TIRES

Services

We are one of the leading auto repair shops serving customers in Live Oak, FL, Madison, FL, Lake City, FL, and surrounding areas.

All automotive repair and mechanic services at Town and Country Tire Services are performed by highly qualified mechanics. Our mechanic shop works on numerous vehicles with the use of quality truck and car repair equipment. Whether you drive a passenger car, medium sized truck, mini-van, or SUV, our mechanics strive to ensure that your vehicle will be performing at its best before leaving one of our service bays. Our auto repair shop is capable of servicing a variety of makes and models. Our superior standards show that our mechanics always have the best interests of our customers in mind. Looking for a one-stop automotive repair shop? Look no further than us, and allow our mechanics to give you a reliable estimate of any automotive repair issue you might be facing.

Our number one goal has always been complete satisfaction for customers in Live Oak, FL, Madison, FL, Lake City, FL, and surrounding areas. Our car repair shop has a longstanding reputation for quality repairs. Whether you need routine auto maintenance services or necessary car repairs, contact us online or visit us during business hours.

  • Tires are the connection between your vehicle and the surface of the road. A critical part of your vehicle’s suspension system, tires are responsible for transmitting the forces of driving, steering, and braking to the surface of the road. Although tires are easily maintained, they are often overlooked. The air inside your tires and the design of the tire influence vehicle performance, tire tread life, and ride comfort. Tire maintenance is vital for getting the most out of your tires by maximizing mileage and tread wear. Our staff will help you understand the basics of tire care and maintenance, like when you should seek tire rotation, balance, and alignment. Our staff will also help you understand tire sidewall markings, teach you the best time to purchase a new set of tires, and show you how to choose the right set of tires for your vehicle.

    Benefits of Tire Services

    Premature tire wear is caused by poor tire inflation levels and improper tire rotation. Whereas correctly inflated tires tend to have durable sidewalls, underinflated tires often have flexible sidewalls that result in quicker sidewall wear. Overinflated tires are also undesirable and will result in excessive center tread wear. Wheel balancing has the potential to relieve some symptoms of improper tire wear, like excessive lean. However, improper tire wear may also be the cause of alignment issues. During any tire repair service, our staff will be able to determine whether a tire balancing or rotation service can solve your current set of issues. Because tire inflation is so important, our staff will take care to follow the inflation standards recommended by the manufacturer during a new tire installation. Overall, proper tire inflation can lead to reduced tread movement, increased water dissipation, reduced rolling resistance, proper traction, and adequate load carrying capabilities. Our tire service work promotes better fuel economy and longer tread life.

  • Town and Country Tire Services Carries the Best All Terrain Tires!

    Your ATV tires are put to the test on all types of terrain. From deep mud and soft sand to coarse motocross tracks, your all-terrain tires need to be ready for anything. At Town and Country Tire Services, we carry a wide selection of ATV tires for all applications for customers in Live Oak, FL, Madison, FL, Lake City, FL, and surrounding areas.

    Different Treads for Different Terrains

    Did you know that different types of all terrain tires are designed for specific applications?

    Mud tires are designed with wide-spaced, irregular treads in order to grip in muddy conditions.

    Sand tires are designed with a straight-blade style and “paddles” to move easily across the sand.

    Sport and racing tires are created with a spaced design on the front tires to give drivers control and a zig-zagging design on rear tires to help with corners.

    Make sure you’re getting the most out of your all-terrain vehicle by outfitting it with the best possible tires. Our knowledgeable staff is available to answer all questions you may have about choosing the best ATV tires.

    Whatever type of ATV tires you need—sand tires, mud tires, trail tires, sport tires, racing tires—we’ve got you covered! We stock an extensive selection of all-terrain vehicle tires from industry leading brands.

    Not sure exactly what type of tire is best for you? Stop by or call to speak with one of our friendly technicians.

    Let us jump-start your search for the best ATV tires today!

  • At Town and Country Tire Services, we stock a range of farm tires for customers in Live Oak, FL, Madison, FL, Lake City, FL, and surrounding areas.

    Are you looking for tires suited for a range of agricultural uses? How about farm tires that increase the productivity and performance of your farm equipment?

