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Tires Expert: Dettmer Tire and Auto Centre

Dettmer Tire and Auto Centre

660 Belmont Avenue West

KitchenerOntarioN2M 1N6

GEO: 43.452039, -80.516988

Phone: 519-743-1431

http://www.dettmertire.ca/

Dave WingertOwner Operator

Here is why they are an Expert

Dettmer Tire and Auto Centre is a full service automotive repair facility with the emphasis on SERVICE.
Dettmer Tire is a family owned business that has been serving the Kitchener-Waterloo area since 1931.
We offer a full range of services for all makes and models.
Our highly skilled and always up to date technicians are well equipped to handle any automotive need.

Submit your question today!

Tips of the month

1. August
   
   How To Read A Tire - Everything you need to know about your tires will be found on the "sidewall", which is simply the side of your tire. Manufacturers must ensure that this information is there. Some of the important information you will find is the Tire Type, Tire Width, Aspect Ratio, Wheel Diameter and construction, just to name a few. This information will help you take care of your tires and increase their life span.
   
   
   
   
2. When to buy 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.
   
   
   
   
3. Repairing Tires - 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 is not damaged. Tires that 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. Do not attempt to repair tires with tread punctures larger than 1/4 inch (6 mm), or any sidewall puncture. Also, never repair tires which are worn below 2/32 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.
   
   
   
4. How to increase the life of your tires - Don't speed: excessive heat is generated when driving at high speeds. This heat increases the rate of tire wear and reduces the tire's durability. Avoid fast turns on curves and around corners; fast starts and panic stops. Don't ride on the edge of the pavement or drive over curbs, potholes, or other obstructions.
   
   
   
   
   
5. April
   
   Tire 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 (i.e. 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.
   
   
   
   
6. The Importance of Tire Rotation - Regular tire rotation promotes more uniform wear for all of the tires on a vehicle. Check your vehicle owner's manual for the manufacturer's rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated every 10,000 to 12,000 kilometers. The first rotation is the most important. A full size spare may be included in the rotation pattern. DO NOT include a temporary or 'mini' spare in your rotation. When tires are rotated, inflation pressures must be adjusted to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. Uneven tire wear may also be caused by misalignment or mechanical problems.
   
   
   
7. Do I need snow tires?
   
   
   Winter tires are designed to excel in colder temperatures, slush, snow and ice. All season tires are engineered to work under a variety of conditions, however they are less effective in winter's freezing temperatures. So do you need winter tires? There are several things that will help determine if you should get winter tires. What type of vehicle you are driving, your personal driving style and the type of driving you are doing, city or highway. If you have more questions about your personal situation, please e-mail or call us and we will provide you with the information you need, so that you make the best decision for you. Once you do make the decision to put snow tires on your vehicle, we strongly recommend that you install four. If you have two different types of tires on your car it may impact the consistency of how your car handles.
   
   
   

Most recently answered questions

Isn't it easy to mount a tire on a wheel? Can't I do it myself?

Never try to mount your own tires. Tire mounting is a job for the people who have the proper equipment and experience. If you try to do it yourself, you run the risk of serious injury to yourself as well as possible damage to the tire and rim.


If I buy only two tires, should I put them on the front or the rear?

When you select a pair of replacement tires in the same size and construction as those on the car, we recommend you put them on the rear axle. A single new tire should be paired on the rear axle with the tire having the most tread depth of the other three. When radial tires are used with bias or bias belted tires on the same car (not recommended), the radials must always be placed on the rear axle. Never mix radial and bias-ply tires on the same axle.


Can I mix tire types on my car?

Tires of different size designations, constructions, and stages of wear may affect vehicle handling and stability. For best all-around performance, the same type tire should be used on all four wheel positions. It is recommended that you NOT mix radial and non-radial tires on a vehicle. However, if mixing is unavoidable, never mix radial and non-radial tires on the same axle. If two radial and two non-radial are to be installed on a vehicle, the two radials MUST be installed on the rear axle and the two non-radials on the front axle.

Do I have to replace my present tires with the same size tires?

Never choose a smaller size than those that came with the car. Tires should always be replaced with the same size designation -- or as recommended by the vehicle or tire manufacturer.

The other day I clipped the curb while parking and cracked my wheel and also got a flat tire. I have the spare tire on it now, How long can you drive with the spare on? Also in my area there is currently snow/ice on the ground. Is it less safe to be driving in those conditions with the spare tire on?

Some spare tires are for temporary use only (indicated on the sidewall of the tire) and in this case, although they can safely travel a long distance, they can't be driven over 60 km per hour. Other spare tires are full sized and speed would not be restricted although it may not be a perfest match for the other existing tires. It is always recommended to have a matching set of tires for optimum safety.

How often do I need a wheel alignment?

You should have a wheel alignment done annually, unless there is a drivability issue.


How often should I rotate my tires?

The team at Dettmer Tire, along with tire manufacturers, recommend that you rotate your tires every 8,000 - 10,000 km.

Is there a time frame or mileage point at which I can expect to need new tires?

No, factors that impact the lifespan of tires are the quality of manufacture and usage.You want to check the tread wear of your tires to determine if you need new ones.Many tires will have tread wear indicators to let you know when it is time to start thinking about new ones.If your tires don’t have an indicator and you are uncertain we recommend you visiting a tire centre and asking for advice.

Is it ok if all the tires on my car don’t match?

It is important that you do not use a tire that is smaller than recommended and came with the car.Using tires of different sizes or ones that are in different stages of wear or made by different manufacturers can have a negative impact on how you can handle your vehicle as well as reduce stability.

Why is it important to make sure your tires have the right pressure?

Properly inflated tires will help your vehicle run more efficiently.

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