The following tires are our most popular brands, please feel free to click on the logos below and explore our offerings. Other brands are available per your request. We carry a large inventory of used tires and we can help you get back on the road fast and inexpensive. If you are looking for a particular brand, please give us a call at (616) 874-9050.
Is there a big difference between Summer Tires and Winter Tires?
Yes, there are actually extreme differences between not only summer & winter tires, but all-season tires as well. Winter tires will have bigger grooves for snow, some actually designed to grab the snow and throw it as traction. Winter tires also have softer compositions then all-season tires. Summer tires will have enough groove for rain and keep more rubber to the road for dryer conditions. Let Acme Tire & Auto help you find the perfect tire that fits your specific needs.
How much air should I put in my tires?
Each tire manufacturer, as well as each car manufacturer, will have different suggested tire pressure for each vehicle. Different tire pressure will also effect vehicle ride & performance along with the tire wear. Feel free to stop in to Acme Tire and we will be happy to check your air pressure and measure your tire treads.
Under inflation vs. Over inflation?
An under inflated tire reduces fuel economy, generates excessive heat, and increases tread wear in the shoulder area. Inflating your tires can improve your fuel economy and extend tire life, but over inflation can not only be dangerous, but can cause the tires to wear in the center and decrease tread life. Generally, the maximum inflation pressure for most passenger cars will have tire pressure that range from 32-35 psi.
How often should I check my tire pressure?
It is a good idea to check your tire pressure every few weeks and definitely before any long trips. Tires actually always lose air, but at an incredibly slow rate unless there is corrosion around the wheel, leaky valve stems, or of course some type of projectile stuck in the tire. Check and adjust inflation only when tires are cool.
What should I do if I notice a vibration while driving?
Any form of vibration, no matter the cause, is an indication that your car needs attention of some kind. Tires should be checked for irregular wear as well as tire balance to help determine the possible cause and correction of the vibration. Uncorrected tire vibration, could lead to excessive tire and suspension wear.
Can out-of-balance wheels and/or tires cause premature wear on the tread life of my tire?
Absolutely!! An out of balance wheel or tire can rob your tires of thousands of miles of tread life. At Acme Tire & Auto, we can make sure that your wheels and tires are ready for the rural roads of Rockford or tuned for the performance driving of the s-curve in Grand Rapids.
What is the difference between Static and Dynamic Tire Balancing?
Static balancing only checks tire balance up and down while dynamic balancing measures the heavy spots both up and down and inside and out. Dynamically tire balancing is much more comprehensive than static and ALL radial tires should be dynamically balanced.
At Acme Tire, we perform both types of wheel and tire balancing, Static & Dynamic. Both are done on a wheel balancing machine that spins the wheel and tire assembly at high speeds, while the computer diagnoses the heavy spots. To balance the tire, weights are used to counteract the heavy spots.
When should wheel balancing be done?
Tires and wheels should be balanced when new tires are mounted on wheels for the first time and anytime a tire is dismounted from a wheel. Balance should also be checked at the first sign of vibration or as we like to call it, a "shimmy". Tire balancing should also be done whenever there is unusual tread wear as both can be a sign of misalignment or mechanical problems. Please contact us today and let one of our professionals make an accurate diagnosis of you problem.
How often should I rotate my tires?
Regular tire rotation promotes more uniform wear for all of the tires on a vehicle. Generally most manufacturers recommend every 6,000 to 8,000 miles between tire rotations, but check your car owner's manual for the manufacturer's rotation recommendations.
How do I know when I need new tires?
A good indication that you need new tires is if you hydroplane when it rains and/or your car does not get up to speed at the first sign of snow.
Many tires have tread wear indicator bars molded into the tread. When the tread is worn down to where you can see a solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread, it is time to replace the tire. A simple test you can perform yourself is to measure tread depth on your tires with a penny. Place a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you, if you can see the top of his head then it is time to stop in to Acme Tire & Auto.
Must I replace my present tires with the same size tires?
Generally you should replace your tires with the same size or approved options as recommended by the auto or tire manufacturer. Of course there are always exceptions and safe ways to install different sized tires than the original. If you are interested in different sized tires, feel free to give us a call at 616-874-9050.
Is it safe to repair a flat tire?
Yes and No. Repairing a flat tire all depends on the nature of the flat. Punctures in the tread up to ¼ inch are most often safe to repair, provided the overall tire wear is still in good condition. If the damage is to the sidewall or very close to it, your tire is most likely unsafe to repair and will need to be replaced.
What are Speed Rated Tires?
Some high performance tires have speed ratings. Speed rated tires will generally have a softer tread to aid in traction and a rigid sidewall that increases the performance characteristics of the tire. The softer the tread, the quicker the tire wears. Technically speaking, speed rated tires are designed to be stable up to and at the rated limit and range from Q being 100 mph all the up to Y being 186 mph.
If I have a car that I store in the winter, can that hurt my tires?
Yes. If the car is stored through the winter with the tires having direct contact on a cold cement floor, this can cause flat and/or heavy spots in the tires. A good idea is to buy a standard 4 foot, 2" x 10" piece of lumber and chop it into 4 - 1 foot long parts of wood. Simply store the vehicle with a thin piece of wood underneath the tires.