    Get More Out Of Your Farm Tires

    The farm tires in our selection are designed specifically for high-horsepower farm equipment. Our farm tires feature added wear, added traction, reduced soil compaction, and improved load carrying capabilities. All tires in our selection are composed of a heavy duty rubber compound for long lasting tread life.

    What are your specific agricultural applications? Every farm tire at our shop offers unique advantages.

    We stock tires for the following farm equipment:

    Tractors | Sprayers | Handlers | Harvesters | Trailers | Combines | Backhoes | Cultivators | Sorters

    Based on your farm equipment and standard application, our sales staff can help locate the perfect tire for your agricultural needs.

    To help you locate the right replacement farm tire, our sales staff will want to know the size of the tire, the size of the rim, the overall diameter, maximum load carrying capacity, and tire type (either radial or bias).

    Our farm tires are suited for tough conditions. If your farm work involves traversing muddy conditions or working in the field.

  • At Town and Country Tire Services, we stock a wide selection of industrial tires for customers in Live Oak, FL, Madison, FL, Lake City, FL, and surrounding areas.

    Are you looking for tires to fit your heavy equipment vehicle? Our industrial tires can help you go the distance.

    Go the Distance With Our Industrial Tires

    Industrial tires are manufactured to support heavy weight vehicles while maintaining reliability for miles upon miles of road, forest, and field.

    Industrial tires are created with heavier grades of rubber than passenger tires in order to safely hold the weight of the vehicles they carry. These sturdy tires are also made tough in order to withstand rugged road and weather conditions. A lot rides on these heavy duty tires, and drivers of heavy equipment vehicles look for industrial tires to be dependable for long stretches of road and terrain.

    Industrial tires typically include both pneumatic and non-pneumatic tires and cover vehicle applications in the following industries:

    Manufacturing | Construction | Military | Transportation

    Warehouse | Agricultural | Forestry | Production

    When you’re looking for tough, safe, reliable tires for your heavy duty truck, construction equipment, or other industrial vehicle, stop in at Town and Country Tire Services.

STEERING & SUSPENSION

  • The suspension system allows your tires to maintain constant contact with the road, especially on uneven surfaces like bumps and potholes. Ball joints are ball-and-socket joints located between the control arm and the steering knuckle. Ball joints act as the pivot point between the wheels and the rest of the suspension system. They are designed to allow for movement in two planes at once while providing ease of rotation in those planes. They allow a vehicle’s suspension system to move up or down while the wheels turn left or right. Vehicles with shocks have upper and lower ball joints, while many vehicles with struts have only lower ball joints. Some ball joints are load-bearing and will wear faster than normal ball joints. As an important suspension component, ball joints are designed to experience wear and tear, often in the form of friction. Like all suspension system components, ball joints have a maintenance schedule that can help prevent unexpected repairs or replacements.

    Why Should You Have Ball Joint Replacement Services Performed at Town and Country Tire Services?

    Upper and lower ball joints are designed to fit snugly inside a lubricated casing. If the casing loses lubrication, dries out, or the linkage becomes loose, wheel alignment may be affected. A loose ball joint can also result in suspension noise and uneven tire wear. Because ball joints act as the link between the wheels and other suspension components, a bad joint can conflict with normal steering capabilities. In extreme cases, a worn ball joint that fails may fall out of its casing and cause a collapse of the suspension system. Clunking sounds, poor handling, and unnatural pulling are all signs of bad ball joints. In some cases, ball joints may require replacements. If you plan on avoiding a ball joint failure, be sure to consult your owner’s manual for the maximum allowable wear on your suspension system’s ball joints. Our replacement ball joints will restore full functionality to your suspension system.

  • Regardless of the type of steering system in your vehicle, you use inner and outer tie rods. As an important part of your vehicle’s steering and suspension system, tie rods act as the link between your vehicle’s steering system and the steering arm, which is attached to the steering wheel. When you turn the steering wheel, the steering arm moves the front wheels through the steering system. The inner and outer tie rods connect to the steering arm in order to move the wheels of your vehicle. In the common rack-and-pinion steering system, the inner tie rods connect to the steering rack while the outer tie rods connect to the steering arms. The tie rods make steering and turning possible by moving your wheels in the desired direction. Without properly functioning tie rods, the steering mechanism would no longer operate as intended. Because inner and outer tie rods play such a significant role, replacing tie rods as necessary is important for overall vehicle maintenance.

