Your car is responsible for getting your family safely to and from your destination. Cookeville Tire & Auto in Putnam County, TN understands safety starts with the tires, which is why they’ve helped families like yours get the best wheels around for 25 years. Their experts have four tips that every car owner should follow to keep full control of their vehicle.

4 Tips for Safer Passenger Car Tires

1. Maintain Tire Pressure

Each vehicle and tire combination has an optimum pressure for safety, usually falling between 30 and 35 pounds per square inch (PSI). Driving on under-inflated tires means more surface is touching the road and causing additional friction. The added heat results in quickly worn treads and potential blowouts. Always check the owner’s manual for exact specifications. 

2. Schedule Regular Maintenance

You should rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Routine maintenance ensures the tread and sidewall wear evenly over time. Have a professional periodically check tread depth during a checkup to further improve safety, and get an alignment to keep the car driving straighter.

3. Start in the Back

When the time comes to replace your tires, you have to decide how many are worth keeping. If you need to exchange only two, start with the back axle. This allows better traction for greater control on wet roads, even on front-wheel drive vehicles. 

4. Check Tread & Sidewall

Outside of your periodic mechanic visits, you should know how to inspect tread and sidewall to ensure safe travels. One common tread trick is to insert a quarter into the groove of the tire upside down. If you can see above George Washington’s head, your ride is unsafe. If you notice cracks in the sidewall, it’s time for new wheels. 

Following manufacturer’s recommendations on pressure and maintaining deep treads will improve the safety of your passenger vehicle. Cookeville Tire & Auto has the inventory and the know-how to keep your car running on quality tires and custom wheels for years to come. Give the shop a call at (931) 526-9022 or visit them online to start your quote today.