Tire Safety and Maintenance Tips
Think of your tires as the legs of your car. You wouldn’t go for a run if you were feeling worn out and tired. All tires wear out over the miles you drive, but did you know that this could shorten the lifespan of those tires and interfering with your safety on the road? You take care of your car, so why not show your tires some love too! Here are some tire safety and maintenance tips to help the health of your tires.
1. Checking Tire Pressure
Properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy and overall tire performance. If you’re unsure of how much air pressure your tires need, check the information in your vehicle’s driver’s manual or your owner’s manual. These numbers should be checked at least once a month, or immediately if the tire pressure light appears on your dashboard.
Tire pressure gauges are a great tool to use to check your pressure at home. This can also be helpful during major temperature drops. Tire pressure can increase in warm weather, and decrease in cool weather. Check your tires every time you fill up at the gas station and make sure that they are properly inflated.
2. Use Your Eyes
The best way to maintain the safety of your tires is a visual inspection by an experienced service pro. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration recommends inspecting your tires every few weeks for any signs of damage or excessive wear that may be leading to unsafe driving conditions. The best time to do this is right before you get in the car; this way you can address any problem areas before they become a much bigger problem.
Things to look out for include deflation, punctures, and wear and tear on tire traction.
3. Remember to love your spare
When driving your car, you should always make sure that your tires are properly inflated and free from any damage. When you regularly inspect the tires on your vehicle, don’t forget to check the spare! You never know when you might need it. It is also important to learn how to change a flat tire to keep your car safe on the road and repair any damages.
4. Checking your alignment every year
Even one pothole can damage your car’s alignment, causing it to pull to one side. Similarly, unevenly worn tires can cause a shimmy in your steering wheel. Have the wheel alignment checked about once a year or sooner if you notice any problems with your vehicle. You may also want to consider a tire rotation—it helps all your tires wear evenly and helps keep fuel efficiency symmetrical.
6. Rotating your tires is important
Did you know tire rotation is part of your car’s recommended maintenance? It’s true! Tire rotation is an important component of regular vehicle maintenance and can help prevent irregular or uneven wear on tires—two things that could lead to dangerous accidents or costly repairs. This should usually be done every 5000 to 8000 miles.
7. Is it time for new tires?
It’s easy to tell if your tires are ready for replacement. You should check them at least once a month, but it’s even better if you can do this every time you fill up on gas. You can check easily using the famous Penny test!
Just grab a penny and insert it between the tread of the tire. Make sure that Lincoln’s head is upside down facing you. If any part of the head is hidden, you’ve still got time before your tires need to be changes. If the top of the head is visible, it’s definitely time to have those tires replaced.
Get Tire Safety Support at C & G Auto
Here at C&G Atuo, we care about your car’s health. We know that even with these tire safety and maintenance tips, you may be unsure. Contact us and/or check out more about how we can help you at C&G Auto and Truck.