How to Choose the Right Reno Truck or SUV Tires

Deciding which tires to put on your truck or SUV is no easy task. There are so many things to consider, such as price, size and durability. However, you should be aware that tire specifications can also affect your vehicle’s performance and safety. So, when it comes to choosing the right Reno truck tires to put on your vehicle, use these tips to make the process easier.

How the Wrong Tires Can Affect Your Vehicle

Functionality 

One of the most important tire specifications to consider when purchasing new tires for your truck or SUV is tire size. Not only do tires with an incorrect outer diameter not fit your rims, but having the wrong size tire can also damage other necessary systems in your vehicle. For instance, torque, traction control and gear settings are all dependent on the distance that a wheel travels within one rotation. Unfortunately, this often results in damage to these key systems and negatively affects your vehicle’s functionality. 

Handling and Stress

Tire size can also affect the weight distribution and handling of your vehicle. By having the wrong size tire supporting your truck or SUV, you’ll notice how difficult it is to control the direction and rotation of your vehicle. Also, incorrect tire size can put more stress on your vehicle’s transmission or differential, which can be costly to repair. 

Gas Mileage 

Lastly, tire size affects things such as gas mileage and speedometer and odometer readings. Often, improper tire sizes will make readings of speed, gas mileage, and mileage less accurate. Instead of having tires that are either too small or too large, be sure to find the tire size that best fits your truck or SUV.

When to Purchase New Tires

So, now that you know how important proper tire size is for your vehicle, you need to know when is the right time to buy new tires. Fortunately, there are many indicators that can help you determine when it’s time to replace those old, worn out tires. For example, tires should be replaced not necessarily based on a specific time frame, but based on the amount of wear visible on the tire. Based off of the average time frame, it’s suggested that you have your tires replaced every 5-6 years. However, if you drive your vehicle less often, you can go a little longer. But, be aware that you should never go longer than 10 years without replacing your tires. This is because rubber will naturally deteriorate over time regardless of wear. 

Tread Test and Wear Bars

In order to determine how worn your tires are, you can use what’s known as the “penny test”. The penny test is simple. All you need to do is take a penny and place it with Abe Lincoln’s head facing down in between the tire treads. If any part of Abe’s head is covered, then your tires are fine. If you can see all of Abe’s head, then you’re in need of new tires. Another way you can check the wear on your tires is by looking at the tread wear indicator bars. These are located at the base of the main grooves and are found equally spaced around the tire. If you can see the wear bars, this means it’s time to replace your tires.

Sidewall Damage

The sidewalls on your vehicle’s tires are more important than you may think. If damage such as cracks or grooves appear in the sidewall, be sure to replace the tire as soon as possible. Cracks and grooves can cause leaks, or be an indicator that your tire is on the verge of a blowout. Also be sure to look for bulges or blisters which are also visible on the sidewall. To find these, look for any spots that extend outward from the rest of the tire’s surface. These will often cause weak spots in your tire which could lead to a blowout.

How to Choose the Best Tires for Your Vehicle

When deciding which Reno truck tires to put on your truck or SUV, keep in mind that it’s about more than just finding the right size. Also be sure to pay attention to tire codes, types of tires, price, and fuel economy. 

Tire Codes

Tire codes are the numbers that run along the sidewall of your tires. They indicate the tire’s specifications, or information. The codes indicate the tire type, width, aspect ratio, construction, wheel diameter, load index and speed rating.

Types of Tires

The type of tires that you purchase should be based on the size of your vehicle, your performance needs, the climate you’re driving in, and driving conditions. Consider the following types of tires:

• Summer
• All-Season
• On/Off-Road
• Winter/Snow
• Trailer

Price and Fuel Economy

The price of new Reno truck tires typically depends on size, quality, and brand. So, keep that in mind when buying new tires. 

And lastly, consider your vehicle’s fuel economy. With how expensive fuel is, and how important it is to maintain the environment, most major companies have started creating tires that increase fuel efficiency. This is not only a good decision for your wallet, but for the environment too!

