The most important aspect of tire maintenance is proper inflation of
your tires. 75% of drivers wash their cars monthly while only 1 out of 7
(14%) correctly checks tire pressure. The air pressure should be
checked on all tires, including the spare, at least once a month. To
help you remember, sign
up for free monthly email reminders from TireSafety.com.
Regular rotation of your tires will also help prevent irregular and
premature wear. 40% of drivers have not rotated their tires within the
recommended interval of at least 8,000 miles. A healthy habit many
people follow is to rotate their tires with every oil change. This
section contains explanations
of various rotation methods.
Repair is the final area of maintenance covered in this area. There are
occasions where tires can be repaired and others where they should
not be. When in doubt about reparability consult your tire
professional.
Nitrogen Tire Inflation
Get lifetime nitrogen at $7.50 per tire.
NASA, the U.S. Military, Boeing, Indy, and NASCAR race teams use nitrogen in their tires, so why not you?
Nitrogen is an inert, dry, non-flammable gas that's all around us. The air we breathe is 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and small amounts of other gasses.
With nitrogen, you get:
- Better pressure retention
- Improved handling
- Higher fuel economy
- Enhanced safety and reliability
- Longer tire life
Road Hazard Program
You drive a lot. It would be nice if every surface you drove on were perfectly paved. But this isn't always the case. The nails, glass, and potholes that you drive over from time to time help speed up the wear and tear of the treads. Sooner or later, you'll be driving a road hazard.
As a driver, you may want to consider the additional security and peace of mind that the Sonsio Road Hazard Program provides. Here are some good reasons to get Road Hazard coverage:
- Your damaged tire is NOT covered by the tire manufacturer's warranty.
- The cost of your tire repairs or tire replacement is covered.
- You're covered throughout the United States.
- You receive help to change your flat tire.
Towing
Lucas Tires offers Towing service!
Lucas Tires has been working hand in hand with Go-Go Towing since 1999 to help get your car into the shop for all your automotive repairs!
-24/7 Towing Services!
-Flatbed Tow Service Available
Contact Go-Go- Towing by phone at 773-430-0062
Don't deal with 2 different bills! We will add the tow to your Lucas Tire ticket!
Rates $59.00 Hook-Up + $3.00 per mile
Lucas Tires has been working hand in hand with Go-Go Towing since 1999 to help get your car into the shop for all your automotive repairs!
-24/7 Towing Services!
-Flatbed Tow Service Available
Contact Go-Go- Towing by phone at 773-430-0062
Don't deal with 2 different bills! We will add the tow to your Lucas Tire ticket!
Rates $59.00 Hook-Up + $3.00 per mile
Car Care Club Program
Car Care Club Program! Save $426!
Save $426 on services and repairs! By signing up for the Car Care Club Program you will receive multiple oil changes, free rotations, inspections over the duration of a year for only $99.99!
Save $426 on services and repairs! By signing up for the Car Care Club Program you will receive multiple oil changes, free rotations, inspections over the duration of a year for only $99.99!
Services » Batteries
Let's face it: you can have the most meticulously maintained vehicle
on the road, but it won't start without the right battery, properly
installed and appropriately fitted for your driving needs. From ignition
to door locks, your car battery is the catalyzing force that allows you
to get from point A to point B. The following is a brief overview of
the electrical system that makes transportation possible:
1. Battery
Composed of a series of lead plates submerged in a 35% sulfuric acid/65% water solution, your 12-volt battery houses a chemical reaction that releases electrons through conductors, producing electricity which is then channeled into your vehicle's electrical system. When your car's engine is off, the battery supplies electricity to all of the electrical system components, including the essential power required to start your vehicle. In periods of high demand, the battery also supplements power from the charging system.2. Charging System
The charging system is life force of your vehicle's electrical system, consisting of three main mechanisms: the alternator, various circuits, and the voltage regulator. The alternator has two roles. It: a) provides power to the electrical system, and b) recharges the battery after the car has started. The various circuits act as conduits for electrical power, and the voltage regulator controls the voltage passed through these circuits. Remember, all of these components require consistent attention and maintenance. It's not just your battery that needs to be replaced every so often; if one of these components should fail, that pulsating power source is now reduced to a lifeless, twenty pound paper weight.3. Starting System:
It may seem obvious that the starting system turns your vehicle's engine on, but did you know that this process consumes much more electrical power than anything else your car does? That's because the starting system consists of three components working one after another. Here's how it works: there's the ignition switch, the starter relay (or solenoid), and the starter motor. Turning the key causes a small amount of current to pass through the starter relay, allowing a stronger current to flow through the battery cables and into the starter motor. The starter motor cranks the engine, forcing the piston to create enough suction that draws a fuel and air mixture into the cylinder. The ignition system creates a spark that ignites the mixture, and combustion is born.Custom Wheels and Tires For Your Chicago Ride
It seems like
everywhere you go in the Chicago area you see custom wheels. Big trucks,
little cars, mini-vans - it doesn't matter, people are expressing
themselves with custom wheels. Some people want smaller tires and wheels
- some want larger - and some want them enormous. So where do you start
if you want new wheels? We suggest you start with your budget. We
know, that sounds so practical. But if the look you're after goes beyond
just new tires and wheels and enters into the world of suspension modifications, you need to be prepared for the additional cost.
