June 27 - July 3, 2022 is National Tire Safety week, which focuses on educating drivers about the importance of proper tire care and maintenance.
Here are 9 tips that will help keep your tires performing their best:
1) Choose your tires carefully. Too many drivers buy a tire based on initial price or appearance. Tire selection should be based on the correct size recommended for the vehicle and its load recommendations. Our experienced and knowledgeable tire experts are happy to help you select the proper tire for your vehicle.
2) Buy a tire gauge and check your tire pressure at least once per month, and especially before a long trip. Remember, under-inflation is a tire’s No. 1 enemy, because it can cause damage that may lead to tire failure. However, over-inflation can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems. Use the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure listed on the sticker of your vehicle’s door jamb or owner’s manual as a guide. Always check the pressure of your tires when they are cool or cold.
3) During wet weather, slow down. As your speed decreases, the tire footprint (the amount of the tire's tread contacting the road surface) increases, providing better traction. You also reduce the risk of hydroplaning should you run into water puddled on the road.
4) Rotate your tires every 6,000 miles. If your tires show uneven wear, ask your automotive service professional to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.
5) Check your vehicle alignment periodically. It’s especially important to have an automotive professional check your alignment if you notice your vehicle is pulling to one side when you’re driving. All 8 of our locations perform wheel alignment checks for free.
6) Inspect and measure your tire tread. Click here to download a free Tire Tread Test Kit
7) Check the tire sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
8) Make sure you do not overload your vehicle because it can create excessive heat inside your tires. An overloaded vehicle puts stress on tires that can cause damage and lead to tire failure. Check the manufacturer’s load recommendation, which can be found on the vehicle information placard inside the driver's side door post, or in the vehicle owners’ manual.
9) Have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear.
