Tips for Tire Safety
— August 12, 2014The tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle and keeping them in good condition is essential to keeping you and your family safe while on the road. Here are some important tips for keeping your tires in working condition.
Check Before Trips
If you are planning a long road trip, make sure inspect each tire and to check your tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge. If you don’t have a tire pressure gauge, you can find one easily online or ask the parts department of any I-5 Cars dealer. According to the DMV, most smaller vehicles and sedans should have a PSI level between 30-40 PSI. On the side of each tire, you will find “max PSI”, you want to make sure not to exceed this when you fill your tires.
Where to fill up
Most gas stations have designated place to fill up your tires and many of these stations have built in tire pressure gauges. Make sure to bring your quarters because most of these machines won’t take anything except change. When you fill your air at the gas station, make sure to park close so you have enough slack to get the hose to each tire. These machines normally run for a period of time, so being quick is important unless you want to keep feeding the machine quarters. You can also take your car to a local tire center, or service center to have your tires filled.
Drive Conservatively
Your driving style can affect your tire condition in a negative way if you drive too aggressively. Don’t drive your car like a hot rod and do “burn outs” where you make your tires spin. This will use up your tread faster than normal, plus it probably isn’t legal in your area. When driving, try to make your turns while your car is moving. Turning your wheel from a standstill will cause more friction between the ground and your tire, which may increase wear.
Rotate Regularly
Most tire experts recommend rotation your tires every three to six thousand miles. By rotating regularly, you will help decrease the chance of uneven wear and extend the life of your tires. Not rotating your tires regularly can also negatively affect your vehicle performance. When you take your vehicle in for a tire rotation, make sure your alignment and wheel balance is checked too. If you have any questions, check with your local tire center or I-5 Cars service department.