Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center makes sure customers get the best value on tires and provides services to make tires last longer, including the innovative NitroFill, says manager Tracy Steele.
Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center manager Tracy Steele works with employee Colin King to welcome customers and see that each car rolls smoothly off the lot."The tire world is constantly evolving as improvements are made in everything from wear to the ability of the tire to grip the ground," said Steele. "Nitrogen is a major factor right now."
When a customer chooses NitroFill, Steele replaces compressed air with nitrogen to provide a more stable pressure no matter what the temperature is outside. According to NitroFill's website, by using nitrogen a car's fuel economy improves by as much as 10 percent and the tire life can potentially increase by as much as 30 percent.
"It's good because it doesn't expand and contract in the heat or cold," said Steele. "Nitrogen maintains the same air pressure all the time. With compressed air, if the temperature goes from 50 degrees to 90 degrees, a car can lose up to four pounds in air pressure."
Quick Lane Tire and Auto Center is located in the Ford Dealership on East 20th Street and is a sponsored program of Ford. However, the auto center works with cars of all makes and models with Ford factory-trained technicians and certified technicians that specialize in other car brands.
"We have a shuttle to and from work for downtown employees and repair discounts for students, active military personnel and veterans," Steele said. There are currently 532 Quick Lane Tire and Auto Centers in the United States and all of them share an emphasis on better quality parts and service with nationwide warranties available, he added.
Steele said the local center offers most major brand tires including the two brands he thinks are ahead in the market for quality: Michelin and Continental. Tires that are properly maintained and are not damaged by nails or other hazards on the road can last up to 90,000 miles before needing to be replaced. However, Steele warns that rubber can only last so long.
"Tires have a Department of Transportation code because rubber begins to degrade over time," he said. "Six years is considered to be the safe life of a tire or any rubber product."