The Importance of Taking Care of Your Tires

Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that make contact with the roadways. Having sufficient tire tread and proper inflation are crucial to a safe drive. You want to make sure that you’re on top of your tire maintenance, especially when Winter hits. Winter weather means wet driving conditions and you want to be confident that your vehicle will grip the pavement when you need it to, and have full stopping power, so you’re not playing bumper cars in icy conditions. The penny test is one easy way to check the tread on your tires. First, grab a penny and hold Abe’s between your thumb and forefinger. Next, stick Abe’s head in between one of the grooves of your tread. If any part of Abe’s head is covered by the tire tread then your tread is sufficient for now, but in snow and ice that may not be enough. If you’re not sure of the condition of your tires, or don’t feel confident when driving around in inclement weather consult your ASE certified mechanic.

Another important part of tire maintenance is proper inflation. Improper tire inflation results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control, and potential accidents. With Winter weather arriving, keep in mind that every time the outside temperature drops 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the air pressure in your tires goes down one pound to two pounds per square inch. Check your tire pressure regularly to stay safe on the road. If you really don’t know whether your tires are sufficiently inflated then visit your reliable automotive repair center.

Get into the habit of walking around your vehicle and taking a look at your tires every time you stop for fuel. Look for bumps and bulges along the outer surface and any uneven wear patterns. Unevenly worn tires can be a sign that the vehicle alignment is off. Uneven alignment can lead to poor gas mileage and premature wear and tear. Consult a professional ASE certified technician at your trusted auto repair facility. These highly skilled mechanics will check your alignment and balance your tires to correct the issue. Keeping tires in good condition and ensuring proper alignment and balance of the vehicle can save you money on fuel by improving gas mileage. Staying on top of your tire maintenance will allow you to drive around this winter with confidence.