    Why Should You Have Inner Tie Rod & Outer Tie Rod Replacement Services Performed at Town and Country Tire Services?

    Difficult, erratic, and unexpected steering are signs that your tie rods—inner, outer, or both—might need to be replaced. One indication that your tie rods may be loose is excessive and uneven tire wear. Vibrations and clunking noises emanating from the front of your vehicle are another sign. Steering that pulls or refuses to return to center are also signals that your inner and outer tie rods should be checked and possibly replaced by a member of our service staff. Wheels out of alignment may be signs of bad inner or outer tie rods. As an outer tie rod fails, the toe changes direction and the steering begins to pull. Clicking or grinding noise under your front wheels are other signs of bad tie rods. If you experience any warning signs of a malfunctioning tie rod, give us a call or contact us online, and allow our service staff to determine if your steering system requires tie rod replacements.

  • Shock absorbers are components in your vehicle’s suspension system that help your tires remain in contact with the surface of the road. They dampen the impact of road force and absorb the rebound of springs and other suspension components. Front and rear shocks are designed to adjust to driving conditions, like bumps, potholes, and sudden maneuvers. They also reduce bounce rate, sway, and brake dive or acceleration squat. Modern day shocks are velocity-sensitive, which means that the faster the springs and other suspension components are moving, the more resistance provided by the shocks. Hydraulic shocks convert kinetic energy from the springs into thermal energy that the hydraulic fluid inside each shock absorbs and dissipates. When the suspension system bounces, hydraulic fluid is forced through holes inside the piston. This slows the compression of the piston, thereby slowing down spring and suspension movement. While hydraulic and gas shocks are the most common types of shocks used on vehicles today, some vehicles also use electronic and air shocks.

    Why Should You Have Shocks Replacement Services Performed at Town and Country Tire Services?

    Replacing shocks can maximize the performance of your entire suspension system. The components in your suspension system interact and depend on each other. Shock absorbers and brakes work together to help your vehicle stop as soon as possible upon engaging the brake pedal. Worn shocks mean your vehicle is less likely to stop exactly when and where you want. In fact, bad shocks can increase your stopping distance by up to 10 feet. Worn shock absorbers will cause your vehicle to dive when braking. With a set of bad shocks, you may experience problems like bounce, body roll, sway, and other unexpected movements in your suspension system. Healthy shocks improve braking and handling, making your vehicle easier to control. Replacing front and rear shocks as necessary will help promote a safe road for everyone.

    Replacing Struts

    While the function of shocks and struts is very similar, the biggest difference is in how they mount to your vehicle. Shocks function in addition to other suspension components, while struts are designed as a pivot point for the steering mechanism. Struts behave as a dampening device that absorbs excessive bounce. The strut assembly combines coil springs, spring seats, strut bearings, and shock absorbers into one working unit. The steering arm or steering knuckle is also included in some strut designs. Struts use a piston to absorb high lateral loads. The spring seat and strut bearing allow the shock to pivot with the front wheels and the steering mechanism. Struts and accompanying suspension components help push tires back into place when one leaves the road. Overall, struts work in conjunction with the rest of the suspension system to help stabilize the vehicle while maintaining a comfortable and safe ride.

    Why Should You Have Struts Replacement Services Performed at Town and Country Tire Services?

    Worn struts increase braking distance and increase body roll, sway, and bounce rate. The bounce test, wherein you bounce on each corner of your vehicle a few times, is a good way to determine whether or not you need to schedule a strut replacement. If your vehicle bounces and settles, your struts are operating as they should. If your vehicle continues to bounce, you should seek to replace the struts on your suspension system as soon as possible. Other signs that your struts need to be replaced include excessive brake dive, acceleration squat, body roll or sway, and unusual tire wear patterns. Unusual noise from struts may also indicate that the spring seat or strut bearing requires a replacement. If you experience any of the above signs of worn struts, contact us immediately. Having your struts replaced will improve braking, handling, and the overall controllability of your vehicle.

