The Best New Tires in CHICAGO HEIGHTS

The tires on your vehicle impact almost every element of its operation including performance, gas mileage and safety. Whether you need a tire evaluation, tire repair or brand new tires, the professionals at Schulz Motor Parts in CHICAGO HEIGHTS can help you!

Purchasing New Tires

At Schulz Motor Parts, we make sure to stock precisely the right tire that fits your car or truck in a style that suits your preferences. No more aimlessly staring at a wall of new tire options. Our tire specialists will assist you in selecting the perfect set of new tires every time.

All Terrain Tires
Known for their robustness, all-terrain tires provide excellent traction and performance on both paved roads and rugged landscapes, ideal for diverse driving needs from daily commutes to adventurous off-road excursions. Read More

All-Season Tires
Designed for year-round versatility, all-season tires offer balanced performance in various weather conditions, making them suitable for vehicles in regions with mild winters. They ensure dependable traction in wet conditions and smooth handling on highways. Read More

Low Profile Tires
These tires excel in warm and wet weather with outstanding handling and cornering performance, attributed to their wide treads and lower sidewall height. While perfect for fair climates, it's important to avoid using them in cold winter conditions, where their design may compromise traction. Read More

Mud Tires
Primarily intended for off-road adventures, mud tires boast aggressive tread patterns designed to excel in challenging terrain, including mud, rocks, sand, dirt, and deep snow.Read More

Performance Tires
These tires feature soft rubber compounds and rigid sidewalls, providing exceptional traction and performance. It's advisable to avoid using them in colder climates.Read More

Snow Tires
Optimized for cold weather, snow tires provide enhanced traction in icy and snowy conditions. Their deep treads and unique siping grip snowy surfaces effectively, while a broader tread footprint distributes your vehicle's weight evenly for improved stability. Read More

Touring Tires
Touring tires combine comfort and performance, offering smoother rides and responsive handling. Their symmetrical tread patterns ensure effective traction in both wet and dry conditions, while a durable rubber compound extends their lifespan. Read More

Prioritizing Your Safety at Schulz Motor Parts

At Schulz Motor Parts, the safety of our customers takes precedence above all else. We are dedicated to ensuring that you reach your destination safely and reliably every time you hit the road. One critical area of concern for the vehicles that come through Schulz Motor Parts is the condition of their tires.

Your tires serve as your vehicle's only contact point with the road. When they do not perform their role correctly, all the research and safety testing that went into your car's design may not be sufficient to keep you safe. In the sections below, we provide essential information about your tires and how to recognize when it's time for replacements.

The Dangers of Old or Worn Tires

As mentioned earlier, your tires are a crucial component of your car or truck. If you've ever experienced the loss of control while driving, you understand how frightening it can be to feel powerless inside a two-ton metal vehicle.

Driving with tires that are either too old, improperly inflated, out of balance, or unsuitable for current weather conditions can lead to a potentially catastrophic situation during your journey. Your tires were meticulously designed with a specific purpose in mind, and using them improperly can result in sudden and disastrous consequences.

The Importance of Tire Inflation

Detecting low tire pressure is relatively straightforward. If you notice that your tire appears wider where it makes contact with the road, it's a clear sign that it requires more air.

Driving on under-inflated tires accelerates their wear due to uneven sidewall pressure, potentially leading to tire shredding. Moreover, low tire pressure negatively affects your vehicle's fuel efficiency.

On the other hand, excessive air pressure in your tires is also unsafe. While the likelihood of a tire bursting upon hitting a substantial pothole is minimal, overinflation reduces the size of the contact patch, resulting in reduced grip and control over your vehicle. The recommended tire pressure is typically found on the tire's sidewall, making it easy to determine the ideal pressure for your vehicle.

Recognizing When Tire Tread is Worn

Similar to overinflated tires, insufficient tread can lead to reduced control and poor handling for your car or truck. Tread patterns on your tires are essential for maintaining road grip and channeling water and mud away from the gripping areas. Having insufficient tread depth can cause your vehicle to hydroplane on wet roads, resulting in a loss of control.

While several methods, such as using a penny to gauge tread depth, are used to determine when it's time to replace your tires, we recommend visiting Schulz Motor Parts in CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL, for a professional assessment. Not all tires wear out at the same rate and may require replacement at different intervals.

Detecting Tire Damage

Signs of tire damage can show up in various ways. A visual inspection can identify potential issues before they escalate into major problems, such as nails or rocks lodged in the tread grooves.

It's essential to remember that tires contain a substantial amount of pressure. If you observe any cuts, bulges, or hear air hissing out, it's best to stay clear of that tire and seek professional assistance. Trust us; you do not want to be near a tire if it explodes.

Tire damage can sometimes be felt while driving. If your vehicle starts making unusual noises while on the road or handling suddenly deteriorates, it's crucial to pull over when safe. Driving on a flat tire is inadvisable and can often result in more significant damage to your vehicle.

What Can and Cannot Be Repaired

Tires can be a costly investment, and at Schulz Motor Parts, our goal is to repair them safely and save you money. Small punctures can often be repaired through both plugging and patching. However, there are cases when a tire's life has reached its end.

A puncture located on the outer edge of the tire (beyond the tread) is likely unsafe to repair. The same applies to a tire that has been driven on while flat, as the sidewall becomes weakened, rendering the tire unsafe. Manufacturers provide guidelines on what can and cannot be repaired, much like recommended tire pressures.

At Schulz Motor Parts, customer safety remains our utmost priority. We hope this information helps you stay safer on the road. If you'd like to discuss whether your tires require inspection or replacement, please give us a call at 708-756-3700 or 800-SMP-AUTO or visit us at 760 S HALSTED ST in CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL. Safe travels!

We offer most major brands of tires. These are a few of our preferred brands.

FAQs About New Tires

But Aren't New Tires More Expensive?

While a set of new tires may appear costlier on the day of installation, factoring in Schulz Motor Parts promotions or manufacturer rebates often makes the cost of new tires only slightly higher than purchasing used ones. Furthermore, you can't surpass the unparalleled confidence and safety offered by new tires! The cost of new tires also encompasses the manufacturer's warranty, which, in most cases, covers premature tread wear.

Can New Tires Lead to Fuel Savings?

Opting for fuel-efficient tires might make your new tires more budget-friendly than you think. Numerous tire manufacturers are developing new tires that can pay off at the gas pump. If you have a lengthy commute or enjoy traveling, discuss this option with our tire specialists.

Fuel-saving tires still provide dependable traction in rainy weather and a comfortable ride around town. Some manufacturers even claim that fuel-saving tires can save up to 2,600 miles' worth of gas over the lifespan of a tire set.

How Long Do New Tires Typically Last?

On average, new tires have a lifespan of about 3 to 4 years. If treadwear is a concern, consider rugged off-road or on-road terrain tires. Many of these tires are built to provide a smooth ride during leisurely cruising but transform into durable workhorses when it comes to hauling or towing.

How Long Should You Drive on New Tires?

Predicting tire longevity isn't an exact science. Generally, expect 60,000 to 75,000 miles (four to five years) from a reliable set.

Do I Need to Do Anything After Getting New Tires?

The first 500 miles are crucial for your new tires' long-term health. Gentle acceleration, braking, and cornering help manufacturing lubricants and release agents wear off evenly, promoting optimal grip and performance down the road.

How Long After New Tires Should I Get an Alignment?

Replacing tires throws off your car's delicate alignment, impacting handling and tire wear. That's why a post-change alignment, preferably a 4-wheel one, is recommended. Additionally, regular alignments every few years, regardless of tire changes, ensure optimal safety and performance.