Tires and tire care play a major role in vehicle safety. Even so, many vehicle owners seem to neglect tires when it comes to regular care. As such, a good number of people are driving around with tires on their vehicle that are overinflated, underinflated, misaligned, balding and/or dry-rotted. Each one of these conditions are a hazard to driving and can cause a very serious accident. Do you check the air pressure on your tires once a month? This is one of a few tire care tips we will be sharing here to help you get the full life out of your tires while keeping you and your passengers safe.
Tip #1 – Regularly Check Tire Air Pressure
It’s a simple task that should be done once a month and probably takes 5 minutes to complete. Properly inflated tires will improve vehicle handling allowing the tires to wear evenly. Tires that are underinflated or overinflated put you at greater risk of a blow-out or an accident. Driving around on tires that have too little air also wastes gas. Weather temperatures affect the amount of pressure in your tires. The tire pressure is lower when you start your vehicle in the morning and increases as you begin to drive. Ever notice the tire air pressure warning light coming on in the winter? That’s because the colder temperatures cause a loss of tire pressure that trigger this warning light. Remember to check your tires when they are cold and to inflate them to the air pressure that’s noted on the label inside the driver’s side door (do not inflate to the pressure that’s indicated on the tire sidewall).
Tip #2 – Have Tires Rotated Regularly
Every time you have the oil and filter changed in your vehicle (every 5,000 to 8,000 miles), have the tires rotated too. Tire rotation is an important step in making sure tires are wearing down evenly. When tire rotations are neglected, vehicle owners will notice that some tires are balding before others. If your vehicle tires are wearing out unevenly, have them replaced. For safety measures, you should replace all 4 tires at the same time. Not sure what type of tires to buy? Check out our post on buying new tires.
Tip #3 – Have the Vehicle Alignment and Suspension System Checked
If the tires are not aligned properly or there are problems with the steering or suspension system, the tires will wear out faster than they are designed. The suspension and steering systems on your vehicle keep the tires in contact with the road. When everything is working properly, you can go over bumps and turn corners without problems. Are you noticing excessive bounce or sway? Have us check the suspension system for you (schedule your appointment now). Tire alignments are equally important and should be performed at least once a year, when you buy new tires or if you hit a large pothole or a curb.
Tip #4 – Regularly Inspect Tires and Replace Them When They are Worn Down
Just like the tire air pressure, a visual inspection of your tires should be done once a month. Take note of the tread depth, whether or not the tires are wearing evenly, and/or if they are showing signs of bulging or dry rot. Replace tires when they need to be replaced.
Luke’s Auto Service in Verona, New Jersey, Can Assist with Your Tire Care and Maintenance
By adhering to the tips we listed in this post, you should be able to get the expected life out of your tires. When it’s time for them to be replaced, give us a call. We carry all sorts of tire brands and can help you select the right tires for your vehicle and budget. We will then mount and balance your new tires using state-of-the-art Hunter equipment. Hunter is top-of-the-line when it comes to tire equipment.