Last Updated on February 25, 2018 by Alaina Bullock
Tire Care Tips: Staying Safe While Driving
Spring showers not only bring Summer flowers, they also bring wet conditions for driving. Keep your tires in tip-top shape for Spring driving with these easy tire care tips!
Check Air Pressure
Most tire blow outs are caused by the tire being under inflated. Avoid this by checking your tire pressure on a regular basis. Also keep in mind that the change in temperature from cold to warm will affect the amount of pressure in your tires, another reason why Spring is a good time to check your tires! To find the correct pressure for your vehicle, check your owner’s manual, the glove box door, the fuel door or the door post. Do not go by what it written on the tires as that is the recommended pressure for that tire, not your car.
Check Balance and Alignment
Ensuring your tires have the right balance and adjustment can help prevent unnecessary tire wear and protect against skidding and hydroplaning in wet weather. If your car pulls to one side while driving, that can be a sign that your tires need alignment. But don’t wait for that to happen. Alignment and balancing should be part of your car’s regular maintenance routine. When you take your car in for it’s preventative maintenance before the seasons change, ask them to check your tires as well. And while driving, take care not to hit potholes or bump curves as these can knock your tires out of alignment and even damage your tire permanently.
Tire Rotation
Another important part of tire care is making sure you rotate your tires. This helps prevent irregular wear on your tires. A good rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated every 5000 miles, although you should always check your owner’s manual to see what is best for your particular vehicle.
Keep an Eye on the Tread Wear
You should also keep an eye on the amount of tread on each tire. The more tread a tire has the better it will perform. Low tread can lead to unsafe driving conditions, especially in the rain. New tires typically come with 10/32” or 11/32” tread depths, although some truck, SUV and winter tires may have deeper tread depths. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends replacing tires when they reach 2/32”. in fact, many states actually legally require tires to be replaced at this depth as well! Experts recommend checking your tread at least once a month. The easiest way to do this yourself is by using the penny test. Simply insert a penny into the tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 inch and it’s time to replace your tires.
Check for Signs or Wear or Damage
Visually check the appearance of your tires on a regular basis. If there are signs of severe damage or wear, you should have them replaced before they cause a serious problem to you and your family during the drive. And if you are not sure what to look for, service professionals such as those at Thunder Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep RAM, can take a look and advise you on what you need.
In Summary
Getting the most out of your tires is really pretty simple. Take care of your tires using the above tire care tips and they’ll reward you with better gas mileage and improved handling and performance.