Frequently Asked Questions

Your Trusted Source for Answers to Your Car Questions

How often should I change my tires?

The tread on your tires is important to your safety and should, therefore, be a priority. There are many factors that go into determining when to change your tires: age, mileage, driving conditions, braking habits—even climate.

The first rule of thumb is age. If your tires are more than 6 years old, regardless of condition, have them replaced. Rubber degrades over time. Tires that are 6 years old or older are not safe to drive.

The second rule of thumb is mileage. Tires should be changed every 36,000-60,000 miles, depending on the warranty provided by the manufacturer. Most people drive about 15,000 miles per year. So consider new tires every 2-4 years.

The most accurate determiner for when to replace your tires is tread depth. Your mechanic uses a fancy tool to measure tread depth. But all you really need is a plain, old penny:

• Turn a penny so that Lincoln’s head is upside down.
• Insert the penny into a crevice on the tread of your tire.

If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, you need to change your tires.

The friendly folks at Norman Automotive and Tire Center can check your tires to determine if they need to be replaced.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Unless your wheel alignment is absolutely perfect, which is next to impossible, the tread on your tires will likely wear unevenly. For that reason, all four tires should be rotated regularly.

The pros suggest rotating your tires every 5,000-7,500 miles. It’s good practice to have your tires rotated every time you have your oil changed. More often if you use full-synthetic oil and change your oil less often. If you schedule these two routine maintenance services together, you’ll be less likely to forget.

Most tire manufacturers expect you to rotate your tires regularly in order to maintain the manufacturer’s warranty.

You can trust Norman Automotive and Tire Center to help you maintain your tires. When you schedule a tire rotation, we’ll check the tread depth to ensure your safety on the road.

How often do I need to change the oil in my vehicle?

Changing the motor oil in your vehicle keeps the moving parts properly lubricated so that they don’t cause friction and overheat. If the parts in your motor overheat too much, they can warp or—even worse—fuse together. The engine will have to be replaced if that happens.

You should change your oil according to your car manufacturer’s suggestions, which is usually between 5,000–7,500 miles when you use standard oil or 15,000 miles when you use full-synthetic oil.

At Norman Automotive and Tire Center, we can change your oil for a reasonable price in minutes. So don’t let the fear of paying too much or being without your vehicle for too long keep you from having this important maintenance performed.