Vehicle Inspections

New Hampshire Vehicle Safety Inspections: What Changed & What It Means for You Frequently Asked Questions New Hampshire has ended the annual state safety inspection requirement for most vehicles. That’s a big change—and it’s raised a lot of good questions. Below, we break down what actually changed, what didn’t, and how this affects you as a vehicle owner. ❓ Did New Hampshire eliminate vehicle safety requirements? No. New Hampshire removed the annual inspection sticker requirement, but vehicle safety standards are still in effect. In simple terms: You are no longer required to get a yearly inspection sticker. Your vehicle is still required by law to be safe and roadworthy. ❓ What does “vehicle safety requirements are still in place” mean? It means your vehicle must still have properly functioning: Brakes Steering & suspension components Tires with safe tread depth Lights, signals, and wipers Windshield and mirrors Exhaust and emissions-related components If your vehicle is unsafe and contributes to an accident, breakdown, or roadside stop, the absence of an inspection sticker does not protect you from responsibility. ❓ Will I get pulled over for not having an inspection sticker? No—because inspection stickers are no longer required. However, you can still be stopped or cited for: Unsafe tires Inoperative lights Brake or steering issues Equipment violations The responsibility has shifted more directly to the vehicle owner. ❓ Is it still a good idea to have my car inspected? Absolutely—and arguably more important than ever. Annual inspections used to serve as a built-in reminder to check safety-critical systems. Without that reminder: Problems can go unnoticed longer Minor issues can turn into expensive repairs Safety risks can increase without obvious warning signs Think of inspections less as a “state requirement” and more as preventive maintenance for your safety and wallet. ❓ What’s the difference between a state inspection and a safety check at Tires Too? A state inspection was a pass/fail checklist designed to meet regulations. A Tires Too safety check is: Focused on your vehicle and how you drive it Designed to catch wear before it becomes a breakdown Explained clearly—no mystery, no pressure Our goal is to inform and advise, not surprise you later. ❓ If inspections aren’t required, how will I know when something is unsafe? Great question—and this is where professional inspections matter most. Many safety issues don’t announce themselves with warning lights or loud noises: Brake components can wear unevenly Suspension parts can loosen gradually Tires can age out before they wear out Rust can weaken critical components silently (hello, New England winters) Regular inspections help catch these issues before they affect safety or reliability. ❓ Does skipping inspections save money? Short term? Maybe. Long term? Usually not. Catching problems early often means: Less expensive repairs Fewer emergency breakdowns Better fuel economy Longer vehicle life Preventive inspections tend to cost far less than reactive repairs. ❓ What does Tires Too recommend now? We recommend continuing with regular safety and maintenance inspections, even without a state mandate. Many of our customers choose: Annual or semi-annual safety checks Inspections before long trips Seasonal checks (especially before winter) Not because the state says so—but because your safety, time, and peace of mind matter. ❓ Can Tires Too still inspect my vehicle? Yes. While state stickers are no longer required, we continue to offer: Safety inspections Maintenance inspections Pre-trip and pre-purchase inspections We’ll clearly explain what we see, what matters now, and what can wait. 🚗 The Bottom Line New Hampshire may no longer require annual safety inspections—but safe vehicles are still the law, and responsible maintenance is still the smartest move. At Tires Too, we don’t fix cars just to check a box. We help keep your life in seamless motion. If you have questions or want to schedule a safety check, we’re always happy to help.

