MORRISSEY AUTO SERVICE > Top Level Auto Repair & Maintenance Services > TIRES

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At Morrissey Auto Service we value the safety of our customers above all else. We want to ensure that you get to where you're going every time with a reliable and safe vehicle. A major problem area for the cars and trucks that come into Morrissey Auto Service, are tires. Your tires are your connection to the road, and without them doing their job properly, all the handling development and safety testing that went into your car may not keep you safe. Here is some basic information on your tires and how to know when the time has come for replacements.

Why are old or bad tires dangerous?

As stated above, your tires are an extremely important component of your car or truck. If you've ever been out of control in a vehicle, you'll know how scary being a powerless passenger inside a two ton metal box can be. Driving on tires that are too old, improperly inflated, out of balance, or not suited to weather conditions can spell disaster for your safe journey. Your tires were designed with a very specific task in mind. Using them improperly can have sudden and catastrophic consequences.

Signs your tires need air

This issue can be fairly simple to spot. If your tire seems to be wider at the part which contacts the road, they probably need to be topped up with air. Driving on under-inflated tires wears them out faster due to uneven pressure on the sidewall and can lead to full-on flats and even end up shredding the tire off the wheel! Low tire pressure ruins your vehicle's fuel economy. If you've ever ridden a bicycle with under-inflated tires you know how much extra effort you have to put in to get moving and stay rolling. On the flip side of this, driving with too much air in your tires is also unsafe. While it's unlikely that hitting a large pothole would cause the tire to burst (remember they're built to last for thousands of miles) having too much air pressure in a tire reduces the size of the contact patch, or the area where rubber meets road. This can lead to less grip and control over your vehicle. Every tire manufacturer prints the correct tire pressure on the side of their tires, so it's easy to find out the perfect pressure for your ride.

Signs your tires are out of tread

As with having over-inflated tires, a lack of tread can lead to less control and worse handling for your car or truck. Your tires' tread patterns help them to hold the road as well as channeling mud and water away from the areas that need to do the gripping. Without enough tread depth, your car can ride up on top of water on the road and cause you a complete loss of control. There are a few common methods of measuring tread depth, such as using a penny to gauge whether or not it's time to replace your tires, but we recommend coming into Morrissey Auto Service in Dorchester, MA for a professional opinion on the matter. Not all tires are created equal and must be replaced at different times.

Signs your tires are damaged

Signs that your tires are damaged can come from a few sources. A visual inspection can catch potential problems before they become major issues such as nails or rocks embedded in the tread grooves. Always remember that there's a great deal of pressure contained within your tires. If you see any gashes, bubbles or hear the hiss of air escaping it's best to stay away from that tire and enlist the help of a professional. Believe us, you don't want a tire exploding anywhere near you.

You can sometimes feel tire damage while driving. If your car begins to make strange noises as it goes down the road or the handling suddenly becomes worse you should pull over as soon as it's safe. Driving on a flat is a bad idea, and can often lead to more severe damage to your vehicle.

What can and cannot be repaired

Tires are expensive and we take any opportunity we can to repair them safely and save you money. Small punctures can often be plugged and patched (it should always be both!) but sometimes the tire's day is done. If the puncture is on the outer edge of the tire (outside the tread) it's probably unsafe to repair. The same goes for a tire that's been driven on while flat. In this case the sidewall has become weakened and the tire is no longer safe. As with recommended pressures, each manufacturer has guides for what can and what can't be repaired.

At Morrissey Auto Service, customer safety is our number one priority. We hope you'll be a little safer with this information. If you'd like to talk about whether your tires may need inspection or replacement, call us at 617-436-9811 or visit us at 61 Tenean St in Dorchester, MA. Happy travels!

We offer most major brands of tires. These are a few of our preferred brands.

Why Are Old or Bad Tires Dangerous?

Your tires are your vehicle's only contact with the road-when they're compromised, so is your safety. Old, worn, under-inflated, or poorly matched tires can lead to dangerous handling, poor braking, and a higher risk of blowouts or hydroplaning. In high-stakes driving situations, the wrong tires can make you feel like a passenger in your own car.

