Tire Maintenance Tips

Taking care of your vehicle's tires is very important to keep your vehicle safe and from needing extra repair. There are several things you should check regularly in regard to your vehicle's tires. Doing routine tire maintenance can increase the life of your tires, while keeping your vehicle in ideal driving condition. Here are some of the things you should do for routine tire maintenance.

Tire Pressure

You will want to check the amount of air in your tires every week or two to make sure you are keeping them at the proper inflation. When you do not have your tires pumped up to proper inflation, they can cause your vehicle to pull to the side. Having them over-inflated can cause you to suffer from a blow-out while driving.

Tire Tread

The tread on your tire is important because it makes your vehicle grip the road, keeping it from slipping or sliding. Frequently do a check of the tire tread on your tires to make sure there are no worn areas. If you see metal pieces poking through your tire, it is becoming too worn to drive safely.

Tire Balancing

You will want the weight of your tires to be equal on each side of your vehicle so your vehicle does not pull to one side. When you have a new tire placed on your vehicle, the mechanic may take off the opposite tire to check the weight. They will add a small weight to whichever tire seems to be lighter. This will keep your vehicle driving straight.

Tire Rotation

You should have your tires rotated periodically to keep them wearing evenly. The front tires should be swapped and the back tires should be swapped with each other. Often, when you get new tires, the tire service will tell you to bring your vehicle back to get the tires rotated as a free service for buying the tires. Stick to the schedule and make sure to follow-up on rotations to keep your tires in the best condition possible.

Wheel Alignments

You may need to have a wheel alignment if you hit something, such as a pot hole. This can alter the direction the tires are pointing, causing them to wear at an alarming rate. Having a wheel alignment will place the tires back into a straight positioning, saving them from wear and tear. This is done at a mechanic's shop, such as Jensen Tire & Auto, for with the use of a machine that will tell them what angle the tire is pointing.

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