There are many drivers that take their vehicles for regular maintenance, like an oil change but don’t think about their tires. However, taking care of your tires is an important maintenance item for your car. When you maintain your tires, it improves your drive and makes your tires last longer. Taking proper care of your tires helps you save money in the long run. The good news is there are steps you can take to maintain your tires so they last longer.
Proper Inflation
One of the best things you can do for your tires is to make sure they are properly inflated at all times. More modern cars have a sensor to alert you when the tire pressure is low. You don’t have to wait for the light to come on. You should check your tire pressure regularly. It’s important that they aren’t overinflated or underinflated. If they are, your car may not brake, steer, or accelerate correctly. Also, you should check the tire pressure when they are cold. If you aren’t sure what the pressure should be, there may be a sticker inside the driver’s side door. You can also find the number on the tire itself.
Check the Alignment
If you think your tires are out of alignment, you should bring your vehicle to Gandrud Chevrolet so one of our service technicians can inspect the tire alignment. However, you can do an alignment test on your own. With your car parked in the driveway, look at how the tires tilt towards or away from the frame of the car. This is called camber. When you stand in front of your vehicle, you can check the front tires. You can check the rear tires by standing in the back of the car. If the tires tilt in, which means the top of the tires is closer than the bottom of the tires. This tilting can cause the tread of your tires to wear away on the inside of the tire first. If the bottom of the tires is closer together than the tops, you have more wear on the outside of the tires. If you notice either of these problems, your tires are in need of an alignment.
Clean Your Tires
It may sound surprising, but keeping your tires clean can extend their life. When you clean your tires, you should also inspect them. You want to ensure there is no debris or rocks stuck in the treads of the tires. If you have items stuck in the treads, it can shorten the life of the tires. You can use a bristle brush on your tires when you wash your vehicle. It would be best if you scrubbed the treading to get rid of any debris or objects. Once you wash the sides and tops of your tires, roll the car backward a few feet to wash the other side.
Replace Your Tires
No matter how well you care for your tires, you will need to replace them at some point. The best way to determine when to replace your tires is to perform the penny test. You insert a penny into the tread of the tires so that Lincoln’s head points down into the tire tread. If you can see his entire head, it’s most likely time to replace the tire.
Why Visit Gandrud Chevrolet?
When you properly care for your tires, it keeps you safe. When tires wear down, they are less able to provide traction in wet conditions. However, when they have adequate tread, they prevent you from hydroplaning on a rainy day. This is why proper care is essential for your vehicle.
If you aren’t sure how to check the tire pressure in your car or how to inflate the tires, visit a knowledgeable Gandrud Chevrolet service technician. We will give you peace of mind that your tires are in good working condition every time you get behind the wheel. A certified trained technician at Gandrud Chevrolet will inspect your vehicle’s tires during your next service visit to help ensure optimal performance. We will be happy to schedule a service appointment for you to assess your tires and help you make an informed decision.