Reno Truck Tires from TSA Custom Car and Truck

If you’re in need of new tires, then contact TSA Custom Car and Truck for the best Reno truck tires. We have a variety of tire brands and sizes, fit for almost any vehicle. And, if you’re still having a tough time picking the best tires, just ask our expert staff!

Connect with us today!

We’ve Got You Covered – Truck Bed Covers Reno

One of the best truck accessories you can buy for your vehicle is a camper shell or truck bed cover. They are ideal components to add to your truck if you’re looking for extra security and protection and can provide more utility to your vehicle. At TSA Custom Cars and Trucks, we have the best selection of camper shells and truck bed covers in Reno. See for yourself how a truck bed cover can enhance your vehicle and protect the items you leave stored in it. 

Camper Shells

Camper shells, also called truck caps, are a great way to add utility to your truck and get the extra security you need to keep your important belongings safe. Not only do camper shells provide coverage for your valuables, but they also protect your truck’s bed from damage caused by poor weather conditions. And luckily, they are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles, and materials to properly fit your truck’s specific make and model. 

While camper shells give trucks an SUV look, they don’t take away from the usability of your truck’s bed. Camper shells can be extremely useful for avid and novice campers as they provide a covered area for sleeping that goes beyond tent camping because it better protects from wind and rain. These shells are also great for those who like to travel with their pets but don’t want them ruining the interior of the truck’s cab. A camper shell keeps animals, such as dogs, perfectly safe while driving, and keeps your truck’s interior clean. And if you store tools for work in your truck bed, a camper shell protects and secures these items from inclement weather and out of sight from potential burglars. 

Flat Truck Bed Covers 

Flat truck bed covers, also called tonneau covers, are covers that lay flat over the top of your truck’s bed. These covers are generally used in trucks where the height of their cargo fits into the existing bed space. Another reason you would opt for the tonneau cover is if you often carry items that would be too tall for a camper shell. Because tonneau covers are simple and easy to remove they are a great option for those who often haul tall or large items. Tonneau covers also come in a variety of different styles and materials making them very versatile. See below to determine which cover would work best for you and your truck.  

Folding Covers

Folding tonneau covers are popular because of their easy use and effectiveness for keeping belongings guarded and the truck bed safe from poor weather conditions. These covers usually have either two or three panels which can be folded back in order to gain access to the bed of the truck. And because tonneau covers fold all the way back, removal isn’t necessary for carrying taller items in the bed. 

Another benefit of folding covers is that they come in soft or hard materials, each having their own benefits. Soft folding covers allow easy access to the truck bed and can be fully removed with ease. Likewise, hardcovers are also easy to use, but they add an extra element of security when paired with a truck bed equipped with a locking tailgate. Soft and hard folding tonneau covers sit almost seamlessly above the truck bed for a smooth finished look. 

Roll-Up Covers

Roll-up covers function just as their name implies. They roll-up from the back of the truck bed to the front in order to access the bed of the truck. These tonneau covers provide adequate protection for the truck bed and easy access for carrying taller items. Installation is also easy and non-damaging to your vehicle. The frame of this cover clamps to the truck bed without drilling and can be removed with ease. 

Retractable Covers

Retractable tonneau covers are able to retract into the front of the truck bed, which is the area closest to the cab of the truck. These covers are able to fully retract and leave the truck bed completely open which means there’s no need to remove the cover to gain access to the bed. Some retractable tonneau covers can even be motorized and are controlled using a remote for effortless operation. Like most tonneau covers, the retractable covers also come in various materials such as vinyl or aluminum. Another type of retractable cover is made from a  polycarbonate surface which is placed over a retractable reinforcing structure. These covers sit flat over the truck’s bed to provide a clean appearance and make the cover practically unnoticeable. 

Hinged Covers

Hinged covers are used by lifting up the cover in order to gain access to the bed. They can be made with either soft or hard materials ranging from fiberglass and hard plastic to soft vinyl or cloth. The hardcovers can also be painted to perfectly match the color of your truck making them a seamless addition to your vehicle. Another benefit of hinged covers is that they offer complete weather protection and keep the bed of your truck free of damage caused by rain and snow. These covers provide extra security with a lock that protects the truck bed and prevents the tailgate from being opened. And if you need to remove the cover to fit large items in the truck bed, it’s easy to remove, and easy to re-install.   

