Frequently Asked Questions

New Tires - We provide you with the best possible selection of tires that match you, your vehicle, your driving conditions and pricing needs. We do not sell you what we have in stock, only what Best Suits Your Needs!

Used Tires - Our selection is based on a first come first serve basis. Our Used Tires are thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and repaired as needed. We do not cut any corners and provide our 100% satisfaction guarantee with each one. However, we do not carry all sizes. It is strongly recommended that you stop in to see if you like the tire before you get them installed. 

Punctured Tire Repairs using the Slow-Patch technique- If you do any driving, you eventually will get something in your tire. We believe in doing the job right the first time and that is why we only do the Slow-Patch Process. We can repair tires where most other places tell you that you need a new tire [or all 4 tires if you own an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) or Four-Wheel Drive (4x4) vehicle]. 

Slow Leaking Tire Repairs - We fix tires that do not have a puncture hole. If you are noticing your tire slowly losing air over time we are one of the few companies that can fix that issue without replacing your tire. 

Tubing Tires -  We are able to repair a tire with tube install. This is typically done for smaller tires. Think of tires that you would find on Snow Blowers, Lawn tractors, and hand carts. Depending on the tire size and application we have done as large as farm tractor tires. 

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) - The Tire Pressure Monitoring System became standard on most US Vehicles for the 2008 model years. If your vehicle is 2008 or newer you will have a type of Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Most of these systems are installed inside of your wheel behind each tire valve. We are able to test the sensors to make sure they are working correctly and replace them as needed.

Cracked or Bent Wheel Repair - Living in Wisconsin you are bound to hit a pothole or two. These are very hard hits to your wheels and tires. These can damage the wheel. Your wheel may bend or even crack. We are able to make the wheel as good or better than new. Whether your wheel has a crack or bent, we are able to fix most wheels. The cost is normally cheaper than buying a used or replacement wheel. 

You should replace your tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch, or if you notice any signs of damage such as cracks, bulges, or punctures. Additionally, if your tires are older than six years, it is recommended to have them inspected by a professional.

Radial tires have a radial ply construction that allows for better handling, fuel efficiency, and tread life. Bias-ply tires have a diagonal ply construction that provides better load-carrying capacity and durability, but at the expense of handling and fuel efficiency.

The reason why most tires do not get tube installed is due to the speed of rotation. Tires that drive around at slow speed have different tire design and usage. So they require different processes to be able to get the maximum life out of the tire. Think about it this way. Would you swing a water balloon around your head by the tied end and not expect it to break? 

Wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of the angles of the wheels to ensure that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. Proper wheel alignment is important for even tire wear, optimal handling, and fuel efficiency.

Vehicle manufactures typically provide multiple options for wheel and tire sizes that came with the vehicle when it was new. Guessing is no longer an option. Getting even 1 number wrong can cause issues. The best is to read the side of the tire to get you tire size.

O’Brien’s Tire has proudly served Racine and the surrounding communities since 1967 with a commitment that goes far beyond tires. We're passionate about keeping you safe on the road and making sure every customer feels like family. Whether you’re here for new tires, trusted repairs, or routine tire rotations, our mission is simple: deliver honest service, do the job right, and treat people the way they should to be treated.

Locally owned and deeply rooted in Racine, O’Brien’s Tire is more than just a tire shop — it’s a team of dedicated professionals who care about your vehicle and your time. We believe in clear communication, fair pricing, and solutions that keep your car running smoothly and your day moving forward.

A slow tire leak is a gradual loss of air pressure in a tire, over a period of time, typically days or weeks, rather than a sudden lose in tire pressure.

Should I use a tire plug or a patch for repairs?

At O’Brien’s Tire, we believe in doing the job right the first time, which is why we only use the "Slow-Patch" method. This repair technique works reliably, even in areas where other shops might refuse to plug a tire. Plugs are quick but have a success rate of only 50% and can void the tire manufacturer’s warranty. Our patches may take up to 3 hours to cure, but they deliver long-term durability, saving you from future issues and costly repeat repairs.

Can I get my tire fixed if it’s off the vehicle?

Absolutely! Drop off your off-vehicle tire, and we’ll inspect and repair it efficiently. We’ll let you know if it’s safe to reuse or if replacement is necessary.

Can I drop off my car for tire repairs?

Yes! Drop off your car, and we’ll take care of everything, from diagnostics to repairs. Our team will contact you once the job is done and your car is ready for pickup. Please use our convenient key drop box by filling out your info on the supplied cards.

Do you help with putting on a spare tire?

Yes, if you get a flat tire, bring your car to us, and we’ll help you install your spare tire safely and securely. We can also check the spare to ensure it’s roadworthy.

We are one of the few shops that provide tire truing services. Tire truing eliminates high spots and imperfections on a tire’s surface, resulting in a smoother ride, improved handling, and longer-lasting tires. For more detailed information, check out our dedicated Tire Truing Article.

Why is tire rotation important?