  • Connecting the wheels on opposite sides of the vehicle is a stabilizer bar called the sway bar. The sway bar is charged with controlling “body roll” by distributing the weight of your vehicle to both sides of the suspension. When your vehicle moves through a turn, the sway bar keeps the vehicle level by minimizing body roll through the transfer of vehicle weight to the outside wheels. It also maintains solid contact with the surface of the road through the compression of the suspension components on the inside wheels. Sway bar links are a crucial component in your vehicle’s suspension system. The sway bar links are what connect the suspension to the sway bar and transfer the force of motion from the wheels to the axles. When the vehicle turns or corners, the sway bar end links pull on the bar to resist body roll while stabilizing the force of motion and the weight of the vehicle.

    Why Should You Have Sway Bar Link Replacement Services Performed at Town and Country Tire Services?

    Because sway bar links are responsible for transferring the force of motion from the wheels to the sway bar and to the rest of the suspension system, if a sway bar end link is damaged, the controllability of your vehicle and the safety of your passengers are at risk. While some sway bar links have bushing that can be replaced, other sway bar links require replacements upon wearing out. Warning signs of a broken or bad sway bar link include clunks and squeaks. Over-steering or excessive lean through turns are also symptoms of worn sway bar links, but they can also be signs of larger problems with your vehicle’s suspension system. Do not let symptoms of bad sway bar links or other suspension components go untreated. Little problems with suspension systems have the tendency to turn into larger problems and more expensive repairs if not repaired or replaced. If you experience any of the above symptoms, allow our service staff to determine if a sway bar link replacement is right for you.

WHEELS

Wheel Brands

MAINTENANCE

  • Before you start shopping for a new set of wheels, use our wheel buying guide below, and consider the advantages and disadvantages of different wheel materials in order to find the best wheel to suit your needs. If you have any questions during your research, simply contact us online.

    Alloy Wheels are light wheels with improved performance characteristics. These light wheels increase cornering and steering precision, and decrease road feedback for better braking response.

    Steel Wheels are heavier wheels that provide vehicles with a lower center of gravity. Steel wheels are perfect for harsh road conditions in the snow or off-road over rugged terrain, but lack other performance capabilities because of the added weight.

    Chrome is an aesthetically pleasing finish applied to both alloy and steel wheels. Chrome wheels are sought by drivers concerned with cosmetic appearance. While chrome wheels are known for their metallic mirrored shine, durability, and strength, they require regular attention and cleaning to maintain their visual appeal.

    Wheels & Rims: The Manufacturing Process

    Cast Wheels: Aluminum wheels are manufactured through a process of pouring molten aluminum into a mold. The shape of the wheel is formed through a process of gravity or pressure casting.

    Machined Wheels: The machining process combines casting, heating, spinning, and precise pressurization to fill a mold with molten aluminum and shape the wheel.

    Forged Wheels: The forging process takes a solid piece of aluminum and molds the wheel through high heat and extreme pressure. The result is a light, dense, and strong wheel.

    The right set of wheels depends on vehicle characteristics and desired ride quality. When choosing wheels for your car, truck, or SUV, consider the following:

    Size: Various wheel sizes and weights hold different performance characteristics. If you plan on upgrading your current wheel size, be sure to consider the maximum wheel size allowance on your vehicle.

    Weight: Wheel weight impacts vehicle performance. Heavier wheels increase braking distance and reduce handling, while lighter wheels will improve maneuverability and braking performance.

    Terrain: Where do you drive most often? Wheels should be selected based on their primary function.

    Every customer’s criteria for buying wheels are different, so we urge you to contact us with your questions or concerns. Our service staff is comprised of wheel and rim experts who remain on the cutting edge of wheel style, configuration, and performance.

    For the best wheel buying experience around, contact us today.

  • An oil change and filter replacement is one of many preventative maintenance services that help promote maximum vehicle performance while extending the life of your vehicle. Oil is responsible for lubricating the working components inside your vehicle’s engine while reducing the amount of friction between them. Because the engine generates a substantial amount of heat, oil acts as a cooling agent as it circulates through the engine. Oil also absorbs other harmful particles created during the combustion process and directs them to the oil filter, which filters out the debris and contaminants for clean, free-flowing oil. Together, the oil and oil filter keep your vehicle’s engine operating at optimal levels of performance. During an oil change, we will replace your engine’s old oil with new oil and replace the oil filter. We will also lubricate the chassis components of the vehicle according to the standards of the manufacturer. At the end of every lube, oil and filter change, our staff will have ensured that your engine oil is clean and the working parts of your engine are properly lubricated.