Truck Bed Covers Reno

TSA Custom Cars and Trucks has a large selection of camper shells and truck bed covers in Reno. Their team can help you find the perfect cover for your truck based on your budget, style preferences, and the ease of operation. If you’re looking for added security and protection, a truck bed cover could be the solution you need. Take a look at our camper shell and truck bed cover options today!

Custom Car Accessories You Must Have

Adding custom car accessories to your vehicle has many benefits. They can improve the overall performance of your car, increase its resale value, and some can even protect your car’s interior or exterior. If you want a new custom look for your car, then check out these accessories.

Paint Protection

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your car can be accomplished with paint protection. Paint protection film is an invisible shield made from thermoplastic urethane that protects you car’s paint. It’s no surprise that through inclement weather and constant use of your car, it’s going to suffer some paint deterioration. The paint protection helps prevent against:

• Scratches
• Small abrasions
• Bugs and insects
• Winter sand and salts
• Stone chips and other small road debris 

Adding paint protection to your vehicle is simple and effective. It leaves your car looking great, and even adds to the resale value of your vehicle.

Custom Wheels And Tires

If you really want to give your car a makeover, but want to do it simply and cost effective to you, then consider getting new wheels and tires put on. They can improve the look and feel of your car and are completely customizable. And while enhancing the look of your vehicle is the number one reason for installing new wheels and tires, there are other benefits too. New wheels and tires can provide better performance as well. And if you’re planning on selling your car, they can also increase its value. So, whether you want improved performance, luxury, or style, wheels and tires are a great way to achieve this. TSA has over 20 brands of wheels and tires, check them out today. 

Leather Car Seat Upholstery

You can enhance the interior of your vehicle by changing out those cloth seats or old leather seats with brand new leather car seat upholstery. At TSA, we’re able to give your car the look and feel of a luxury vehicle, without the price of purchasing one. Our leather car seat upholstery services are tailor-made and custom fit exclusively for your vehicle. All leather comes from Katzkin, who makes luxury leather for vehicle upholstery. 

Leather not only looks and feels great, but Katzkin leather is also durable and super easy to clean. They protect your seats from spills and stains, and clean up is very simple. Another bonus to having leather car seats is that it’ll help regulate your body temperature, which is good in cases of severe hot or cold weather.

Check out the Design Selector from Katzkin to find the custom luxury leather perfect for you!

Remote Car Starter

As far as custom car accessories go, remote car starters have become a must have. The luxury of being able to start your car from the warmth of your home on a frigid and frosty morning really makes this addition worth it. No one enjoys rushing out to start their car early in the morning just to run back inside for another 10 minutes, which is why having a remote car starter is so nice.

TSA has chosen Compustar as its leading provider for remote car starters. These remote starters are compatible with just about every vehicle, even those with manual engines. 

Cold Air Intakes

While most engine modifications are costly and ineffective, cold air intakes are different. This engine accessory is fairly inexpensive and easy to install. Cold air intakes move the air filter outside the engine so that cooler air can enter the engine to combust. This makes your car more powerful because colder air is more dense, which means better combustion. This ultimately results in more power coming out of your engine, making your car’s performance much better. 

TSA Custom Car and Truck Accessories Reno

TSA Custom Car and Truck has some of the best custom car and truck accessories available in Reno, Carson City, and Tahoe. Whether you’re interested in new leather upholstery seats, custom wheels and tires, or want to install a remote car starter, we can help. Do you drive a truck? We have a vast selection of custom Reno accessories for trucks. Connect with us today and see how we can help you get your car looking and feeling like new. Call us at 775.883.0477.

8 Top Custom Truck Accessories

In Reno, we pride ourself on our trucks. Whether you need your truck to be decked out for hauling tools and supplies, or fitted for conquering the muddy trails of the Sierra outback. Here is a list of the top 8 custom Reno truck accessories you should have. 

