Tip #1: Check Tire Pressure
We recommend checking your car tires for proper inflation at least once a month. Under or over inflated tires give your car less grip on the road and increase your chances of a flat. If you don’t enjoy getting your hands dirty, take your car to your local Auto-Lab and a technician will check it free of charge. It will only take a minute or two!
Tip #2: Use Penny Test to Check Treads
A quick and effective way to determine if your car’s tires have adequate tread life remaining is to use the “penny test”. Place a penny between the treads of your tires; if you can see all of Abe’s head then it’s time for new tires. Why is this important? Tires without adequate tread leave you at risk for hydroplaning on slick pavement.
Tip #3: Routinely Rotate
Rotate your tires every 5,000-8,000 miles. This involves the technician swapping the front and rear tires and ensures that tire treads wear evenly and ultimately increases tread life.
Tip #4: Keep Tires Aligned
If you back into a curb, hit a pothole or get into a fender bender, you might notice that your car’s steering vibrates or just doesn’t feel right. When this happens, your car’s suspension needs to be aligned so that all tires track true to the direction your car is traveling in. It will prevent excessive uneven wear on your tire treads.
Tip #5: Don’t Forget the Spare!
The spare tire is often the most forgotten about item on a car. When you check the air pressure in the rest of your car’s tires, it is important to check the spare as well. After all, it won’t help to fix a flat tire with a flat spare!