For many motorists, the benefits of properly maintained tires are not something on the top of the to-do list. It can be all too easy to forget about tire maintenance in the grand scheme of auto care. However, your tires are one of the most essential pieces of your car’s safety and lifetime. Properly maintained tires not only help maintain the life of your car, but they also work to keep you safe.
33,000 injuries are caused annually due to improperly maintained tires, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration. Keeping the proper inflation and tread depth is essential to your vehicle’s safety.
The good news is this: if you haven’t checked on your tires in a while, it’s easy to get into a habit and check on them regularly.
Check your inflation. Regularly checking on the inflation of your tires is hugely important for their lifetime and your safety. The first rule for this is to be sure to do it when your tires are cool. You can find the proper inflation guidelines in your owner’s manual and tire pressure information can usually be found on the inside of the driver’s door.
Why it’s important: Under-inflated tires can lead to stress and irregular wear. This means that you tires will not last as long, which can be more costly for you in the long-run, on top of the safety issues.
Be wary of warning signs. Have you noticed your tires are losing pressure quicker than normal? Are you getting less miles out of your tank? These are both signs of wear on your tires. If you notice any of these warnings, you may want to test the tread on your tires. You can do this with a penny. Place the top of Lincoln’s head down on the grooves- if you can see the top of his head, you tires are likely too low.
Why it’s important: Worn out tread is a huge safety issue for your car! When it is low, you do not get good traction with the surface as your tire rolls – this means rain or snow could be even more dangerous.
Pay attention to alignment: If you happen to notice your car is pulling to one side, vibrating or that your tires are rapidly wearing, you may need an alignment. A good rule of thumb for alignments and tire rotations is to have it done every 6,000 miles.
33,000 injuries are caused annually due to improperly maintained tires, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration. Keeping the proper inflation and tread depth is essential to your vehicle’s safety.
The good news is this: if you haven’t checked on your tires in a while, it’s easy to get into a habit and check on them regularly.
Check your inflation. Regularly checking on the inflation of your tires is hugely important for their lifetime and your safety. The first rule for this is to be sure to do it when your tires are cool. You can find the proper inflation guidelines in your owner’s manual and tire pressure information can usually be found on the inside of the driver’s door.
Why it’s important: Under-inflated tires can lead to stress and irregular wear. This means that you tires will not last as long, which can be more costly for you in the long-run, on top of the safety issues.
Be wary of warning signs. Have you noticed your tires are losing pressure quicker than normal? Are you getting less miles out of your tank? These are both signs of wear on your tires. If you notice any of these warnings, you may want to test the tread on your tires. You can do this with a penny. Place the top of Lincoln’s head down on the grooves- if you can see the top of his head, you tires are likely too low.
Why it’s important: Worn out tread is a huge safety issue for your car! When it is low, you do not get good traction with the surface as your tire rolls – this means rain or snow could be even more dangerous.
Pay attention to alignment: If you happen to notice your car is pulling to one side, vibrating or that your tires are rapidly wearing, you may need an alignment. A good rule of thumb for alignments and tire rotations is to have it done every 6,000 miles.
