Brand Logo | Legacy Automotive

Loading ...

Missing business hours data / Error occurred while getting the data.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
My Garage
You do not have My Garage enabled.
Section under maintenance.

Know Your Tires

February 21, 2024

Buying the right tires for your vehicle can be a weary process. Tires that fit poorly are hazardous to your safety and the life of your vehicle. Getting tires that fit correctly requires just a little bit of knowledge on fit, tread depth, and value for your money. Good tires contribute to your safety by giving you a better performance which makes your car drive better and helps when starting or stopping. Our goal in this blog post is to help you feel confident and informed when making affordable decisions for your vehicle!


Tire Service | Legacy Automotive

Luckily for tires, they are not as complex as the engine or transmission components in your vehicle. Since they are on the exterior, tires are easily accessible and a clear indication of a problem related to their function.


Perhaps the most common question when it comes to tire replacement is when to replace them. How do you know your tires are bad? How often should you check for wear and tear? The easy way to know if your tires are bad in terms of tread depth is the penny test: Place Lincoln head-first into the tread. If you can see the top of his head, then you need new tires.

(Why is rotating your tires important? Regular rotation allows your tires to wear evenly, giving them an overall longer life!)


This is a great reason to find a mechanic shop you like and then frequent it when you need an oil change or other maintenance. They will get to know your car while you get to know and trust them to work on your car honestly and with fair estimates.


If you do live in a cold climate with snow, should you get snow tires or all season? That depends. If you live or drive a lot in the mountains, you might want to invest in snow tires. However, they would need to be changed in the summer back to all season or summer tires. Are all season tires worth it if you can’t get snow tires? Absolutely. Just check that tread when the snow comes!



Tire Replacement | Legacy Automotive

Can you get a ticket for a bad tires? Yes, you can! If you are in a wreck and your tread depth is 2/32 or less you can easily be ticketed. Mountain states such as Colorado have traction laws as well. You can read up on those traction laws here.


If you have just one bad tire, can you just get one new one? In some circumstances, yes. On AWD vehicles, you will most likely get a whole new set. If you drive a FWD or a RWD you may be OK to just change one. However, go to your trusted mechanic shop for their recommendation before making a tire purchase.


We’ll end this blog post with an important concern from many vehicle owners: how can you be sure you are getting a good value on tires? Always use a full-service shop over a chain store, even if they are cheaper. Ask the shop if they have a mechanic that specializes in tire repair/replacement. Ask the shop if they have a Road Force Tire Balancer and Alignment Equipment. You can even get the name of the specific brand of equipment they use and research it later. A good shop will know their equipment and be able to tell you right away what they use.


Brand Logo | Legacy Automotive

If you have more questions about tires, feel free to fill out our contact form and we will answer your questions as soon as possible! Our goal at Legacy Automotive is to help car owners make the best decisions for your vehicle, your safety, and your wallet.



By josh February 25, 2025
The Dangers of Potholes: How to Protect Your Car This Spring
By Joshua Gough February 7, 2025
How to Prepare Your Vehicle for Colorado Winters As winter approaches in Colorado, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is ready to handle the harsh conditions. Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures can take a toll on your car, but with proper preparation, you can stay safe and keep your vehicle running smoothly. Here’s how to winterize your vehicle for Colorado’s unpredictable winters. 1. Check Your Battery Cold temperatures can significantly reduce your battery’s power, making it harder to start your engine. Have your battery tested to ensure it’s in good condition, and replace it if necessary. Clean any corrosion from the terminals and ensure all connections are tight. 2. Inspect Your Tires Traction is key when driving on icy and snowy roads. Check your tire tread depth—if it’s below 4/32 of an inch, consider replacing your tires. Investing in winter tires designed for icy conditions can provide better grip and improve your safety. Also, make sure your tire pressure is at the recommended level, as it can drop in cold weather. 3. Check Your Fluids Antifreeze : Ensure your coolant is at the right mixture to prevent freezing. Oil : Consider using a winter-grade oil that flows better in lower temperatures. Washer Fluid : Use a winter-specific washer fluid that won’t freeze in cold temperatures. 4. Inspect Your Brakes Your braking system is critical in winter driving conditions. Have your brakes inspected to ensure they’re in good working order, and replace worn brake pads if needed. 5. Test Your Heater and Defroster A functioning heater keeps you comfortable, and a working defroster is essential for maintaining visibility. Test both before the first snowfall and have any issues repaired promptly. 6. Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car Prepare for unexpected situations by keeping a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Include: A blanket or extra warm clothing Ice scraper and snow brush Flashlight and extra batteries Jumper cables Sand or kitty litter for traction First-aid kit Non-perishable snacks and bottled water Phone charger 7. Check Your Lights and Wipers Shorter days and snowy conditions mean you’ll rely more on your headlights. Ensure all exterior lights are working and replace any burned-out bulbs. Install winter-rated windshield wipers and top off your washer fluid to maintain visibility. 8. Keep Your Gas Tank at Least Half Full A full tank can prevent your fuel lines from freezing and ensure you have enough gas in case of an emergency. Plus, extra weight can help improve traction. 9. Know Your Vehicle’s Winter Features Many modern vehicles come equipped with traction control, ABS, and all-wheel drive. Understand how these systems work to maximize their effectiveness in slippery conditions. 10. Schedule a Winter Maintenance Check at Legacy Automotive The best way to ensure your vehicle is winter-ready is to have it inspected by a professional. At Legacy Automotive, we offer comprehensive winter maintenance services, including battery testing, tire checks, brake inspections, and fluid top-offs. Schedule an appointment today and drive with confidence this winter. Stay safe on the roads and enjoy a worry-free winter with a properly maintained vehicle!
February 21, 2024
Boulder’s Subaru Experts
Share by: