5 Tire Problems That Could Cost You Money This Summer

01:50PM / Tuesday, June 16, 2026Print Story | Email Story

Summer in Berkshire County means road trips, vacations, weekend adventures, and plenty of miles behind the wheel.

But before you head to the beach, the mountains, or your next family gathering, it's worth taking a closer look at one of the most important safety features on your vehicle: your tires.

According to the team at T&M Auto in North Adams, many drivers don't realize how quickly tire problems can develop—and how expensive they can become if ignored.

"Your tires affect everything from safety and handling to fuel economy," said Mike Milazzo at T&M Auto. "A simple inspection can often catch small issues before they turn into bigger problems."

Here are five tire-related issues every driver should check this summer.

1. Uneven Tire Wear

Take a close look at your tire tread.

If one side of the tire appears more worn than the other, it could be a sign of an alignment or suspension issue.

Uneven tire wear can:

Shorten the life of your tires
Affect vehicle handling
Reduce fuel efficiency
Lead to premature tire replacement

Many drivers don't notice the problem until it's too late.

2. Low Tread Depth

Tire tread is designed to help your vehicle maintain traction, especially during heavy summer rainstorms.

As tread wears down, your ability to stop and control your vehicle decreases.

Signs it's time to consider new tires include:

Tread that appears shallow
Difficulty maintaining traction in wet weather
Longer stopping distances

A quick tire inspection can help determine whether your tires still have enough tread for safe summer driving.

3. Incorrect Tire Pressure

Temperature changes can affect tire pressure more than many people realize.

Underinflated tires can:

Wear out faster
Reduce gas mileage
Affect handling
Increase the risk of tire failure

Overinflated tires can also cause uneven wear and a rougher ride.

Checking tire pressure regularly is one of the easiest ways to extend tire life and improve safety.

4. Alignment Issues

If your vehicle pulls to one side or your steering wheel isn't centered when driving straight, your alignment may be off.

Common causes include:

Pothole impacts
Rough road conditions
Everyday wear and tear

Proper alignment helps maximize tire life, improves handling, and can even improve fuel economy.

5. Suspension and Shock Wear

Your shocks and suspension system play a major role in how your tires contact the road.

Worn shocks can cause:

Excessive bouncing
Uneven tire wear
Reduced braking performance
Poor handling

Many drivers replace tires without realizing the underlying suspension problem is what caused the wear in the first place.

Don't Wait Until You're Stranded

One of the most common mistakes drivers make is waiting until a tire problem becomes obvious.

A worn tire, alignment issue, or suspension problem may not seem urgent today, but over time it can lead to costly repairs, reduced fuel efficiency, and even safety concerns.

Catching these issues early often saves money and helps prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Get Your Vehicle Ready for Summer Driving

Whether you're planning a road trip or simply commuting around Berkshire County, summer is a great time to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently.

At T&M Auto, the focus is on the services local drivers need most—tires, alignments, brakes, shocks, oil changes, exhaust work, and Massachusetts state inspections.

If it's been a while since your tires were inspected, now is the perfect time to have them checked by a professional.

T&M Auto

Serving Berkshire County drivers with trusted automotive maintenance and repair services.

For information or to schedule an appointment, contact T&M Auto today.

NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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