Your car wouldn’t be good for much of anything if it weren’t for its tires. So just as you take steps to care for your car’s engine, you should also be making an effort to care for your tires. Doing so can ensure a safer ride and could even improve your fuel economy.
One of the best ways to prolong the life of your tires and save yourself some money as a result is to have them rotated as needed. Generally, car tires should be rotated every 7,000-10,000 miles, but your vehicle owner’s manual should list your specific recommendation. Rotating tires as needed helps to ensure even wear.
Ideally, you should be checking your tire air pressure once a week to ensure that it’s not too high or too low. Improper tire air pressure can put you at risk of a flat tire or even a blowout, which can be downright dangerous. Check your vehicle owner’s manual to see what the ideal PSI is for your tires, and be especially careful to check for proper inflation during times of major temperature fluctuation in your area.
Every once in awhile, it’s also a good idea to check your tires for signs of damage or uneven wear. Objects embedded in a tire are obviously signs of damage, but you should also be on the lookout for any odd or uneven wear, which could indicate an alignment or balancing problem.
Finally, always know when it’s time to replace your tires. Driving on bald tires is extremely dangerous, especially in slick road conditions. Generally, you can tell it’s time to replace your tires by doing the penny test. Place a penny, upside down, in the tread of your tire. If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tread is too worn, and it’s time for a replacement.
Here at Road Runner Auto Care, we can assist you with all your Apple Valley and Victorville area tire needs. From rotations to replacement, we do it all!