To keep up with tire maintenance, there are a lot of things you need to know. Proper tire care is crucial for getting the most out of your tires and keeping your vehicle roadworthy. If you are wondering where to begin, we have answered some of the most common questions surrounding tire care below.
1. How Often Should I Get New Tires?
Sometimes tire maintenance involves replacing your tires. In order to properly care for your tires, it is important to know when you need to replace them altogether. If you do not replace your tires when needed, you may end up losing a tire at the worst time. In addition, not replacing your tires can be dangerous for you and other drivers on the road.
Several factors impact how often you should replace your tires. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, your tires should be replaced every 6 years. If you regularly drive long distances, the need to replace your tires may come around more quickly. There are several signs that you need to replace your tires, including the following:
- Your tire pressure light turns on: While this isn’t always a sign that you need new tires if your tires are older and the light turns on regularly, it is a sign your tires are worn down and may need to be replaced.
- You have poor traction: If you have little to no traction during rainy or snowy weather, you should consider getting your tires replaced as soon as possible.
- Your tires fail the penny test: If you think your tires may need to be replaced, grab and penny and head to your car. Stick the penny, Lincoln’s head down, into the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low and needs to be replaced.
2. What Is A Tire Rotation?
When considering tire maintenance, it is important to know how a tire rotation can help you maintain the quality of the tires on your vehicle. A tire rotation entails moving your tires from their position to a different location on the car. The way your tires move depends on your vehicle’s drivetrain.
It is not uncommon for your tires to wear out unevenly. Without regular tire rotations, this problem will only become more apparent. You should schedule a tire rotation every 5,000 miles. With regular tire rotations, you are less likely to deal with tire problems, including blowouts and bumpy rides.
Regular tire rotation is also important if you want to maintain your tire warranty. By getting regular tire rotations, your tread will wear more evenly, meaning you will have better traction on the road during inclement weather. Regular rotations also put less strain on your engine and increase your car’s fuel efficiency and is an essential part of tire maintenance.
3. How Often Should I Check My Tire Pressure?
Tire pressure is important for proper tire maintenance. If improperly inflated, you may notice wear and tear before you typically would. To properly check your tire pressure, you should use the same tire pressure gauge every time you check to ensure a proper reading. You should check your tire pressure every month to maintain proper pressure.
If you aren’t sure what your car’s tire pressure should be, finding your answer is as easy as opening your car door. On the inside of the car door, a sticker should state the dealership’s recommended tire pressure. It should also be found in your owner’s manual.
4. What Is A Tire Alignment?
If, while driving your car, you feel the vehicle shaking, it might be a sign that you should add an alignment to your next tire maintenance. Misaligned tires can lead to uneven contact with the road. This misalignment can cause problems with the tires themselves, as well as problems with the body of the vehicle, including suspension issues, unsafe operation, and excessive steering.
Some signs of tire misalignment are similar to those of low tire pressure. That is the best place to start when you think you may have misaligned tires. The signs that your tires need to be aligned include the following:
- Shaking steering wheel and vehicle
- Uneven tire wearing
- Pulling to the left or right when braking
- Squealing tires
Getting Tire Maintenance With Paskett Auto
If you are experiencing any problems with your tires, you should seek the help of a team of professionals you can trust. Our team at Paskett Auto has years of experience, and we are confident we can help you with any problems you may experience. If you are hoping to schedule a tire maintenance appointment or would like to speak with a member of our team, contact us today.
