Springtime Road Hazards: Potholes

Springtime is here! You might notice the emerging green grass, blooming flowers, and, unfortunately, potholes. Potholes are caused by the expansion and contraction of ground water after the water has entered into the ground under the pavement. These potholes can cause serious safety hazards and can damage your car causing expensive repairs. Large potholes cause instant damage to your tire and wheel while smaller potholes cause damage to your wheel and suspension resulting in future acceleration and alignment issues.

Our quick lane services offer a variety of options to help keep you safe from pothole damage:

1. Wheel alignment and tire balance: Potholes can end up creating uneven alignment in your tires. Tires that are not properly aligned can cause your vehicle to sway in different directions causing a reduction in your gas mileage and uneven wearing on your tires.

2. Tire rotation: Tire wear can happen for a variety of different reasons - especially spring potholes! Occasionally rotating your tires can help extend the lifespan of your tires. Tire rotations are quick and efficient for our staff at Quick Lane - you don’t even need an appointment!

3. Complete vehicle checkup: Our trained staff will take the time to give your vehicle a full inspection and provide you with a full vehicle diagnostic. This inspection will include inspection of tires, brakes, belts, and hoses. We also check coolant and oil levels.

4. Brake inspection and suspension check: Potholes can pop up out of nowhere, requiring drivers to take quick action. Regular maintenance of your vehicle's brakes is extremely important since brakes are built to wear over time. Hearing any squeaking or grinding noises is a good suggestion that it is time to get your brakes checked.

Don’t let Springtime potholes get you down this season. Protect your vehicle by getting a Spring tune-up! We have trained experts on hand to help restore vehicle damage and keep our customers safe at their convenience. We are available for service work in extended hours including weekends and weeknights. Reminder: No appointment is required. Stop by at any time for our expert vehicle support!

How To Tell If You Need New Tires

Tires - they’re kind of like the feet of your car. If your car’s tires are in good shape, you car will… run… smoothly. If they’re not taken care of, you might have some problems. Regularly replacing your car’s tires is important to ensure safe driving, and there are a few warning signs to look out for to know when it is time to replace them. Be on the lookout for vibration, bulges, or cracks, and check the tread, and age of your tires for best performance.

1.      Vibration

Vibration is normal to feel while driving, however knowing the normal amount of vibration is important. Although there can be a number of reasons your car is vibrating, many times it can be fixed by new tires. Even if the problem is something else, (such as your struts or breaks) eventually it can lead to tire damage and then tire replacement.

2.      Bulges and Blisters

Regularly checking your tires for any bulges or blisters forming can prevent you from having a blowout while going down the road. If these bulges and blisters are ignored for too long, they can cause damage to your vehicle and injury to yourself and others. Remember to keep a close eye on weakening spots.

3.      Cracks

Cracks can be found on the sidewall of your tires. If you can easily see cracks, it is important to get them checked. This could indicate a leak or lead to tire failure. It is good to catch cracks early on to prevent any further issues.

4.      Tread

A tread wear indicator bar is found on most new tires. When the tires are new these should be practically invisible. If one or more of these bars begin to become visible, it means your tread is wearing down. If you don’t have a tread indicator bar on your tires (or don’t know if you do) stick with the ol’ penny trick.

5.      Age

It‘s recommended you replace your tires every six years. If you’re not sure of the age of your tires, it’s best to have them looked at to be safe. After all, better safe than stranded.

At Tenvoorde Ford, we are fully capable of checking your tires. We can determine if your car is suffering for regular wear-and-tear, if it’s time for new tires, or if your car is suffering from more serious issues.

Spooktacular Tire Sales Event - Tenvoorde Ford St. Cloud, MN

Tenvoorde Ford and Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center are proud to announce our Spooktacular Tire Sales Event!  If you are in the market for tires, this is one sale you’re not going to want to miss!  We are offering discounts and rebates on most major brand name tires!  These are the biggest rebates of the year!  Not sure if you need tires?  Stop in today and get a FREE tire inspection and analysis.  Don’t be scared to drive your car or truck this winter.  Get your tires replaced at Tenvoorde Ford or Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center today!!!!

Did you know that tires are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle?  Driving with tires that have little to no tread can substantially increase your stopping distance.  Replacing your worn tires can help keep you and your family safe during your winter and holiday travels.  Performing routine alignments is an inexpensive way to protect your tire investment.  With a properly aligned vehicle you can increase gas mileage, improve vehicle handling and prevent premature tire wear.  When you have your vehicle serviced at Tenvoorde Ford and Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center you will receive a FREE vehicle check up.  This will give you peace of mind knowing your vehicle is safe and reliable.  

Get all the details HERE