Brake pulsation—felt as a vibration in the brake pedal or steering wheel—is one of the most common complaints customers bring back shortly after a brake job. In many shops, the default explanation is predictable: “Bad rotors,” “cheap parts,” or “warranty material.” That explanation is convenient. It’s also wrong in most cases. The uncomfortable truth is this: brake pulsation after a recent brake service is rarely caused by rotor quality. Instead, it’s almost always the result of rotor thickness variation caused by lateral runout at the hub—a condition created during installation, not manufacturing. The Misunderstood Cause of Brake Pulsation Modern brake rotors are manufactured to extremely tight tolerances. True “warped” rotors are rare. What drivers feel as pulsation is not warping—it’s uneven friction caused by thickness variation across the rotor face. So where does that thickness variation come from? It starts at the hub. If the hub surface has rust, corrosion, debris, or existing runout—and a new rotor is simply bolted on without correction—the rotor does not sit perfectly perpendicular to the hub. That lateral runout causes the brake pads to contact the rotor unevenly. Over time (often very quickly), brake material builds up unevenly on the rotor surface. The result: Disc Thickness Variation (DTV) Uneven friction transfer Brake pulsation that appears weeks—or even days—after a brake job At that point, the rotor gets blamed. But the damage was done at installation. Why “New Rotors” Alone Don’t Fix the Problem Replacing rotors without addressing hub runout is a temporary solution at best. In fact, installing new rotors on an uncorrected hub restarts the problem cycle: Rotor is installed with existing hub runout Pads apply uneven pressure Friction material transfers unevenly Thickness variation develops Pulsation returns This is why some vehicles seem to “eat rotors,” even when quality parts are used. The Proper Fix: Match Machining the Rotor to the Hub The only reliable way to eliminate lateral runout is to machine-match the rotor to the hub after installation. This process corrects the assembled runout of the hub-and-rotor combination, not just the rotor by itself. When done correctly: Lateral runout is eliminated Brake material transfers evenly Thickness variation is prevented Pulsation is avoided long-term This step is often skipped because it takes additional time, equipment, and understanding. But skipping it is exactly why so many “new brake jobs” fail. How Tires Too Auto Repair Performs Brake Service Correctly At Tires Too Auto Repair, we don’t just replace brake parts—we correct the root cause of brake pulsation. Every brake job follows a disciplined, repeatable process designed to eliminate installation-related failures. 1. Disassembly and Inspection We remove the calipers, old brake pads, and caliper brackets, inspecting all components for wear, corrosion, and damage that could affect brake performance. 2. Hub Preparation and Rotor Matching Old rotors are removed, and the hub surface is thoroughly cleaned of rust and debris. New rotors are installed and machine-matched directly to the hub, eliminating lateral runout before the vehicle ever leaves the bay. 3. Caliper Bracket Restoration Caliper brackets are bead blasted to remove rust and scale, ensuring smooth pad movement and even clamping force. 4. Proper Lubrication Brake grease is applied to caliper slides, pins, bushings, and all metal-to-metal contact points on the pads—critical steps often rushed or ignored. 5. Precision Reassembly Calipers are reinstalled and torqued to manufacturer specifications. Wheels are installed and lug nuts torqued correctly to avoid inducing new runout. 6. Fluid Check, Bedding, and Verification Brake fluid levels are checked and corrected as needed. Pads and rotors are properly bedded in, followed by a road test to confirm smooth operation and proper braking surface temperatures. Why This Matters—for Shops and Customers Alike Brake pulsation is not just an annoyance. It damages customer trust, increases comebacks, and leads to unnecessary warranty claims. When shops blame parts instead of process, the real problem never gets fixed. At Tires Too Auto Repair, we believe professional brake service means understanding why failures happen—and preventing them before they start. The Bottom Line If brake pulsation shows up shortly after a brake job, it’s probably not the rotors. It’s lateral runout that was never corrected, leading to uneven brake material buildup and thickness variation. Quality parts matter—but correct installation matters more. Tires Too Auto Repair doesn’t guess. We measure, correct, and verify—so brakes stop smoothly, consistently, and safely. If your vehicle is experiencing brake pulsation after recent service, or if you’re looking for a shop that does brake work the right way the first time, we’re here to help.

New Hampshire winters have a personality all their own. One day it’s dry pavement, the next it’s snow-covered back roads, icy intersections, and freezing morning commutes. That’s why choosing the right tires isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety, control, and confidence behind the wheel. At Tires Too Auto Repair in Londonderry, NH, we’re often asked: “Do I really need winter tires?” “Aren’t all-season tires good enough?” Let’s break down the real differences between All-Season, All-Weather, and Winter Tires, and how each performs during a true New Hampshire winter. All-Season Tires: The Name Is a Little Misleading Best for: Mild climates and three-season driving All-season tires are designed to balance comfort, longevity, and performance in dry and wet conditions. They work well from spring through fall and are often the factory-installed tire on many vehicles. Pros: Smooth, quiet ride Longer tread life Good handling in dry and rainy conditions Cons in NH Winter Conditions: Rubber compounds harden in cold temperatures Reduced traction on snow and ice Longer stopping distances once temperatures drop below ~45°F Bottom line: All-season tires are a solid choice most of the year, but they are not designed for true winter driving. When snow, ice, and freezing temps arrive, their limitations show quickly. All-Weather Tires: A True Year-Round Option Best for: Drivers who want one tire year-round with better winter performance All-weather tires are often confused with all-season tires, but they are very different. All-weather tires are engineered to perform in colder temperatures and carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rating, meaning they meet industry standards for winter traction. Pros: Better grip in cold weather than all-season tires Rated for snow traction No need to swap tires seasonally Cons: Tread life is typically shorter than all-season tires Not as capable as winter tires in deep snow or on ice Bottom line: All-weather tires are a great “middle ground” for New Hampshire drivers who want improved winter safety without the hassle of seasonal tire changes — especially if you mainly drive on plowed roads. Winter Tires: Maximum Safety When It Matters Most Best for: Serious winter driving, icy roads, and heavy snow Winter tires are purpose-built for cold temperatures. Their rubber remains flexible in freezing conditions, and their tread patterns are designed to grip snow, slush, and ice far better than any other tire type. Pros: Superior traction on snow and ice Shorter stopping distances Best control in extreme cold Cons: Must be removed when temperatures warm up Seasonal changeover required Faster wear if used in warmer weather Bottom line: If you regularly drive during snowstorms, on untreated roads, or early morning commutes, winter tires provide the highest level of safety and confidence — no compromises. Which Tire Is Right for You? The best tire choice depends on: Your daily driving habits How much winter driving you do Road conditions near your home and workplace Your comfort level driving in snow and ice That’s where professional guidance makes all the difference. Trust the Tire Professionals at Tires Too Auto Repair At Tires Too, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all recommendations. Our Tire Professionals take the time to understand your vehicle, your driving patterns, and New Hampshire’s unique seasonal challenges before recommending the right tire solution. Whether you’re deciding between all-weather tires or planning a dedicated winter tire setup, we’ll explain the pros and cons in plain language — and make sure your vehicle is prepared for whatever NH weather throws your way. Tires Too Auto Repair 📍 Londonderry, NH Serving Derry, Windham, Chester & Manchester We don’t fix cars — we keep your life in seamless motion.