Tire rotation ensures even wear across all tires, improving safety, fuel efficiency, and overall tire longevity. Neglecting rotations can lead to uneven wear patterns, premature tire failure, and cost you more money because you will need new tires sooner.

How often should I rotate my tires?

Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule. Rotations can prevent excessive wear and prolong the life of your tires.

How do uneven tire wear patterns look?

A well rotated tire will have even wear from side to side. If you look at your tire tread and see one portion of the tire is more worn than the other, you have uneven wear pattern. Typically you will see these excessive warn tires on the outside edge, in the middle, or on the inside of the tire. 

Where can I find a tire rotation schedule?

For a detailed rotation schedule, refer to our Vehicle Warranty and Maintenance Sheet.

How do I read a tire’s sidewall?

The sidewall contains critical information, including the tire’s age. Reading a tire’s sidewall involves decoding a string of letters and numbers that reveal everything from size and capability to manufacturing age. The most important section is the Tire Size. You will be looking for a number like P225/65R17 95H

• Tire Type (P): The first letter indicates the class. P means Passenger, LT means Light Truck, ST means Special Trailer, and T means Temporary (spare tire).
• Tire Width (225): The first three numbers indicate the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters.
• Aspect Ratio (65): The two-digit number after the slash indicates the sidewall height, shown as a percentage of the tire width.
• Construction (R): This designates how the tire is built. R stands for Radial, which is the modern industry standard.
• Wheel Diameter (17): The final number tells you the diameter of the wheel (rim) the tire is meant to fit, measured in inches. 
• Load Index (95): A code corresponding to the maximum weight the tire can support when properly inflated.
• Speed Rating (H): A letter indicating the maximum speed the tire can safely maintain. For instance, H stands for 130 mph, while V handles up to 149 mph

Why is knowing a tire’s age important?

Over time, rubber deteriorates, reducing safety and performance. Tires older than six years may need replacement, even if the tread looks good.

How can I determine my tire’s age?

Check the DOT code on the tire’s sidewall. You will need to look for the letters DOT followed by a 11- to 13-character sequence. The last four digits tell the week and year the tire was made (for example 2823 means the 28th week of 2023). It is normally recommended to replace road tires every 6 to 10 years, regardless of tread wear due to age.

What driving habits help prolong tire life?

Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, and driving over the speed limit. Maintaining proper tire pressure and regularly rotating your tires are key to maximizing their lifespan. When possible avoid driving over debris, potholes and nails. Each of these will reduce the life of your tire.

Why is tire alignment important for tire life?

While we don’t perform alignments, proper alignment prevents uneven tire wear and improves handling. Make sure to have alignments checked periodically.

What tire brands and types do you carry?

We get this asked all of the time. We have such fabulous delivery, we hardly stock any tires. Typically it takes us longer to get you on the schedule than we can get the tires in. Whether you need a specific brand for cars, trucks, and SUVs, or you are looking for performance tires, winter tires and a great all-season tire, we’ve got you covered. We service all types of tires too; from lawnmower, trailers, etc. 

Due to our extensive availability to nearly any tire, we match the tire to how you use the vehicle and how you drive. Unlike the most places you only choice from what they have in stock. We can get nearly any type of tire. That is why we match the tires to you, your vehicle, and how you drive. This will provide you with the best overall experience.

How does your tire selection process work?

Our team evaluates your vehicle’s specifications, driving conditions, and preferences to recommend the best tire options for you.

How quickly can you get any tire?

We can source most tires within 24 to 48 hours. Call us or visit to check availability and get your tires fast. Due to our demand getting you schedule is normally further out than how quickly we can get you new tires.

What is Included with Every New Tire? 

Our prices are all inclusive, where everyone else’s price is for the tire only and then they nickel and dime you by charging for each extra item. 

Our new tire pricing it includes:

• Tire(s)
• Installation
• Old Tire Disposal
• New Valve Stem (as required)
• All Tire Manufacturer’s Warranties
• O’Brien’s Tire Road Hazard Insurance
• Low Tire Sensor Calibration (as required)
• Our Proven 4-Step Balancing and Tire Truing 
• Preventative Wheel Cleaning to avoid Slow Tire Leaking

So you know what you have to pay out the door! (Excluding 5.5% tax and 3% Card Processing Fees)

Why is tire pressure important?

Maintaining proper tire pressure optimizes fuel efficiency, improves handling, and ensures even tire wear. Driving with incorrect pressure can lead to premature wear or even sidewall failure.

What’s the difference between manufacturer recommendations and user preferences?

Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for normal driving. However, adjustments can be made for added cargo weight or long-distance driving. For winter, slightly lowering the pressure may enhance traction on icy roads.

What happens if I drive with less than 20 pounds of air pressure?

Driving with low tire pressure damages the tire’s sidewall, making it more susceptible to blowouts and premature failure. Avoid driving if your pressure is under 20 PSI—visit us immediately for inspection.

Why don’t you offer wheel alignments or brake services?

We specialize exclusively in tires to provide expert service and ensure our customers get the best performance and longevity from their tires. We have a list of recommended trusted partners for alignments, brakes, and the such.