How to Stay Ahead of Tire Maintenance

mechanic changing a tireTires are often overlooked when it comes to car maintenance, but they play a critical role in your vehicle’s performance and safety. As the only part of your car that touches the road, tires directly impact how your vehicle handles, brakes, and rides. Ignoring tire care can lead to serious issues, from reduced fuel efficiency to dangerous situations like hydroplaning.

Several factors affect tire performance, such as air pressure, tread depth, balance, and alignment. If you're not paying attention, these problems can escalate quickly. Before you find yourself in an unsafe situation or facing higher gas costs, it's important to stay on top of your tire maintenance. Here's what you should know.

DIY Tire Maintenance

There are several simple steps you can take at home to keep your tires in good condition. Regular checks can save you money and prevent unexpected breakdowns.

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is one of the most important aspects of tire care. Under-inflated tires wear out faster, cause your car to handle poorly, and even increase fuel consumption. Over-inflated tires can also be risky, leading to uneven wear and potential blowouts.

  • If your tires are consistently underinflated, you might notice uneven wear on the edges, a pulling sensation while driving, or even a sudden flat tire.
  • Overinflation can cause more wear in the center of the tire and reduce its lifespan.

To maintain proper pressure:

  • Check your tires at least once a month, especially before long trips.
  • Use a reliable tire gauge and refer to your owner’s manual or the label on your driver’s side door for the correct PSI.
  • Don’t forget to check the spare tire in your trunk.
  • If you check them when they’re hot, add 4–5 psi to the recommended level.
  • Avoid deflating tires when they’re hot to prevent damage.

Tread Depth

The condition of your tire treads can tell you a lot about your car’s health. Uneven wear patterns may indicate alignment or suspension problems.

  • Excess wear on one side: This could mean your wheels are misaligned.
  • Cupping or irregular wear: This might suggest unbalanced tires or worn shocks and struts.
  • Raised treads or bulges: This could be a sign of internal structural damage.

You can test your tread depth with a quarter or a penny:

  • Quarter Test: Insert the quarter into the tread with Washington’s head facing down. If you can’t see his head, you have at least 4/32 inch of tread left.
  • Penny Test: Use the same method with Lincoln’s head. If you can see his head, your tires are below the legal limit and need replacing immediately.

Professional Tire Services

If you spot any issues during your DIY checks, it’s time to bring your car in for professional service. A mechanic can help with:

Tire Rotation

Tires wear unevenly depending on their position. Rotating them every 5,000 to 7,000 miles helps distribute wear evenly and extends their life.

Tire Balancing

Balanced tires reduce vibrations and prevent uneven wear. If you feel shaking or vibration while driving, your tires may need balancing.

Tire Alignment

Proper wheel alignment ensures your tires make even contact with the road. Misalignment can lead to uneven wear, poor handling, and lower fuel efficiency. You should consider an alignment if your car pulls to one side or your steering feels off.

Whether you need a tire change, rotation, balancing, or alignment, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact DaSilva’s today to schedule a service appointment. Visit our Naugatuck location or call us to check available times. Your safety starts with well-maintained tires!

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