    Benefits of Lube, Oil & Filter Change

    Over time, as oil becomes saturated with contaminants, excess particles are left behind in the engine, where they can form deposits and cause significant wear to the engine. Oversaturated oil loses its lubrication, which will eventually lead to an overworking engine, excess heat, and engine failure. Excessive heat can also lead to thermal breakdown in your engine oil, causing a change in the oil’s viscosity, and resulting in decreased oil flow. Similarly, dirty oil flows more slowly, causing the engine to work harder, leading to increased engine wear. Our service staff will inspect the oil filter during each oil change, and replace the oil filter in order to keep your oil clean from contaminants. Routine lube and oil changes will keep your engine running stronger and running longer. Contact us online or call us today regarding your next lube, oil, and filter change.

  • A fully functioning brake system is crucial to your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of other drivers on the road. Your vehicle’s brake system involves highly engineered parts and precise movements that stop your vehicle by converting kinetic energy into thermal energy. When you press down on the brake pedal, the master cylinder pressurizes a system of hydraulic brake lines leading to each of the vehicle’s wheels, where brake pads or shoes press against a disc or drum and create the necessary friction needed to slow the vehicle to a complete stop. Over time, this friction and heat has the potential to wear down the brake shoes, brake pads, calipers, brake rotors, and other braking components. While the components comprising each brake system may vary, the warning signs for impending brake repairs are the same.

    Benefits of Brake Repair with Town and Country Tire Services

    Bad brakes display warning signs for impending brake maintenance. For example, if your brakes squeal or grind when in use, then your brake pads may be worn and require replacements. If your vehicle pulls to one side when braking, then this may point to worn brakes, a malfunctioning caliper, or low brake fluid in the brake lines. If your brake pedal presses down too easily—also known as “spongy” brakes—then this may be an indication of too much air in the hydraulic brake lines. Sometimes, your vehicle’s electronic diagnostic system will alert you to a potential brake issue by a service indicator light on the dashboard. While these are only some of the most common signs of potential problems with your vehicle’s brake system, noticing these signs of faulty brakes and seeking out a brake service can save you money down the line. Our staff is trained in maintaining and servicing front and rear brake systems and all accompanying brake system components like brake pads, brake shoes, parking brakes, rotors, drums, and hydraulic systems. If you experience any of the above signs or symptoms of bad brakes, like unusual squealing or grinding noises, then contact us online or call us today to have your brakes inspected.

  • A wheel alignment consists of adjusting the wheels of your vehicle so that all wheels are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. Three basic angles contribute to proper wheel alignment: camber, caster, and toe. Camber is the measure of the degree of perpendicular offset from the road surface. Caster is the angle of your wheel’s pivot, which is attached to the suspension, and when this angle is out of alignment, straight-line tracking is affected. Toe refers to the angle of directional difference between the tire and the centerline of the vehicle. The front and rear wheels on your vehicle should always be perpendicular to the ground and parallel to the tire beside it. Routine wheel alignments have the potential to save you money in the long run while promoting optimal vehicle performance.

    Benefits of Wheel Alignment

    A wheel alignment will keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently by promoting reduced tire wear, better gas mileage, and safer driving conditions. Wheels out of alignment will contribute to uneven tire wear. Uneven tread wear can be felt in a vehicle pulling to the right or left while in motion. Left untreated, wheel alignment issues have the potential to turn into steering and suspension issues, since driving with wheels out of alignment not only puts stress on your tires but also on suspension components. If your vehicle begins pulling to the right or left while driving, or if you feel a vibration in the steering wheel at higher speeds, contact us today for a wheel alignment service.