At TSA Custom Car & Truck, we have all the custom accessories for trucks and cars to make your car your dream car a reality.

CALL US TODAY: 775-883-0477

Paint Protection

If you use your truck to the fullest, then you probably get more than a little mud on it. Paint protection is the perfect Reno truck accessory for someone who wants to wear their work without it leaving a mark.

Air Intake

Increase the performance of your truck with cold air intakes. This accessory allows dense, cold air to enter the engine. Because cold air is dense, the combustions it makes is larger and more powerful. A more powerful combustion means a more powerful truck.

Exhausts Systems

Just like cold air intakes, performance exhausts provide the power.  Normal factory exhausts are bent, meaning air and gas have a harder time escaping. Many aftermarket truck accessories are better constructed to allow much more air and gas to escape. Your truck will run better than ever before.

Running Boards

Your truck isn’t complete without a pair of running boards. TSA Custom Car and Truck has a large inventory of running boards, including nerf, steps, and automatic folding boards. Make your life easier with the perfect running boards for you.

Driving/Fog Lamps

Keep those dark nights bright when traveling through Reno and the Sierras with driving/fog lamps. We’ll install them and make sure they will brighten up your drive.

Splash Guards

Your truck isn’t ready for mudding without some splash guards. Keep your paint protected from rocks and gravel as you tear through the mud, and look good doing it too.

Custom Wheels

Half the fun about upgrading your truck is making it feel like your own. Custom accessories for trucks like custom wheels are undoubtedly the first accessory all truck owners will upgrade. At TSA Custom Car and Truck, we carry a wide range of brands from American Eagle Wheel Corporation, Mickey Thompson, Large Rim Group, Fuel, ProComp, and Wheel Pros.

Custom Tires

You can’t just have custom wheels without our custom tires. Some of our premier brands include Toyo, Nitto, Firestone, Dunlop, and BF Goodrich, just to name a few. Once you have your tires picked out we’ll mount and balance them too.

See our full list of custom Reno truck accessories. Or, give us a call and we’ll help you get the part you want. TSA Custom Care and Truck has a vast selection of custom accessories for trucks and cars, contact us today!

CALL US TODAY: 775-883-0477

Know Before You Tow: TSA’s Towing Checklist | Truck Parts Reno

The Right Truck Parts for the Right Tow Job

It doesn’t take a truck enthusiast to know that towing is a huge deal. Whether you consider yourself a truck expert, or just a towing novice, knowing what you’ll need streamlines the task at hand. TSA has the ultimate selection of truck parts in the Reno and Carson City area. We have made a list comprising of all the towing products you’ll need, novice or not.

Cabover Tie Downs – Security and Stability

If you are looking to haul a camper, securing it with a cabover tie down will keep your camper steady and secure. There are two kinds of tie downs that can achieve this, bed-mounted and frame-mounted. Bed-mounted tie downs are cheaper, but over time their mediocre durability will wear down and even damage your truck bed. On the other hand, frame-mounted tie downs are both durable and strong, giving your truck the most stable foundation.

TSA carries a wide variety of camper tie downs including popular products such as TRUE Frame-mounted tie downs and FastGun turnbuckles. 

Hitches – Something you should get attached to

When it comes to towing, a good hitch is vital to the success of your job. Whether it be towing your ATVs or motorbikes out to the desert, your RV up to the Sierras, your boat out to the lake, or just hauling some building materials back home for a project, you’ll need a hitch that can pull its weight (literally!)

TSA Custom Car and Truck has a full selection of hitches ranging from Super Hitch to B&W Trailer Hitches. Ready to get hitched? Get your’s here!

Tow Bars should be on the front of your mind, and your truck

While a hitch is attached to the back of the car for towing, a tow bar is attached to the front of the vehicle or trailer being towed. And just like a hitch, a tow bar is just as important. TSA is the premier stop for all truck parts Reno.

Find something you need to check off your list? TSA will help you find the right truck part or custom accessories for trucks with our knowledgeable employees and extensive database.

Call us today: 775.883.0477