Winter weather has already brought Tri-City residents some challenging driving days, with ice and dense fog blanketing our region. Schools have been on delays or closed and just getting to the grocery store has been dangerous at times. Fortunately, there are many businesses that are well-prepared to help keep your car on the road. Traction on slick roads begins with the function of your vehicle’s tires, so seeking help to make sure you are riding on safe tires will help keep you safe on winter roads.
Les Schwab
Best known for their winter tire help are the Les Schwab Tire Stores. Richland has three locations: downtown at 837 Stevens Dr. (509.943.1185); South Richland at 2825 Queensgate Dr. (509.582.1885); and, near Columbia Center at 1550 Tapteal Dr. (509.783.2195). Pasco offers two locations for service: downtown at 1019 W Court St. ((547.9748); and, at 5410 N Road 68 (509.547.3414). Kennewick Les Schwab is located at 4110 W Clearwater (509.734.1321).
Services
Customers who need winter tire service can either schedule an appointment on-line, call to make an appointment, or walk-in. Les Schwab stores welcome walk-ins and provide popcorn, television, and warm customer service while waiting for your car. All Les Schwab locations offer tires that are studded or offer specific winter road traction. The winter tires they sell are made of a different kind of rubber that grips the surface, even in freezing temperatures. These tires have “sipes” that bite the edges and help provide solid grip. It is best to change to winter tires when cold weather is forecast or when you may be driving out of town on the highways and over the passes. If you purchase tires at any Les Schwab, you will always receive excellent service that is normally free of charge. If you need a flat fixed, or have a nail in your tire, Les Schwab will fix the tire for free. They will also put your regular tires back on for free in the spring.
Commercial Tire
There are several other tire service centers in the Tri-Cities who are ready to help you make winter driving safer. Commercial Tire is located at 9510 W Clearwater and opens at 7:30, a bit earlier than the Les Schwab locations. An appointment can be made at commercialtire.com or by phone at 509.722.2141. Like Les Schwab, Commercial Tire has excellent reviews and is noted for offering excellent service.
Dilenyo Tire Shop
Google reviews shows a newer, small company, as having a near 5.0 rating by it’s customers. Dilenyo Tire Shop is located at 525 ½ W Columbia Dr B. This company is a Latino-owned business, so employees are able to help communicate with our Latino population. Many customers appreciate that the business is locally owned, carries used tires, and works to accommodate our locals with excellent service.
Conclusion
It’s critical to recognize that driving conditions can be dangerous as the weather has become cold and our roads slick. All three cities work hard to provide for road clearing and de-icing, but it’s also important for each driver to make sure the tires on the cars are the best for handling slick situations.
