Tire maintenance is crucial when it comes to preventing flats and blowouts. Sturdy, well-kept tires will improve your vehicle’s handling and performance while protecting your auto body and keeping you safe on the roads. Below are some tips for properly caring for your tires. 

4 Tire Maintenance Tips

1. Inspect the Tread

The tread on your tires helps them make secure contact with the roads, preventing skidding, slipping, and accidents. Use a penny to check the depth of the tread. If you stick it in and can see Lincoln’s head, your tread is less than 2/32” deep, which means you need to replace the tire. 

2. Check the Pressure 

Refer to your owner’s manual or the inside of your driver’s side door to find out the recommended psi (pounds per square inch) for your tires. Use a gauge to read the current pressure level, then add or subtract air as necessary. Do this about once per month, as proper tire inflation prevents flats and improves your car’s efficiency. 

3. Don’t Overload

Be careful not to overload your vehicle with too much weight. Check the sticker on your driver’s side door to find the load capacity. In the event that you need to move large or heavy items, don’t overload your vehicle, as you may damage your tires. 

4. Schedule Rotations 

Have an auto body shop rotate your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles. Tires don’t wear out evenly, and the front tires usually deteriorate more quickly than the back ones. Rotations will increase the life span of all the tires.

Keep your tires in excellent shape with regular rotations from the team at Whitesell Collision. Since 1949, this auto body shop has offered paint, dent removal, and collision repair services to drivers throughout Augusta County, VA. Call (540) 943-3361 to get a quote on auto body maintenance or repairs. Visit them online to learn more about their team of mechanics.