Tires, they’re quite literally what gets your day rolling each and every morning.. unless you walk to work. (Let’s face it, no one wants to walk to work) which is exactly why it’s important to know how to properly care for your tires!
While there is lot that goes into taking proper care of your tires, no task is seemingly too difficult for the average person to accomplish. Below we’ll briefly discuss 6 major steps in tire care, and keeping you safe on the road.
Table of Contents
1. Maintain Proper Air Pressure.
One of the most important, and perhaps the most simple tip for tire maintenance is ensuring your tires are properly inflated. It’s important to know the proper pounds per square inch, or PSI that your vehicle’s tires require, as this number can vary from one set of tires to the next. This is important because over-inflation will cause your tires to wear prematurely, and will put you at more of a risk for a blowout. Underinflation will cause premature wear in different areas, and could even cause the tire to become unseated from the wheel. To check air pressure, all you need is a tire pressure gauge that you can purchase anywhere from Walmart, to an auto parts store, or even your local gas station. They’re relatively inexpensive (usually around $5) and can go a long way in making sure you stay safe on the roads!
2. Rotate Your Tires Regularly.
Industry experts suggest rotating your tires every 5000-7500 miles, or every 6 months. Since your front tires and back tires wear differently, regular rotation prevents uneven wear and will extend the life of your tires. You can rotate your tires yourself, or mention it the next time you get your vehicle serviced, as most services will include this in a basic oil change package.
3. Ensure Proper Tread Depth.
We have talked about wear frequently in tips 1 and 2, and this can actually be measured. The Ohio state law says that your vehicle is required to have at least 2/32″ tread depth on your tires, but most industry experts suggest replacing them at 4/32″. If your tires have low tread depth, they can not grip the road as easily, especially in wet conditions, which puts the driver at a major risk for hydroplaning and even sliding when applying brakes. In order to check, you can purchase a tread depth gauge from your local auto parts store, or, you can just use a quarter. Just take a Quarter and place it in your tire’s tread with George Washington’s head facing down. If you can’t see George’s head, your tires are okay. However, if you can see the top of his head, your tires are below 4/32″ and you should start looking for your next set of tires. Checking your tread depth is important, and you should check regularly to keep yourself, and others, safe on the road.
4. Inspect Your Tires For Damage.
For this tip, you just need your eyes, and maybe a light. As you can see when traveling, there is often debris that finds its way to, and accumulates on the road. This makes it important to check over your tires to ensure they have not been damaged by any kind of debris. Any holes, cuts, gouges, or embedded hazards (such as a nail) should be addressed immediately. Driving with a damaged tire degrades your vehicle’s functionality and drastically shortens the life of the tire.
5. Maintain Alignment.
This tip, as well as your next, is something that you should talk to your mechanic or tire technician about, as they require special equipment to accomplish. Your tires should be aligned periodically to make sure there is not a drastic difference in what way they point. If your vehicle pulls hard in one direction, this should be a cause for concern. It may be something simple, such as a low tire, or it could need an alignment. The next time you are getting our vehicle serviced, be sure to check with your mechanic about whether or not you need an alignment.
6. Balance Your Tires.
Balancing your tires will likely need to be done by your mechanic. If you feel your vehicle wobbling when you drive, this is often an indicator that your tires need balanced. Balancing your tires will help control your vehicle’s vibration and drastically increase the quality of your drive.
If you keep these tips in mind, you will inevitably be safer on the road, and find your every day drive more enjoyable. The ultimate goal each and every time you get behind the wheel is to arrive at your destination safely, and properly maintaining your tires is a huge step to get you there. If you ever have any questions about your vehicle, do not hesitate to give us call. Our number is here on the website, and we are happy to help! And remember, the next time you need a new set of tires, CSG can, and will get you taken care of.
Drive Safe,
Team CSG
