3 Ways to Get More From Your Ride

Getting from Point A to Point B safely and on time is the goal of any trucker, but it’s easier said than done. Even though GPS technology, more efficient trucks and communications devices have made getting to your destination less challenging, there is still a lot of unpredictability on the road.

Flint Michigan MapOur experts here at Best Choice Tire & Service, a leading Michigan semi truck tire repair shop, have compiled the following ways to make every ride safe and efficient to make sure you get the most from every trip!

1.) Safety First
Being safe on the road means more than just driving the speed limit. As a tip – if you’re in an unfamiliar area, some GPS systems offer speed limit information for your route! While it is very important to know these limits and other applicable local laws on your route, there are still other factors to consider. If you haven’t checked your vehicle’s tires, brakes, lights and other safety equipment recently – make an appointment to get a professional preventative maintenance check to assure your truck and trailer are fully capable to handle a long trip. Tire tread, brake wear and burnt out bulbs can all increase your risk of breakdown or collisions.

2.) Plan Ahead
Even though you might have a route planned in advance, it’s also important to know the traffic and weather conditions to expect on your journey. Most GPS systems offer real-time traffic and construction information, but you’ll need to check local weather forecasts to be prepared for rain, snow or other conditions that could delay your trip.

3.) Stay Active
Fatigue can adversely truckers. When on long trips, make time to exercise, eat and sleep. Before your shift and mid-day breaks offer opportunities to get out of the cab and reduce fatigue. Activity also helps your reaction time to ensure that you stay as alert as possible.

Keeping your truck healthy is just as important as keeping yourself healthy! To schedule maintenance for your truck or trailer, call Best Choice Tire & Service today at (810) 875-0593!

2 Things Your Diesel Engine Needs

Winter TruckWinter is far from over here in the midwest, so it’s important to keep your truck running throughout the colder months. Harsher weather means more wear and tear on your vehicle – and it’s engine. To make sure your diesel engine operates smoothly, there are two easy items you can check yourself to help prevent unexpected repairs and breakdowns.

1.) Warm-Up Run
Because diesel engines don’t use the same ignition cycle as standard gasoline engines, they sometimes have trouble starting in cold weather or if they’ve sat without starting for lengthy periods. If your truck consistently has trouble getting started, let it idle for a few minutes before beginning your trip. As many diesels have glowplugs installed, these “warmp-up runs” give them a chance to properly heat your engine for smooth operation in cold weather.

2.) Check Your Air Cleaner
If your air cleaner needs replacement, it can cause your truck to have trouble starting, idling and even reduce your gas mileage. While it can be hard to visibly inspect your air cleaner, it is easy to find out when it was last replaced. If you’re overdue – it’s time for a new air cleaner to keep your diesel engine running strong!

Best Choice Tire & Service is a leading Michigan diesel truck repair shop and we offer great service at competitive rates. To schedule your next truck maintenance, call us today at (810) 875-0593!

3 Essential Facts About Truck Tires

Tyler in Box TruckBest Choice Tire and Service is Michigan’s leading semi truck and trailer tire facility. From sales to repair to replacement, we do it all! To help our customers understand more about their tires, we’re giving you 3 facts that are important for every trucker to know.

Inflation is Crucial
If your tires are over or underinflated, you’re not only risking a blowout – you could be putting additional wear and tear on other systems. Brakes and suspension systems can be affected by improper tire inflation. Perhaps even more importantly, your gas mileage can be affected by tire inflation, too!

Tread Wear
Tire tread can severely affect your truck’s safety. Tread helps your wheels grip the road and smoother contact surfaces mean longer stopping distances. If your tire tread is low on one or more tires, it’s time for some new rubber!

Proper Mounting
Correct alignment and wheel balance are just as important on semi trucks as they are on smaller, personal vehicles. If your steering wheels “pulls” to one side or your tires wear unevenly, balance and alignment are likely causes.