Let's start with something easy - you want to give your ride a unique look and the stock wheel size is just right for you. One of the concerns you will have is that the new wheels have the same offset as your factory wheels.
First, what is offset? The wheel bolts onto the hub on the car's axle. The distance from the inside edge of the wheel to the point at which it bolts on, is the offset. If the new wheel has a different offset from the factory, the tires may rub on the inside or outside of the wheel well. That could lead to catastrophic tire failure.
Your tire and wheel professional at Lucas Tires can help you find the right size wheel - or install adapters to make your new wheels fit. All you have to do is pick from the hundreds of styles available.
It is also important to keep the same overall tire diameter because changing the rolling diameter can mess with your anti-lock brakes and stability control systems. Are you starting to see why you want to consult with a tire and wheel expert at Lucas Tires? Is "super-size me" your motto? If it is, you are going to have to lift your vehicle to make room for those huge tires. A mild lift doesn't require extensive modifications. An extreme lift means a lot of new hardware under the vehicle. It also means a lot of stock electronic systems need to be recalibrated to the new tire size. For example, your speedometer and odometer will give false readings if they aren't recalibrated.
You should also be aware of possible performance issues. Bigger tires and wheels weigh more. Experts refer to this as unsprung weight because it isn't held up by your suspension system. Increased unsprung weight affects performance in different ways than an equivalent amount of groceries or little soccer players in the passenger compartment. Acceleration is negatively affected. Stopping distances may also be increased - sometimes dramatically. If you want really big tires and wheels, you might need to upgrade your brakes to compensate.
Heading the other direction, some folks like to run smaller than standard wheels and lower the suspension. All of the same fitment issues still apply as well as calibration issues. Don't think that suspension modifications are a bad thing. Many systems actually improve ride, function and performance over the stock set-up.
Regardless of your budget, you want your vehicle to continue to do all the things you need it to do. Some of those show cars and trucks you see on TV look fantastic, but have been modified in ways that may not suit your needs. For example, if you put large rims on your SUV with low profile tires, you may be in for busted rims if you go off-roading a lot. There just isn't enough sidewall to absorb the impact of thumping over rocks.
Some people stuff the largest tires and wheels possible in their vehicles but have to severely restrict suspension travel so that the tires aren't rubbing all day. That can lead to a very harsh ride. Again, talk with your wheel professional about all of these things: how you drive, what look you are going for, your budget and what compromises you are willing to make.
At the end of the day, you're going to be rollin' out of there with one sweet ride.
Let's start with something easy - you want to give your ride a unique look and the stock wheel size is just right for you. One of the concerns you will have is that the new wheels have the same offset as your factory wheels.
First, what is offset? The wheel bolts onto the hub on the car's axle. The distance from the inside edge of the wheel to the point at which it bolts on, is the offset. If the new wheel has a different offset from the factory, the tires may rub on the inside or outside of the wheel well. That could lead to catastrophic tire failure.
Your tire and wheel professional at Lucas Tires can help you find the right size wheel - or install adapters to make your new wheels fit. All you have to do is pick from the hundreds of styles available.
