FAQs about Mobile Tire Service

1. Q: Is there an age limit to casings?

Answer:  No, for example, waste fleets (garbage trucks) typically will retread a casing with any age.
(For our stock production we roughly cap the age at 10 years. I’d say roughly 75% of the tires we retread are less than 7 years to give you an idea of what is common place.)

2.  Q: Why should I pay extra to properly repair a flat tire when plugging is so much cheaper?

Answer: If you only plug a tire you run the risk of a failed repair because without a patch there is a large possibility of air loss. It may be cheaper up front, but if the repair fails you will need additional service work and potentially a Road service call.  The plug will stop water from reaching the internal tire construction and the patch will keep the air from escaping. Therefore, the combination is much superior to just a plug and there isn’t a significant cost difference to justify the risks associated with just a plug.

3.  Q: Why should I check the lug nuts 50 to 100 miles after the wheels have been installed?

Answer: It is recommended practice to check after 100 miles of service to make sure the lug nuts are still properly secure to the wheel assembly. Within the 100 mile period there is a chance that dirt or rust can fall out from between the mating surfaces and thus would reduce the original clamping force of the assembly. If that has occurred with your lug nuts, then they must be re-tightened after inspection.

4.  Q: What are the red/yellow dots on a sidewall for?

Answer: The red dot symbolizes where the valve stem should align with the tire when mounted. The yellow dot symbolizes the low spot on the tire and that should be aligned with the dimple on a wheel, which symbolizes the high spot of the wheel. This should only be followed when mounting steer tires and performing a radial run out.

5.  Q: Must I replace my present tires with the same size tires?

Answer: If you are buying tires for an automobile, SUV, or light truck, then you should buy tires with the same size. If you want to make a change, make sure to speak with a professional to get their approval. If you plan to change the tire size of a heavy-duty truck, one must make sure to make modifications to the transmission to adjust for the change.

6.  Q: When buying just two new tires, should they be put on the front or rear?

Answer: If you are buying two new tires for an automobile, SUV, or light truck you must mount these on the rear of the vehicle. This will help protect you from potential issues related to hydroplaning.