To get your tires inspected, repaired or replaced – call Michigan’s premier semi truck and trailer repair shop today at (810) 875-0593!

Why Best Choice is Your Best Bet

Semi Truck Welding RepairWhile many semi truck mechanics claim to offer the “best service”, are you really sure you’re getting what you’re paying for? At Best Choice Tire and Service, we provide the Michigan breakdown service local truckers expect at competitive prices. How do we guarantee great service? It’s not just in our name, it’s in our experience!

Our team of skilled mechanics at Best Choice Tire and Service are qualified to work on all major truck brands such as Volvo, Freightliner and Mack and we offer semi trailer service, as well. We also service all National Tire accounts.

Best Choice’s service is second to none in Michigan. We provide support when you need it most to get you back on the road and will get the job done right – so you don’t need to do it twice!

From trucks to trailers, tires to transmissions – Best Choice does it all! Call us today at (810) 875-0593 to see why we’re Michigan’s #1 semi truck and trailer repair specialists!

What Every Trucker Should Know About Tires

One of the most common problems for truckers is tire failure. While many factors can lead to early failures such as blowouts, there are many ways to avoid these problems and keep your truck and trailer on the road.

Changing a Semi Truck TireFirst, it’s important to understand what to look for on your tires. Tread wear, under or over inflation, unusual patterns in the tread – all of these can be indicators of major problems. Manufacturer’s recommendations will provide information on proper tire inflation. It’s critical to maintain the correct PSI in your tires to avoid early failures and tires should be checked before and after long trips. Tread wear should be consistent on each tire – inconsistent wear can indicate alignment issues or suspension problems. Weather and road conditions also play a role in tire life, especially in the extreme heat of the south or colder temperatures here in the north. Our team of Michigan tire repair mechanics at Best Choice Tire & Service know the effects of harsh winter weather on your tires and can provide the ideal tires for more extreme weather conditions.

If you do suffer a blowout and need roadside assistance, it’s important to know what type of tires you have. Tire models and sizes are usually labeled clearly on the sidewall of the tire itself. Your mechanic can also find the right tire for your truck or trailer with the year, make and model of your rig.

Keeping your tires properly inflated and changed at regular intervals will extend the life of other components in your truck and keep you safer on the road. To schedule a repair or maintenance service with one of our expert mechanics, call us today at (810) 875-0593!

What Every Trucker Should Know About Air Brakes

As the top Michigan semi truck repair service, our team at Best Choice Tire and Service knows all about the complex braking systems semi trucks and trailers use. More importantly, we know how to keep your brakes operating at their optimal potential to keep you safe and minimize repair costs.

Air BrakesToday, heavy duty semi trucks use air brakes as their primary braking system. These were designed specifically for applications that require a lot of stopping power and are generally very reliable. Commonly, “S-cam” brakes, in which the mechanism used to push the shoes against the drums is S-shaped, are used. Less often, wedge and disc brakes may be utilized.

The air brake system uses pressurized air rather than a hydraulic-like brake fluid as seen in most cars and light duty pickup trucks. Because of this, air brakes rely entirely on air pressure to operate properly. If your truck or trailer is not braking normally, a loss of air pressure is a very likely cause.

Additionally, all trucks with air brakes manufactured after March 1, 1998 feature anti-lock braking systems to assist with hard braking. If your truck’s brakes seize up during a hard stop, it’s likely that the ABS system needs immediate repair.

Keeping your brakes operating correctly extends the life of tires and suspension components, as well as keeps you safer on the road. To schedule a repair or maintenance service with one of our expert mechanics, call us today at (810) 875-0593!

3 Essential Summer Truck Maintenance Tips

Warmer weather has arrived and with it comes the inevitable summer maintenance for your truck and trailer. Extreme temperatures can lead to big repair bills, but with a little “know how”, you can avoid some unnecessary costs this summer!

