When you own a vehicle, visiting a mechanic shop on a regular basis for oil changes and tuneups is imperative to ensure your car or truck stays safe to drive. In addition to looking under the hood, your auto maintenance to-do list should involve checking and filling your tires regularly. Here are a few tips to help your tires stay in top-notch condition. 

Auto Maintenance Tips for Your Tires

1. Invest in a Tire Gauge

While newer car models include tire pressure alerts, they won’t measure the pressure as you’re filling the tires up. To avoid overfilling your tires and ending up with a flat, invest in a gauge. This device is about the size of a pencil, and when it is attached to the wheel’s stem, the rod will extend. Check the notches on the side of the rod to determine the pressure.    

2. Learn the Correct PSI

Your tires recommended PSI (pressure per square inch) will depend on the model. Before refilling your tires, check your driver’s side door jam or the owner’s manual to determine the recommended PSI for your vehicle. Keep in mind that newer cars will generally have a recommended PSI of between 32 and 35. 

3. Fill Them Regularly

Visit a gas station to fill the tires with air. Park your car on a level surface, and be careful not to lose the tiny plastic caps on each valve stem. Press the air-hose tip to the valve stem to fill up the tire. Once you’ve filled it up, recheck the PSI to make sure it’s in the proper range. When checking and refilling your tires, don’t forget about the spare. Having one with the proper pressure is crucial in an emergency situation.

If you’re a car owner in New Haven County, CT, and you need auto maintenance help or advice on new tires, Vito’s Auto Tech in Waterbury is the ideal shop to serve your comprehensive car needs. With over 30 years of experience working on both domestic and foreign cars, you can rest easy knowing this auto repair shop can tackle everything from routine oil changes to engine diagnostics. Call today at (203) 755-0020 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their auto maintenance services.