Lucas TiresSo, what if you want to upsize? Well, if it is just bigger wheels you want, but you want to keep the same overall tire diameter, that's pretty easy. The same offset concerns apply. You need to know that the tires will likely be a little bit wider than the originals and could rub when you make sharp turns. Your tire professional at Lucas Tires will help you avoid this.
3501 N Western Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60618
(773) 528-2212
It is also important to keep the same overall tire diameter because changing the rolling diameter can mess with your anti-lock brakes and stability control systems. Are you starting to see why you want to consult with a tire and wheel expert at Lucas Tires? Is "super-size me" your motto? If it is, you are going to have to lift your vehicle to make room for those huge tires. A mild lift doesn't require extensive modifications. An extreme lift means a lot of new hardware under the vehicle. It also means a lot of stock electronic systems need to be recalibrated to the new tire size. For example, your speedometer and odometer will give false readings if they aren't recalibrated.
You should also be aware of possible performance issues. Bigger tires and wheels weigh more. Experts refer to this as unsprung weight because it isn't held up by your suspension system. Increased unsprung weight affects performance in different ways than an equivalent amount of groceries or little soccer players in the passenger compartment. Acceleration is negatively affected. Stopping distances may also be increased - sometimes dramatically. If you want really big tires and wheels, you might need to upgrade your brakes to compensate.
Heading the other direction, some folks like to run smaller than standard wheels and lower the suspension. All of the same fitment issues still apply as well as calibration issues. Don't think that suspension modifications are a bad thing. Many systems actually improve ride, function and performance over the stock set-up.
Regardless of your budget, you want your vehicle to continue to do all the things you need it to do. Some of those show cars and trucks you see on TV look fantastic, but have been modified in ways that may not suit your needs. For example, if you put large rims on your SUV with low profile tires, you may be in for busted rims if you go off-roading a lot. There just isn't enough sidewall to absorb the impact of thumping over rocks.
Some people stuff the largest tires and wheels possible in their vehicles but have to severely restrict suspension travel so that the tires aren't rubbing all day. That can lead to a very harsh ride. Again, talk with your wheel professional about all of these things: how you drive, what look you are going for, your budget and what compromises you are willing to make.
At the end of the day, you're going to be rollin' out of there with one sweet ride.
We offer a wide variety of repair and maintenance services for your
vehicle. Our professional staff is trained to handle most any situatio,
and help prevent many of them from happening. Here is a summary of our
most popular services.
Tires & Wheels » Warranties
We now also sell extended warranties!
We sell warranties that cover all non-maintenance items!
We have prices that are almost always guaranteed to be cheaper than anyone else!
Our warranties are claimed through PVP Warranty Company!
Coverage from 2 years to 4 years or 24k miles to 60k miles!
As low as a $200 deductible!
Ask about our new Extended Warranty Today!!!
We honor most extended warranties.
You don't pay the deductible—we do! We pay up to $100!
-
Contact us with your policy information.
-
Bring your car in with the extended warranty information.
-
Receive towing and road services
-
Take advantage of rental services
Tires & Wheels » Where to Start
Do you know what you are looking for? Well, if you are a little confused you have come to the right place.
1.) Welcome to Lucas Tire, I see you are looking for Tires. If you know your tire size already then you can skip to step 2. You can start by finding a Tire Size by clicking the Find Your Tire Size link. Input your cars information and it will output you with a number. (xxx/xxRxx) You may also find the tire size on the outside of your tires if you are missing any of the information needed.
2.) Now that you found a tire size you can do one of two things. You can either click the Tires & Wheels link and browse for possible options, or you can call one of our many tire specialists at (773) 528-2212. We can help you find the perfect tire for your vehicle.
3.) Finally, you must stop by and let our tire specialists take care of you. We will equip your car with your new tires and send you happily on your way with our guarenteed low prices.