Heatwave - Semi Truck Maintenance ChecksCoolant System
Your engine’s coolant system should be checked seasonally to keep your truck running smoothly. Top off your coolant regularly if needed and pay close to attention to your instrument gauges to notice if your engine is “running hot”. By monitoring your coolant system on a consistent basis, you can reduce expenses in the long run.

Tires, Belts & Hoses
Three of the most common components to fail on any truck are tires, belts and hoses. Rubber is subject to expanding and contracting in heat and cold, so it’s a good idea to check these seasonally. Cracking rubber on tires and worn hoses and belts are prone to failure, so replace these as necessary.

Glow Plugs
While glow plugs may seem to be more important to drivers in the winter, it’s a good idea to replace these during the summer to minimize issues as the weather changes later in the year. A fresh set of glow plugs will lead to fewer hard starts in the months ahead.

The best Michigan Semi Truck Service can be found at Best Choice Tire & Service! Contact us today to at (810) 875-0593 schedule your summer maintenance!

How Avoiding Road Hazards Leads to Big Savings

Truck Repair BillLooking to cut down your truck and trailer repair bills this year? The solution might be easier than you think! In 2015, roughly 40% of all emergency roadside repairs were performed due to damage from road hazards.

In fact, many truckers and truck owners often cite such road hazards as the most detrimental element to their trucks, delivery deadlines and even safety. Obstacles on the road such as potholes and shredded tires (or “gators”) can do more than harm tires – they can damage axles, suspension components and even body panels.

Avoiding these road hazards isn’t always easy, but maintaining safe, consistent speeds and paying attention to traffic and highway construction alerts can help. In the spring months, keeping an eye out for potholes is particularly important following the rough weather conditions of Michigan winters.

If you suspect your truck or trailer may have been damaged by road hazards, Best Choice Tire & Service can help! Call us today at (810) 875-0593 to schedule a checkup. And remember, we’re also available 24/7 for emergency roadside repair service!

Spring Truck Trailer Service for Michigan Truckers

Spring TruckNow that winter is over, it’s one of the most important times of the year for truckers to evaluate some crucial components to keep your rig safe and reliable in the months ahead.

Tires, Belts & Hoses

The past few months have seen some pretty extreme weather conditions in the midwest and that weather can be disastrous to the rubber in your tires and engine bay. When temperatures change rapidly, rubber expands and contracts. It also can become very brittle, leading to leaking hoses, snapped belts and tire blowouts.

Most truckers are familiar with all of these, but what you may not know is that spring is the ideal season to repair or replace these parts. Keeping your tires, belts and hoses in good condition throughout the spring and summer will help keep you on the road and reduces unexpected repair bills.

Electrical System

Besides tires, belts and hoses, your truck and trailer’s electrical system should also be evaluated in the spring. As part of your preventative maintenance truck trailer service, be sure to check all of the electrical components of your rig. Newer models rely more heavily on these systems to operate, so don’t underestimate any electrical warning lights or indicators!

To schedule a spring preventative maintenance service or repair, call Best Choice Tire & Service today at (810) 875-0593!

Finding the Best Breakdown Service

Semi Truck Repair Near MeIt’s a scenario every trucker has encountered before: You’re stranded on the side of the highway in an unfamiliar area. You know you need to get back on the road quickly, but how do you find the best roadside repair service? Best Choice Tire & Service has become Michigan’s top semi truck and trailer repair service because we know what truckers and fleet owners need. Quality repair, high-grade parts and 24/7 support. Are you looking for the best roadside repair service? When in doubt, search it out!

Today, smartphones have connected the world even on the most remote stretches of highway. Searching online for a local repair service with good reviews is a must! On your phone, you can even type, Semi Truck Repair Near Me into Google search to find the best local roadside repair.

If you’re in need of 24/7 support, repairs or maintenance for your semi truck or trailer or even preventative maintenance – we’re here to help! Best Choice Tire & Service is Michigan’s best choice for semi truck repair!

You’ve already found us online, so Call Us Today at (810) 875-0593 to keep your truck up and running!