29 Apr The Ultimate Guide to Tire Maintenance: Tips from the Experts
Square Tire sells tires in Sioux City, IA and Norfolk, NE – and mighty good ones at that. Michelin, BFGoodrich, UniRoyal, Kumho, Mastercraft and Nitto are just a few of the brands we proudly carry. Nothing fills our hearts with greater pride than watching one of our neighbors drive off with a set of safe and beautiful new tires.
But quality tires can only take you so far. If you want to get the most mileage out of your tires as possible – not to mention drive more safely – then you have to maintain them.
Sure, we’ll be happy to set you up with a new set of tires sooner rather than later, but we’d much rather your tires last you a very long time. That’s why we put together this quick and simple guide to tire maintenance. You don’t need to study vulcanized rubber at Yale in order to understand it!
Check Air Pressure Regularly
This is the king of all tire maintenance tips. You should check your tire pressure monthly, especially if you regularly drive long distances or across rougher roads.
First, consult the sticker inside the driver’s door to determine the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. It is a number followed by psi (pounds per square inch). If the sidewall of your tire gives a different figure, then that is the maximum tire pressure allowed. Next, do the following:
- Remove cap from tire
- Press tire gauge to valve for a couple seconds (tire will hiss; this is normal)
- Read pressure gauge
- Compare number to driver door sticker and/or tire sidewall
- Replace cap
- Repeat steps 1 through 5 for remaining three tires
If the pressure in any of your tires is low, proceed to the next garage or gas station for much-needed reinflation. Doing so will give your vehicle better traction, as well as appreciably extend your tires’ lifespan.
Keep Wheels Aligned
Have you noticed any of the following?
- Steering wheel is off center while vehicle is driving straight forward
- Vehicle pulls to one side on its own
- Tire treads are wearing unevenly
- Vehicle vibrates while driving down smooth road
- Wheels appear to be at different angles
If you have, then there is an excellent chance your wheels aren’t aligned. Misaligned wheels will decrease fuel efficiency, worsen handling, and treat you to a less comfortable ride. Worse yet, they will prematurely wear out your tires!
It is certainly possible to align your wheels on your own. But if you’d never consider changing your own engine oil, then you don’t want to attempt an even harder aspect of car maintenance. Bring your misaligned wheels to a professional, like the ones at Square Tire!
Inspect Treads Regularly
You should take a close look at your tires’ treads at least once a month. If their treads are badly worn down, your tires don’t need maintenance. They need immediate replacement, as they can no longer provide adequate traction in wet or snowy weather.
If a tread is 3/16″ or deeper, it’s good. If a tread is around 2/16″, then it’s time to start thinking about tire replacement. If a tread is shallower than 1/16″, then the time to get new tires is right now.
If you don’t already have a tread depth gauge, just do the penny test. Stick Honest Abe head-first between two treads. If the top of his head disappears, then your tread is shallower than 1/16″.
Rotate Tires Regularly
Six months, or 6,000 miles: whichever comes first. That’s how often you should rotate your tires. In addition to preserving your tires, regular rotation will treat you to a smoother ride, better traction, and improved fuel efficiency.
Balance Tires Regularly
You have probably already noticed the little metal bricks clinging to the edges of your vehicle’s rims. Those are wheel weights, which ensure that the weight of the tire is carried equally across the wheel.
When tires are unbalanced, they can cause the vehicle to vibrate uncomfortably. Naturally, they also undergo accelerated wear and tear. If you want to spend less on fuel and tires, then it’s important to have your tires balanced annually.
You can balance tires yourself, although doing so is extraordinarily difficult without experience – and downright impossible without certain tools. Most people would much rather have their tires balanced at an auto repair center (such as Square Tire).
Want to leave the tire maintenance to the pros? Bring your car, truck, van or SUV down to Square Tire! We’ll make sure your air pressure, alignment and balance are all shipshape, and rotate your tires while you wait. And if we discover that your tires are in dire need of replacement, then you’ll already be in the best place to get a set of brand new ones. Contact us today to schedule service in Sioux City, IA or Norfolk, NE!