Is Your Car Overheating? Cooling System Issues Explained Nobody likes a car that’s hotter than a New Hampshire summer. 🌡️ But here’s something many drivers don’t realize: cooling system problems don’t take the winter off. In fact, cold weather, road salt, and freeze-thaw cycles can be just as hard on your engine as July traffic with the A/C blasting. Your vehicle’s cooling system works year-round to regulate engine temperature. When it isn’t doing its job, overheating, breakdowns, and costly engine damage can follow—no matter the season. Let’s break down what causes overheating, why winter makes it worse, and how Tires Too in Londonderry, NH keeps your vehicle running cool and reliable. Common Causes of Engine Overheating 🔹 Low Coolant Levels Coolant (antifreeze) doesn’t last forever. Leaks, evaporation, or skipped maintenance can leave your engine unprotected. Low coolant means your engine can’t regulate temperature properly—leading to overheating or freezing. 🔹 Leaking Radiator or Hoses Cracks, corrosion, and weak hose connections often worsen during New England’s freeze-thaw cycles. A small leak can quickly turn into a big problem when temperatures swing. 🔹 Failing Water Pump Your water pump circulates coolant throughout the engine. If it’s worn or leaking, coolant flow slows or stops entirely—causing rapid overheating. 🔹 Stuck or Failing Thermostat A thermostat that’s stuck closed prevents coolant from flowing. That can cause overheating in the summer—or prevent proper warm-up in the winter. 🔹 Blocked Heater Core or Clogged Passages Sludge or corrosion can restrict coolant flow, especially in colder months. This not only affects engine temperature but can also leave you without heat when you need it most. Winter-Specific Cooling System Problems Cold weather brings a unique set of risks for your cooling system: ❄️ Coolant Freeze or Improper Mix Too much water or old antifreeze can freeze, expand, and crack radiators, engines, or hoses. The correct coolant mix is critical for New Hampshire winters. ❄️ Brittle or Cracked Hoses Rubber hoses become stiff and brittle in cold temperatures, increasing the risk of sudden leaks or failures. ❄️ Ice or Snow Blocking Airflow Ice or packed snow on the radiator or A/C condenser can block airflow, reducing cooling efficiency and putting extra stress on the engine. ❄️ Road Salt & Corrosion Salt speeds up corrosion on radiators, clamps, and fittings—often causing hidden leaks that only show up when it’s too late. Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to have your cooling system checked: Steam coming from under the hood Temperature gauge running hot or fluctuating Sweet or unusual antifreeze smell Coolant warning light Poor cabin heat in winter Ignoring these signs can lead to overheating, breakdowns, or even engine failure. How Tires Too Keeps Your Engine Running Cool At Tires Too in Londonderry, NH, we don’t believe in quick glances or guesswork. Our cooling system inspections focus on preventing problems before they leave you stranded, whether it’s August or February. We check: Coolant condition and proper freeze protection Radiator, hoses, clamps, and fittings Thermostat and water pump operation Signs of corrosion, leaks, or blockages Our goal is simple: keep your life in seamless motion, no matter what New England weather throws your way. Don’t Let Overheating Catch You Off Guard If your car is running hot—or you just want peace of mind before the next season—schedule a cooling system inspection at Tires Too today. 📍 Tires Too – Londonderry, NH Because your engine deserves to stay cool year-round. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

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