Air Conditioning Services
It's the first hot day of the summer. Uncomfortably shifting in your seat, you turn on that long-neglected AC knob, only to discover an unwelcome blast of warm air streaming out from the vents. A bad situation made worse: that's when you turn to us—your air conditioning service and repair headquarters. Did you know that without regular maintenance an air conditioner loses about 5% of its original efficiency per year? This means that without proper maintenance, your air conditioning unit may be performing as poorly as other models that are years older! But there is good news: you can still recover most of that lost efficiency. Schedule an appointment with one of our factory-trained professionals—we understand all aspects of AC repair, from modern computerized components to environmental disposal concerns. Today's AC systems are fairly complex, and new improvements are always being initiated. That's why you need to turn to us, the qualified source for everything related to your air conditioning system. The following is a brief schematic of some of the basic components that comprise this system:
Compressor:
- The compressor is a belt-driven device that derives its name from compressing refrigerant gas and transferring it into the condenser. While basically acting as a simple pump, the compressor is the core of your vehicle's air conditioning system.
Condenser:
- The condenser's primary function is to cool the refrigerant. It is a heat dissipating apparatus that radiates heat released by compressed gases and condenses them into high pressure liquids. The location of your condenser depends on how new your car is, but typically it's found at the front of the vehicle, directly in front of the engine cooling radiator.
Receiver (drier):
- The receiver is a metal container that serves as a storage receptacle for the refrigerant. It's also referred to as a drier because it absorbs moisture from the refrigerant and filters out particles of debris and harmful acids that would otherwise harm your AC system. Commonly located on the liquid line of the AC system, you should change your drier every 3-4 years to insure quality filtration and prevent any damage caused by these detrimental chemicals.
Orifice tube/expansion valve:
- The orifice tube (also known as the expansion valve) is a controlling mechanism that regulates the flow of refrigerant throughout the system. In addition to this, it also converts high pressure liquid refrigerant (from the condenser) into a low pressure liquid, so that it can enter the evaporator. Generally located at the evaporator inlet, the orifice tube could also be found between the condenser and the evaporator, or in the outlet of the condenser.
Evaporator
- The evaporator is designed to remove heat from the inside of your vehicle; therefore it's a heat exchanger that's vital to your vehicle's AC system (not to mention your comfort). The evaporator allows the refrigerant to absorb heat, causing it to boil and change into a vapor. When this occurs, the vapor is removed from the evaporator by the compressor, cooling your car and reducing humidity. Because the evaporator houses the most refrigerant in this heat transfer process, it is the most susceptible to corrosion by harmful acids. Usually this damages the evaporator beyond repair, which is why it's imperative you see us to prevent this from happening.
Oil Change Club
You can join our Oil Change club with the purchase of four tires, and get 4 oil changes for just $49.90! That's $12.48 apiece!
You receive:
- Premier 29 pt. courtesy check
- Drain and renew engine oil and oil filter (multigrade)*
- Adjust tire pressure
- Review tire depth and wear
- Check and top off all fluid levels
- Test antifreeze for freeze point and for pH.
- Reset maintenance light (if equipped)
- PCV, emission system
- Air breather and filter
- Belts and hoses
- Coolant fan operation
- Suspension and steering components
- Exterior and interior lighting
- Exhaust system
- Brake lines, hose and fluid
*Synthetic oil costs extra
More information here!
About Our Company
vested in the communities that it serves.
We're not a national chain—just a regular mom and pop shop that believes in good, old fashioned customer service. In fact, my daughters, Gineen and Melissa, and I are around the shop pretty regularly, so you'll actually get to meet us.
We also know a little bit about the business we're in because our staff combined has a couple hundred years of experience. Here are some of our qualifications:
- ASE (Automotive Service Excellence)-certified technicians
- BFGoodrich T/A (Top Achievers) Certification
- Bridgestone/Firestone Pro Certification Program
- Present Director of Northcenter Chamber of Commerce
- Former President of the Illinois Tire Dealers Association
- Former National Director of the National Tire Dealers Association
- Former member of Michelin's Dealer Advisory Council
- Former member of BFGoodrich's Dealer Advisory Council
- Former member of Uniroyal Dealer Advisory Council
We've always believed in providing our customers with top-of-the-line products at affordable prices and expert vehicle repair. Not only will you get all this, but you'll also get plenty of personal service. We actually talk to you. And we're good listeners, too.
To us, you're not just another number. You're our customer. And we focus on you and your needs.
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