you.

Do You Know How to Drive If Your Tire Goes Flat?

When a tire goes flat or completely comes apart while you’re driving at highway speed, you can catch even the most experienced driver off guard.

Here’s what to do if it happens to you, along with a checklist for preventing flats.

How Can You Prevent Flat Tires?

Avoid tire failure by following these easy tips.

1. Check tire pressure monthly, including the spare.


2. Slow down if you have to drive over a pothole or other object in the road.


3. Don’t run over curbs or other foreign objects in the roadway, and try not to hit or rub the curb when parking.


4. Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread, cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of wear or trauma.


5. Remove any stones, bits of glass or other foreign objects wedged in the tread.


6. Make sure your tire valves have caps.


7. When carrying heavy loads, you should be extra careful about proper tire pressure. Overloading and low tire pressure can cause a tire to overheat, leading to tire failure.

Does Hitting a Pothole Damage My Tires & Suspension?

Have you ever hit a pothole so hard that you apologized to your vehicle? Hitting large asphalt chasms is never fun, but those road ravines can do more than rattle your senses or spill your favorite beverage. Repeatedly hitting potholes can puncture your tires, cut the sidewall or belts, bend or crack a wheel, damage parts of your suspension, or simply throw your car or truck out of alignment. Here’s what to look for after several run-ins with canyons in cul de sacs.

Recognizing Hidden Damages from Potholes

The damage from a pothole might not be visible right away. Small cracks on your tire’s sidewall can lead to slow leaks and eventual tire failure. If you have aluminum or steel wheels, the impact can cause a dent. That small blemish can cause an air leak between the rim and the tire. Other less visible signs of problems include damage to your shocks, springs, ball joint, struts, or tie-rods.

Give Your Vehicle a Quick Inspection

After hitting a pothole, check for any of the following signs of pothole damage.

Tire Problems

A bulge or cut on the tire sidewall is an indicator that the tire was pinched or punctured between the edge of the pothole and the wheel causing the internal plies to be weakened or severed.

Steering Issues

Your steering wheel feels off-center or your vehicle wants to pull to one side or the other. The impact may have been hard enough to affect the alignment or damage a steering or suspension component.

Wheel Damage

Potholes can dent or bend aluminum or steel wheels. This can cause an air leak or safety issue.

Vibrations

If you feel abnormal vibrations in the steering wheel, seat or floor, the pothole may have damaged your suspension.

Noises

New noises could mean something has been bent or displaced and could be rubbing on the tire/wheel assembly.

Warning Lights

If a dashboard warning light appears, get to your mechanic or come to any Les Schwab.

Performance Issues

There may have been damage if your cornering is impacted, your vehicle starts to sway or bob up and down a lot over speed bumps, or your steering and braking feel impacted.

How Badly Can Potholes Damage My Vehicle?

Depending on the severity of the impact and the size of the pothole, potholes can cause bent wheel rims, internal tire damage, alignment problems, as well as shock and strut issues.

But not all impacts are instantly recognizable. Some problems develop over time. If you suspect you may have bent a wheel, punctured a tire, or caused damage to any parts of your suspension, stop by anytime or book an appointment at Les Schwab for an evaluation. Ignoring any potential issues can add to the cost. Something as simple as a damaged shock or strut can cause issues to other parts of your vehicle, including your brakes.

The professionals at Les Schwab will give your vehicle an inspection for the following issues:

• Wheels/steering knocked out of alignment
• Damage to the tire’s steel belts
• Missing tire balancing weights
• Bent or cracked wheel rim
• Damage to shocks and struts
• Other broken suspension components

Tips to Minimize Post-Winter Pothole Damage

Here’s what you can do to minimize the damage when facing potholes or damaged roads.

• Always drive on tires that are properly inflated and in good condition. This will give you the best chance of absorbing the impact safely. This can also help avoid damage to your shocks, struts, and suspension.
• Drive defensively. Slow down when you’re on an unfamiliar or rough road, and avoid distracted driving.
• Be alert to what’s ahead, and make sure you keep enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you so you can avoid issues.
• Recognize that though you might miss the first pothole, there may be another waiting.
• When you can’t avoid a pothole, take your foot off the gas and hold your steering wheel tightly. Don’t brake. This will allow you to maintain the most control during the impact.

Les Schwab Has Experience with Pothole Damage

Our pros have seen plenty of pothole damage and can offer recommendations, including tire repair and replacement, alignment work, and more. Stop by your local Les Schwab for a free inspection. If you need new tires, wheels or alignment, we’ll help get you and your family quickly and safely back on the road.