Summer in Georgia means road construction, rainstorms, and more frequent travel. All these circumstances can impact the performance of your vehicle. You know you should get regular oil changes and engine tune-ups, check the fluids, and keep the gas tank full to ensure your vehicle performs at its best. However, you likely are overlooking an essential part of your vehicle - the tires. While engine maintenance is important, performing a tire inspection regularly ensures you’re riding on healthy tires.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), you should inspect your tires once a month. If you drive over uneven roads or regularly drive long distances, check your tire health every two weeks. Inspecting your tires should only take a few minutes if you know what to look for:
Tire Pressure
You should check your tire pressure monthly and before long road trips. The latest report from the Hankook Gauge Index Dashboard reveals that 70 percent of Americans do not regularly check their tire pressure. When your tires are under-inflated, you waste gas, wear your tires out faster, and have less traction in wet road conditions.
The best time to check is in the morning when the pressure is cool and stabilized. If you’re not sure of the proper tire pressure for your vehicle, check your owner's manual or on your driver’s side door.
Alignment and Balance
When rain combines with dirt and oil on the road, it can lead to skids, spinouts, and potential accidents. Properly balanced and aligned tires help minimize uneven wear and tear, extend the life of your tires, and keep your vehicle safely on the road. If either alignment measurement falls outside your vehicle’s recommendation, it leads to uneven tire wear, decreased vehicle handling, and diminished fuel economy.
Have a mechanic perform an alignment and balance of your tires regularly - every 12,000 miles or if your vehicle starts pulling to one side. This will help prevent unsafe steering and uneven tire wear.
Tire Tread
To keep your vehicle on the road, tires need tread to maintain traction. If you’re driving in rain or through a puddle, it’s the tread that prevents you from skidding or hydroplaning.
Look for depth when inspecting your tire treads. In the past, the “penny trick” was used to measure tread depth, but The Drive recommends using a quarter for a more accurate measurement.
Quarter Trick: Insert a quarter into the tread of your tire. If you see all of Washington’s head, then your tread is worn down and your tire(s) should be replaced as soon as possible. Measure the outer, center, and inner tread to rule out any inflation or pressure issues.
Spot Check: If you see strips of worn rubber spanning two or more tire treads, your tires are unsafe and need immediate replacing.
Tire Rotation
To get the most life out of your tires, rotate the front and back tires to help correct irregular tire wear. AAA recommends getting your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, or about the same time you get an oil change on newer vehicles.
Inspecting your tires every month can help protect your family, improve your vehicle’s performance, and prolong the life of your tires.
Davis Tire Company has proudly served the Rincon, GA community for more than ten years. We are your go-to shop for all your vehicle needs including tires and custom wheels, oil changes, and lift kits. To schedule a tire rotation or replace your tires, give us a call at 912-826-0434 or fill out our contact form.
Sources
https://exchange.aaa.com/automotive/car-care-repair-and-maintenance/tire-safety-and-maintenance/
https://www.idrivesafely.com/driving-resources/maintenance/tires/
https://www.today.com/money/tire-maintenance-5-tips-stay-safe-road-2D80213764