Tires play an essential role in maintaining control of your vehicle while on the road. Without a reliable set of tires, you’re more susceptible to accidents. To help you stay safe while driving, pay a visit to your local tire dealer to get the right ones for your vehicle and get advice on how to take care of them.

How to Maintain Your Tires

1. Check Tire Pressure

Tires tend to lose pressure over time and more so in cold weather. Make it a habit of inspecting their pressure and inflate accordingly before driving, doing it more frequently during colder months and in between seasonal changes. Don’t forget to check the spares as well; they need to be properly inflated and ready for any emergency.

2. Watch Tread Wear

Tires’ treads are designed to give vehicles better grip and traction on the road. When they wear out and become shallow from use, you’re at higher risk for accidents. Inspect them for depth using the penny test or tire gauge. And if they’re past their prime, visit your tire dealer for a new set.

3. Rotate Tires

Swapping the position of your tires allows them to have even tread wear, which prevents handling issues, like hydroplaning. Keep in mind that weight and pressure are often unequally distributed among the tires that cause uneven degrading of the rubber.  

4. Realign Wheels

Over time, your tires become misaligned by potholes, an accident, or hauling heavy loads. These factors can cause uneven tire wear, noticeable pulling to one side, and unusual vibrations while driving. Get them back in line with wheel alignment from a trusted tire dealer.

5. Replacing Tires

Pay particular attention to signs that you need to change your tires. Look out for cracks on the sidewall, shallow tread depth, bulges or blisters, and excessive vibration while driving. These issues are red flags of a worn-out tire. Have them replaced at a tire dealer center to avoid a blowout.

Why Proper Tire Care Matters

Routine maintenance, in general, prolongs the life span of your tires. Another significant benefit to proper tire care is improved car performance. A set of properly inflated wheels reduces the strain on the engine, causing it to run at peak efficiency and consume less fuel. Aside from better fuel economy, correctly inflated tires deliver smoother, safer rides because of increased braking capacity and handling.  

Stay safe on the road with proper tire care and routine maintenance. When you notice signs of excessive tire wear, drop by your trusted tire dealer for a new set. At G & J Auto Center, they carry an impressive inventory of high-quality tires and offer top-notch auto repair services throughout Boone County, MO. Call (573) 474-5819 to schedule tire repairs or inquire via their website.