When things get slippery, it is important to know you have the traction you need. Keeping yourself safe with good tires is of the utmost importance, especially for those who need to drive in inclement weather. The friendly, helpful staff at Bradford Tire Center, 70 Minard Run Road, are equipped with the knowledge to recommend the perfect set of tires for your vehicle — no matter the season.
Matt Cobb was born and raised in Bradford. He has owned Bradford Tire Center since 2019, but his love of gears and engines dates much earlier.
“I just kind of fell into this business naturally because I have been a mechanic for many years,” said Cobb.
His favorite part of the job is connecting with his customers.
“I love working with my customers; I have really gotten to know them over the years,” he said. “We strive to offer excellent customer service that keeps people coming back.”
Bradford Tire Center provides tires for a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, semi trucks, lawn mowers and tractors.
“Basically if it is round and black, we can do it,” said Cobb.
Cobb recommends getting your tires checked every 6 months to a year.
“You definitely want to have them checked in the early fall and get them replaced once the treads have worn down past 2/23 of an inch,” said Cobb.
Tires also need to be replaced every six to 10 years due to the material breaking down over time. Drivers may feel an unusual vibration in their steering wheel which could be a clue that their tires are unevenly worn. If you notice that your tires have an uneven wear pattern or you can see white chords peeking through, it is time to replace them immediately. Tires with sidewall bulges are at risk of bursting, and also need immediate attention.
In addition to himself, Cobb employs two other full-time mechanics.
“We do a lot more than tires, such as alignments and inspection,” said Cobb. “We can cover all of your basic automotive needs.”
Bradford Tire Center offers a nationwide road hazard warranty on all brands of tires.
“Say you hit something on the road that ruins the tire; it means it will be replaced for free depending on how long it has been on a vehicle,” said Cobb. “They may prorate it depending on how long the tires have been on but it will still save you a bunch of money.”
Right now, there are specials on several winter tires available. With the winter weather and high demand, it may be difficult to find certain tires.
“Ideally, you don’t want to be waiting until the middle of December to be putting on tires — ideally that happens in the fall,” said Cobb.
“That being said, we are still able to help people out if they make an appointment to come in.”
Bradford Tire Center is usually booked one to two weeks into the future. To set up an appointment, call (814) 558-9694.
