5 Tire Problems That Could Cost You Money This Summer
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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:
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Shorten the life of your tires
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Affect vehicle handling
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Reduce fuel efficiency
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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:
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Tread that appears shallow
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Difficulty maintaining traction in wet weather
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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:
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Wear out faster
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Reduce gas mileage
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Affect handling
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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:
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Pothole impacts
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Rough road conditions
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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:
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Excessive bouncing
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Uneven tire wear
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Reduced braking performance
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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.