Signs Your Tires Need Air

Underinflated tires often appear flatter at the road contact point. This causes uneven wear on the sidewalls, reduced fuel efficiency, and in severe cases, complete tire failure. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, reduce the contact patch-making it harder for your car to grip the road, especially during sudden turns or stops. For the safest and smoothest ride, check your vehicle's recommended pressure (usually listed on the driver's side door) or visit Morrissey Auto Service in Dorchester, MA for assistance.

Signs of Low Tread Depth

Low tread reduces traction, especially in wet conditions, increasing your risk of hydroplaning and poor vehicle control. Your tire's tread channels water and debris-without enough depth, it simply can't perform. Try the penny test at home, or better yet, bring your vehicle to our shop in Dorchester, MA for a professional tread inspection.

Signs of Tire Damage

Look out for embedded debris, cracks, bulges, or bubbling. You may also feel vibration or hear odd noises when driving-both of which may indicate internal damage or structural failure. If you suspect an issue, it's best to avoid handling the tire and let a pro at Morrissey Auto Service take a look.

What Can (and Can't) Be Repaired

Small punctures within the tread area can usually be safely repaired with a plug and patch. However, damage to the sidewall, large gashes, or tires driven on while flat are often beyond repair. Morrissey Auto Service follows strict manufacturer guidelines to ensure any repair made is 100% safe.

We offer the following services to help you prolong the life of your tires:

Tire Balancing
If your steering wheel shakes or your ride feels rough, your tires may be out of balance. Our techs use precision equipment to evenly distribute weight and eliminate vibration, ensuring a smoother and safer ride. Call us at 617-436-9811 if you have questions, or contact us so we can evaluate your tires.

Tire Inspection
Tires should be inspected regularly-ideally during oil changes or tire rotations. We check for tread wear, cracks, bulges, punctures, or foreign objects that could cause failure. Even small imperfections can evolve into dangerous situations.

Tire Repairs
Our tire experts inspect your tires to determine if they can be safely repaired or need replacing. We follow strict safety standards-if the tire can be plugged and patched properly, our certified technicians will handle the repair to get you safely back on the road. For punctures or sidewall damage beyond repair, we'll recommend the right replacement option.

Tire Rotation
Tire rotation evens out wear across all four tires, maximizing their lifespan and helping you avoid premature replacements. Generally, tire rotation should be done every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Morrissey Auto Service can help set up a schedule tailored to your vehicle and driving habits.

Wheel Alignment Services
A proper wheel alignment adjusts your suspension and steering geometry to factory specs, ensuring even tire wear, better handling, and increased fuel efficiency. Misalignments can occur over time or after hitting potholes and curbs. For expert alignment services, schedule a visit to Morrissey Auto Service.

At Morrissey Auto Service, customer safety is our number one priority. We hope you'll be a little safer with this information. If you'd like to talk about whether your tires may need inspection or replacement, call us at 617-436-9811 or visit us at 61 Tenean St in Dorchester, MA. Happy travels!

We offer most major brands of tires:

Tire Related FAQs

At what mileage should I rotate my tires?

Most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5,000-7,500 miles. However, this can vary depending on your vehicle's drivetrain and driving style. Let Morrissey Auto Service in Dorchester help determine the ideal rotation schedule.

What are the benefits of rotating my tires?

Tire rotation ensures even wear, extending the life of your tires and promoting a smoother, more balanced ride. It also improves handling and reduces the risk of uneven traction.

How do I check my tire pressure?

Remove the valve cap and press a tire gauge onto the stem. Compare the reading to your manufacturer's recommended PSI (found in your manual or inside the driver's door). Re-cap the valve and add or release air as needed. Or visit Morrissey Auto Service-we're happy to check it for you.

Does my tire warranty influence my rotation schedule?

Tire manufacturers know that tire rotation is important for even tread wear. Tire mileage warranties are most often set by the manufacturers with tire rotations included. Failing to rotate your tires may void your tires manufacturer warranty.

Discover More About Tire Repair/Purchasing New Tires At Morrissey Auto Service in Dorchester

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