Often, one of the most overlooked parts of a vehicle is the tires. Keeping tires in top-notch shape is a must. Having quality tires allows your vehicle to handle better, increases gas mileage, can save money, and keeps you from being stranded. Here are four tasks to keep your tires in perfect shape.
1. Check Air Pressure
The first task that most people neglect to do is to check your tire’s air pressure. This should be completed once a month or after a long trip. It’s best to check the pressure in your car in the morning before you start driving. Check the pressure in all four wheels, plus the spare. Having the proper pressure in your tires will save you money by increasing the life of the tire and by improving the performance of your vehicle, resulting in better gas mileage. The next time you are at the hardware store, pick up a quality tire gauge so that you can properly check your tire pressure.
2. Have Alignment Checked
Next, having an alignment performed on your vehicle will ensure your tires are wearing properly. An alignment should be completed anytime new tires are installed, suspension work has been completed, unusual tire wear is noticed, or if the vehicle has encountered a major road hazard or curb. There are different types of alignments. Check with your mechanic to see which type is best for your vehicle.
3. Rotate Your Tires
Another task to perform to keep your tires in perfect condition is tire rotation. You want to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. When you get your oil changed, get your tires rotated. This will allow you to kill two birds with one stone, and they will both be on the same schedule. Tire rotation will allow your tires to wear evenly, providing you with better maneuvering and control.
4. Look at Tire Tread
Checking your tire’s tread is another task you can complete to keep your tires in tip-top shape. A trick you can use to determine if your tire tread is sufficient is to use a quarter. Put Washington’s head face down in the tire tread. If any part of his head is obscured, you have enough tread.
Tire tread makes a big difference when it comes to stopping your vehicle. Studies have shown that tires with low tread can take well over 250 feet to stop in the rain. With decent tread, the same tire will take under 200 feet to stop in the same conditions. Get out your quarters and check your tread so that you can keep your family safe.
It’s also important to note that you should keep the better tread on the rear tires. The reasoning for this is because deeper tread will grip the pavement better. This will help prevent your car from hydroplaning or fishtailing. Having better tread in the back corrects any of these issues faster.
Taking care of your tires is essential when owning a vehicle. These are a few simple tasks you can complete to keep your tires up to par. The rubber is what hits the road, and keeping your tires in perfect condition will keep you and your family safe. If you have any questions about your tires contact us at Stone Chevrolet Buick GMC, we are here to help in any way we can!
Image via Pixabay.com by Mikes-Photography
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