947 Jones Rd., Midland, ON, L4R 0G1
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Fri closed
Sat 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sun Closed
Dealership hours of operation
Mon - Thu 7:30am - 5:30pm
Fri closed
Sat 7:30am - 4:00pm
Sun closed
Dealership hours of operation
Mon - Thu 8:00am - 5:30pm
Fri closed
Sat 8:00am - 4:00pm
Sun closed
Dealership hours of operation
Mon - Thu 8:00am - 7:00pm
Fri closed
Sat 8:00am - 5:00pm
Sun Closed
Dealership hours of operation
Mon - Thu 7:30am - 5:30pm
Fri closed
Sat 7:30am - 4:00pm
Sun closed
Dealership hours of operation
Mon - Thu 8:00am - 5:30pm
Fri closed
Sat 8:00am - 4:00pm
Sun closed

Winter Tire Swap, Balance and Alignment

Winter Tire Swap, Balance and Alignment

I thought I might need to see the dentist a week ago. My fillings were loosened after my CRV hit three potholes in a row. My steel winter rims took on the rapid fire road depressions but the wheel shutter and the BAM! sound of the shock absorber compressing all the way made me feel that I might now be down to three wheels. Hmm, where is that Honda roadside assistance number? No need, it is a Honda after all. Looking from the side I could see no damage to the rim. If it’s a normal pothole and you have the proper air pressure, your Midland Honda vehicle should be able to absorb it.

 

When a tire hits the inside of a pothole, it is pushed both backward and upward, transmitting the force of impact to the wheel, the suspension and the steering mechanism. The most likely types of potential damage are the loss of a hubcap, a damaged tire sidewall, a bent or broken wheel; wheels knocked out of alignment, damaged suspension components, bent steering parts and damaged shock absorbers.

 

A driver may well detect something is amiss while driving when the steering wheel is straight but the vehicle pulls to one side or when the steering wheel is not centered when driving in a straight line.  A wheel misalignment may also cause vibrations to move up through to the steering wheel.  After a big jolt to the suspension during the winter it is worth having your vehicle’s suspension checked over as you replace the winter tires with balanced summer tires.

 

Wheel balancing, also known as tire balancing, is the process of equalizing the weight of the combined tire and wheel assembly so that it spins smoothly at high speed. Balancing involves putting the wheel/tire assembly on a balancer, which centers the wheel and spins it to determine where the weight should go.  Your tires will wear down prematurely when the wheel assembly isn’t balanced. Even a quarter of an ounce of imbalance can put uneven pressure on the treads, causing uneven tread wear and excess heat that will shorten the life of the tire. Keep your wheels balanced and your tires should last as long as advertised!

 

Though a wheel alignment does incur a small short-term cost, it can lead to long term savings. With a proper wheel alignment your pocket book will also benefit from better fuel efficiency.  Correct alignment has a positive effect on the efficiency of your engine.  Additional long term savings will be achieved with regular wheel balancing and alignment. When the components of your vehicle’s steering and suspension systems are put under excess stress through wheel misalignment it causes them to break down faster necessitating replacement and costly repairs. Preventive maintenance will insure that you will enjoy your vehicle in tip top shape longer.

 

I have locked in my Easter Monday tire swap and balancing with the service desk at Midland Honda and I can’t wait to shed the steel for the alloy wheels. I hope to soon see a Midland public works asphalt truck and the workers filling in some of the great road divots left by another hard winter season!

 

Until next time,

 

Macky

 

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