Beyond Tires
Cook Tire & Service Center revolutionizes the commercial tire business by offering the following services all under one roof.
When a wheel is unbalanced, there is an unequal distribution of weight around the rim of the wheel and tire assembly. The tire may seem round and true when rotated slowly, but on the road centrifugal force acts on the heaviest part of the tire, making it wobble or vibrate (like an out-of-balance ceiling fan). This can cause flat spots on the tire treads and is damaging to ball joints, bearings, steering, and shock absorbers. With special equipment, technicians can measure a tire and wheel assembly, then add special wheel weights to restore balance. Hitting potholes and normal vehicle wear-and-tear can cause unbalanced wheels. Uneven tire wear can indicate unbalanced wheels, so it's wise to check and rotate your vehicle's tires regularly.
We can handle up to 24" - 24.5" wheels.
We offer emergency roadside tire assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We have five fully equipped service trucks. No matter where you are, we can assist you in getting back on the road. Our qualified staff has the equipment and know how to handle any tire needs.
(936) 639-2401 - Lufkin
(936) 560-4862 - Nacogdoches
Air brake systems are used on most heavy-duty vehicles for reasons of efficiency and reliability. The major advantage to an air brake system is that since air never runs out, the air brake system can always be replenished. An air brake system is also functional even if it has a small leak.
Heavy trucks use a Dual Air Brake System, which consists of two separate air brake systems that use a single set of brake controls. It is designed to retain braking ability in the event one system fails. The various components in an air brake system work together to create and maintain a supply of compressed air, direct and control the flow of that air and to transform air pressure energy into mechanical force.
Heavy trucks use air brakes exclusively. Most of these are drum type units. Air enters the chamber when the brakes are applied, the push rod moves out turning the slack adjuster which rotates the "S" cam and forces the shoes into the drum. Air brake systems use high pressure air - about 100 psi - to apply the brakes. Air is supplied by an engine driven air compressor and stored in tanks on the tractor and trailer. When the brakes are applied the air comes from the tanks, they are then recharged by the compressor.
Big trucks don't stop very well, when fully loaded they take about twice as long to stop as passenger cars. Most air brake systems do not automatically adjust for wear, so unless they are well maintained brake performance can deteriorate seriously. Roadside truck inspections frequently reveal that a fairly high percentage of the inspected vehicles have defective braking systems, generally because of air leaks.
Tire truing is the process of making tires perfectly round to the wheel. By gently shaving the high spot off of the tire, most out of round conditions can be corrected. Tire truing can benefit everyone who has a vehicle by reducing road vibrations, extending the life of a vehicles tires and suspension, and also improving fuel economy.
Essentially, alignment refers to the way your car's wheels are positioned. Ideally, your wheels should be parallel and facing forward.
Everything from are to components wearing out to a bump in the road can cause your wheels to shift out of alignment. This could result in one of three different problems:
Camber: The wheels are tilted either inward or outward. This will create pulling and tire wear.
Toe: A change in the distance between the front and back of the rear tires. This will wear on the tires, too.
Caster: A backward or forward tilt at the top of the wheel's spindle support arm. This will cause either loose or difficult steering.
When your wheels are properly aligned, you'll get better gas mileage; your tires will last longer; steering will be easier; your ride will be smoother; and, most importantly, the drive will be safer.
Several ways: is your steering wheel straight when you are driving? Does your car pull to one side? Does your steering wheel vibrate? Do you notice uneven tire wear? Does your steering feel loose, or is it difficult to control? Use this guide to inspect your tires.
Check your tires periodically. A number of different things can affect your tires - from alignment to suspension components to improper inflation of tires. If you recognize any of these symptoms, bring your car in for a free inspection.
Misaligned trailer axles cause tandem scrub, resulting in rapid wear on all tires, and increased rolling resistance. If the trailer doesn't track correctly, it exposes more area to wind resistance. This will affect handling and fuel economy.
A properly aligned vehicle is one with all wheels pointing in the same direction. An estimated 70 to 80 percent of heavy-duty vehicles on the road today are misaligned.
What does this mean to you? It means you are using more fuel due to an increased rolling resistance, and your tires are wearing faster than you would expect them to.
A routine wheel alignment is the most effective way to control tire cost and can impact fuel efficiency as well. With our state of the art equipment and trained professionals we can insure that the job is done right every time.
We have licensed state inspectors to assist you with any state inspection or question regarding the current state inspection laws.
Vehicles with weight of more than 26,000 gross requires DOT proof of insurance.
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