Tires are an important part of your car, and need proper care and maintenance to keep your vehicle working as intended. By following these simple steps, maintaining your tires will be an easy feat.
Rotate your tires
Tire rotation is a crucial part of maintenance, and it should be performed on a regular basis every 5,000-7000 miles. It is performed by removing each wheel and placing it in a different location on the vehicle to ensure even wear and tear. A tire professional should inspect the tires during each rotation.
Have your wheels balanced
Every 15,000 miles, you should have a trained technician balance your wheels. By ensuring that the wheels are properly aligned and that the car's weight is evenly distributed, you can lengthen the life span of your tires.
Measure your tread depth
Deep treads are crucial for your tires to grip the road and give you proper control of the vehicle. You can test the tread of your tires with the "Quarter Test," which involves finding the shallowest tread on your tire and inserting the quarter headfirst. If all of George Washington's head is visible, your tire's tread is below 4/32" and it will need to be replaced soon.
Inspect your spare tire
It's important that you maintain your spare wheel in addition to those in use, just in case you're ever in a situation where you need it. You should visually check for cracks or wear on the tire itself, ensure that the tire is at an appropriate pressure, and make sure that the manufacture date is within the last 10 years.
Check your air pressure
A monthly air pressure check is important for improving fuel efficiency and tire lifespan. For accurate results, you can use a quality tire pressure gauge in the morning before the vehicle has been driven, and compare this with the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. All vehicles made since 2007 have Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), which should also be serviced and maintained at a credible auto repair shop.
Get your wheel alignment checked
You should annually take your car in to have the alignment of the wheels checked. Proper alignment ensures that you have full steering control.
Properly repair your flat tire
In the past, many dangerous methods were used to repair flat tires. In the present, some auto maintenance providers still use hazardous string or fabric-based plugs. Improper tire repair is dangerous to you, and the risk is never worth the convenience. You should find a technician who will inspect and plug the tire from the inside-out in line with the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association's outlined methods, and if they deem the repair unsafe you should replace the tire.
Building a habit of maintaining your tires is simple and easy to learn, and the benefits of proper maintenance are enormous. Having properly maintained tires on your car can keep you safe and drastically reduce maintenance and repair costs in the long run. If your car needs new tires, we invite you to drive your vehicle to Ripley's Total Car Care today!