Frequently Asked Questions

Oil change frequency depends on a few factors:

1. Your vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. Check your owner's manual to see what's right for your make and model.
2. Which type of oil you use. Conventional motor oils may last 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while synthetic oils can keep working up to 15,000 miles.
3. How you drive. If you're consistently tough on your vehicle or you drive in dirty conditions, consider having your oil changed more frequently than recommended. (More details on oil changes.)

The basic difference is that conventional oil is made from petroleum, while synthetic oils are formulated from man-made chemicals. Synthetic oil does cost more, but it can last three times longer than conventional oil. It also may reduce engine sludge and produce other benefits.

Yes, we provide free shuttle service when you drop off your vehicle for service or repair. We will be happy to drive you home or to the office and then give you a call when your vehicle is ready.

There are many ways you can save money on automotive service and repair at Mountain View Tire.

1. Check the home page of our website first. You'll usually find special offers from Goodyear or one of the other tire brands we carry.
2. Take advantage of the Coupons page on our website.
3. Sign up for our e-newsletter, The View from The Road. Once a month, we'll send you an exclusive money-saving offer.
4. Call or stop in to learn about any in-store specials we may be offering.

Typically, road hazard warranties are not included in the sale price of a tire. They are available for an additional cost. Road hazard warranties are designed to protect you against repair charges if your tire is damaged by a pothole, a nail, or any other type of road debris.

Tread life warranties are often provided by the tire manufacturer. While they can differ, most tread life warranties provide the vehicle owner with a pro-rated refund if the tire does not live up to its mileage claims. For details on specific warranties, just ask a Mountain View Tire representative.

To make it more convenient for you and ensure that it’s done regularly, we suggest having your tires rotated each time you have your oil changed. (When you buy your tires at Mountain View Tire, you’ll get free rotation as long they’re on your vehicle.) At the very least, your tires should be rotated every 8,000 miles. (More information on tire rotation.)

There are a few reasons that Nitrogen is preferred over compressed air.

1. Nitrogen doesn't pass through tires as easily as compressed air, so your tires stay properly inflated longer. When your tires are properly inflated, they help your vehicle roll down the road easier. That lessens the demand on your engine, which reduces fuel consumption.
2. Nitrogen is an inert gas so it won't cause your wheels and the metal belts in your tires to rust like compressed air can over time.
3. Research has shown that tires filled with nitrogen are 20% less likely to fail prematurely.

There's no one answer for all vehicles, but no matter what you drive, you should be able to find the correct tire pressure for your vehicle in the owner's manual and on the metal plaque at the end of the driver's side door. Don't rely on the pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire. That's the maximum pressure for that tire, and may not be the right pressure for your car or truck.

Tires often show symptoms of wear or other problems in plenty of time to have the cause corrected. Look for these signs:

1. A sawtooth appearance on the edges of the tire. This is usually caused by erratic scrubbing against the road when a tire is in need of a toe-in or toe-out alignment correction.
2. Faster wear on the outer edges than in the middle. When a tire is underinflated, a greater percentage of the outer tread makes contact with the road, causing that outer tread to wear faster than usual. Avoid this problem by keeping your tires properly inflated.
3. Faster wear of front or rear tires on front wheel drive vehicles. The rear tires on front wheel drive vehicles may wear irregularly due to the light loads on the rear axle or misalignment of the rear axle. Regular tire rotation will minimize uneven wear. The front tires on front wheel drive vehicles may wear faster than the rear tires because they carry most of the weight and do most of the work. To encourage even wear, have the tires rotated so all four tires wear at approximately the same rate. Check your owner's manual for the recommended amount of time between rotations.
4. Excessive wear on one side. Camber, or toe-in misalignment, which places too much of the work on one side of the tire, is usually to blame for one-sided wear. An alignment correction is required.
5. Cups or dips in the tread. Many things can cause this kind of irregular wear. Misalignment or worn suspension components are the most likely causes.

Never buy replacement tires that are smaller than your vehicle's original tires. Smaller tires may not be able to support the loaded weight of the vehicle. Tires should always be replaced with the same size designation - or the approved options - recommended by the vehicle or tire manufacturer.

Driving on different tires (different size designations, constructions, amounts of wear, etc.) may affect vehicle handling and stability. For the best all-around performance, use the same type of tire on all four wheel positions. Special purpose tires (such as snow tires) can be used to improve performance in some applications. Other tires (such as speed-rated constructions) may also have special matching requirements. A Mountain View Tire representative can provide the specific information you need.

Tire mounting is a job for those with the proper equipment and experience. If you try to do the mounting yourself, you could seriously injure yourself and cause damage to the tire beads and rim.

Your new tires may feel different from your old tires. You should drive carefully until you're familiar with their performance and handling. Take special care when braking, accelerating, cornering, and driving in the rain. Those are the times when any differences will be most noticeable.

Correct vehicle alignment is a must, so have it checked periodically. Improper alignment cannot only lead to excessive tire wear, it also can increase your car's fuel consumption. Tires and wheels should be balanced dynamically (rear wheels as well as front). Off-the-car computer balancing is recommended.

A vibration is an indication that something needs attention. If addressed promptly, a minor adjustment may correct the vibration. If neglected, the vibration could cause accelerated wear or damage to tires and steering and suspension components. Whenever a vibration is present, the tires should be checked for irregular wear. The type of wear can determine the cause and probable correction of the vibration.

Absolutely! To increase the life of your tires, avoid the following:

1. Fast starts and panic stops
2. Driving too fast on curves and around corners
3. Riding on the edge of the pavement, and driving over curbs, chuckholes, or other obstructions

All these actions generate additional stress on your tires' sidewalls and shoulders and can lead to premature wear or even tire failure. Road hazards are also a leading cause of shortened tire life. Hitting road debris or obstacles and driving over curbs can cause tire damage, including visible cuts in the tread and sidewall, as well as hidden internal damage that can lead to greater problems later. Hitting road hazards also can jar suspension and steering components out of alignment, which leads to tire wear.