AUTONET TV
To Fix or Not To Fix (Tire Repair)Posted July 21, 2024 5:08 AMYou know that sinking feeling when you realize one of your tires has a problem. It may be making an odd noise or behaving oddly when you're driving. You may hit a pothole or curb and one suddenly goes flat. Or you may head back to your vehicle and discover it has one tire deflated without a clue of what must have happened to it. With a lot of different tires hitting the streets these days, the issue of whether to have a tire repaired or replaced can be tricky, and we strongly recommend you have a trained technician help you make that decision. One of the most common causes of flat tires is picking up a screw or nail in the tread area. Many of those can be patched and plugged if the puncture isn't more than ¼ inch/6 mm in diameter. Most tires can handle two of this type of repair, but any more and you should buy a new tire. If there's a puncture or bulge in the sidewall or shoulder, the rule of thumb is it's not repairable. The sidewall doesn't have the reinforcements that the tread area does. In fact, any puncture that's more than a ½ inch/12 mm away from the edge of the tread should not be fixed. Many newer vehicles have no spare tires (to save weight and fuel) and instead have a type of tire called "run-flat." Sometimes, the only way you know they're deflated is when the tire pressure monitor alerts the driver. Driving on them more than 50 miles/80km can render them un-repairable. They may be fixable if you pulled off to the side of the road before driving on them too long. Our technicians can evaluate whether they can be driven further or should be replaced. Other vehicles with no spare include a can of tire sealant and a compressor. If you use it, tire experts say to have the tire professionally repaired as soon as possible. If you have had a flat tire, try not to drive on it unless it's necessary to get your vehicle away from a dangerous situation. Our technicians can evaluate any tire you may be having problems with and recommend whether repair or replacement is the best option. Your safety is riding on your tires. Protrans Automotive & Transmission Specialists | ||
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Michael Mattox, 09/10/2024Just serviced my three vehicles for my regular oil changes. I advised Luz at the front desk that I'm closely monitoring the state of my oldest vehicle's engine (over 200,000 miles), and requested they advise me of the oil condition. Following the service, and with my vehicle on the rack, Luz escorted me to the garage, where the technician showed me my just-removed oil filter and explained the relevant indications. Nice touch. Pro Trans has been my go-to shop for the last eight years, ever since a AAA recommendation for an emergency transmission repair. Bsed on that initial outstanding experience, they have become my preferred shop for nearly all my vehicle maintenance and repair needs for the last eight years. The reasons are simple: honesty, competence, and thoroughness = peace of mind. Friendly and conscientious service desk is icing on the cake. Thanks to Michael and his employees for running a great shop. (Caitlin is nice, too!)