Changing a Flat Tire:

Flat tires are very inconvenient. While there is nothing you can do to prevent a flat tire, you can help minimize the hassle and damage to your tire by being prepared. Click on the link below for a list of guidelines on how to properly and safely change a flat tire. Make sure you talk to a technician at Hillside if you have any questions.

Tire Balancing

Balancing your tires is important. If overlooked, unbalanced tires can lead to uneven wear, vibration and potentially unsafe driving conditions. Your local technician at a Hillside can help determine whether your tires need to be rotated and balanced based on wear or mileage.

Getting your tires balanced can mean:

• Smoother ride
• Increased Comfort
• Less driver fatigue
• Enhanced tire wear
• Enhanced for tires and drive train components

Tire Installation

Tires should be selected by the correct size for the vehicle, and should be purchased in sets of four, or at least matching sets of two on each axle. Visit Hillside Tire & Service for proper installation of your new tires. It includes:

• Inspecting the lug nuts for wear
• Installing new valve stems
• Mounting the tires
• Proper balancing
• Checking the disc brake caliper clearance, as well as the distance between calipers, wheels and rims to inspect for no interference
• Tightening lugs to proper torque as determined by the manufacturer

Tire Rotation

Rotating your tires means moving them from one side of the vehicle to the other, moving them from front to back or a combination of both. Regular tire rotation helps avoid uneven tire wear that can lead to poor performance and gas mileage.

Some tires need rotated at specific intervals, while others will need rotated depending on the wear. To find out when your tires need rotated, check your vehicle's owner's manual or ask your Hillside technician.

Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment is the position of your wheels relative to your vehicle. When properly aligned, your wheels will point in the same direction as the vehicle. To maintain proper control of your car, you must keep your wheels in proper alignment. Otherwise, steering will become difficult, your tires will wear unevenly and your fuel economy will decrease. An alignment check at your local Hillside includes:

• Inspection of the steering and suspension components
• Examination of the tires for size, inflation and wear
• Comparison of your alignment to vehicle manufacturer guidelines