  • Your vehicle’s axle, CV joint, and driveshaft components are integral to the performance and drivability of your vehicle. The driveshaft is a steel or aluminum cylindrical component that connects the transmission to the rear differential. The driveshaft connects to the transmission through the CV joints, which are responsible for transferring the torque from the transmission to the drive wheels at a constant speed. Front wheel drive vehicles use CV joints on the front axles. CV joints allow the axle to bend and change while accommodating the bounce of the wheels. The axle bears the weight of the vehicle while also being strong enough to sustain the forces from braking and accelerating. Over time and through normal use, your vehicle’s axle, CV joint, and driveshaft components may require maintenance or replacement services.

    Benefits of Axle, CV Joint & Driveshaft Repair

    There are signs to look for when determining when to schedule an inspection of your vehicle’s front axle, rear axle, CV joints, and driveshaft components. Clunking or clicking noises are signs that a CV joint needs replacement. Vibrations during acceleration may indicate a damaged driveshaft, though they may also point to an axle issue depending on the layout of your vehicle. Turning and steering issues may also arise out of a problem with the driveshaft. CV joints can go bad when the grease leaks out of a damaged CV boot. There are various determinants for how quickly your vehicle’s axle, CV joint, and driveshaft components will degrade over time. If you would like to learn more about the intervals between repairs for front wheel drive axles, main driveshafts, CV joints, U-joints, yokes, and other axle assembly components, then contact us today.

  • Your vehicle’s starting and charging system is involved in regulating multiple electrical processes to start your vehicle's engine and keep it running. The starting system consists of the battery, a starter motor, and a starter solenoid responsible for starting the engine, while the charging system consists of an alternator and voltage regulator. The charging system is responsible for routing energy throughout the entire electrical process while sustaining the battery’s charge. The battery supplies the electric power necessary to start the vehicle. This process starts when you turn the ignition. Then, the starting system sends power from the battery to the starter solenoid to the starter motor, which turns the engine in order to begin the internal combustion process. The alternator powers the other electrical components in your vehicle while the regulator controls the voltage supplied to each component. The regulator also ensures that the alternator maintains the battery’s charge so that the entire cycle can continue.

    Benefits of Starting, Charging & Batteries

    Slow cranking engines and dim headlights can sometimes point to a problem with your vehicle’s starting and charging system. Because the battery is required for the electrical charge needed to start the rest of the electrical system, a weak or dead battery can also prevent your car from starting. If a jump start refuses to revive your battery and the starting system, our staff may need to take a closer look at the other components of the starting and charging system to determine whether or not you need a starter replacement or an alternator replacement. All components within your vehicle’s starting and charging system are necessary to ensure proper working order, and one bad link between them can render the entire electrical process useless. If you experience problems with starting your vehicle or maintaining its power even after trying a jump start, then allow our service staff to perform a starting and charging system check on your vehicle today.

  • Tires operating below inflation standards put the overall performance of your vehicle and the safety of your passengers at risk. The Tire Pressure Monitoring System helps increase your safety on the road by improving your vehicle’s maneuverability, decreasing the tread wear of your tires, reducing your vehicle’s braking distance, and improving your vehicle’s fuel economy. There are two types of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems in existence today—Direct and Indirect. A Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring System uses sensors on the inside tire assembly to transmit tire pressure information to your vehicle’s computer. An Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring System gauges tire pressure through your vehicle’s Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) by using speed sensors to measure the rotational speed of each wheel (as tire pressure decreases, the rolling distance decreases, and the rotational speed increases). All TPMS systems require regular maintenance in order to meet maximum performance standards, which requires all vehicles to be equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System.

    Benefits of Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)

    Your vehicle’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) continuously monitors the air pressure in your tires. When there is an instance of low tire pressure, or if the tire pressure drops below the manufacturer’s recommended level of tire pressure, the TPMS will detect and report the discrepancy by illuminating an indicator light on the dashboard of your vehicle. When the TPMS light flashes on the dashboard, you should check your tire pressure, inflate the affected tire to the level indicated by the manufacturer, or bring your vehicle into our shop so that the issue can be remedied by our expert staff. During a TPMS maintenance service, our service staff will run a series of tests to ensure that the system is operating both correctly and at maximum efficiency. If our technicians uncover damage to the system or its accompanying components, they may need to replace valve cores, valve nuts, seals, seal washers, or valve caps. If you are in need of TPMS repairs, maintenance, or replacement services, or if you are in need of a TPMS installation service, then contact us today.