Tire Care Tips to Keep You Rolling Safely
Your tires are one of the most important safety features on your vehicle. At Schlenker Automotive in Rockledge, FL, we want to help you make the most of your tires through proper care and maintenance. Good tire care not only improves your safety on the road but also saves you money by extending the life of your tires and improving fuel efficiency. Let’s go over some simple tire maintenance tips every driver should know.
1. Check Your Tires Regularly
One of the easiest but most important habits is to check your tires regularly. This includes looking for visible damage, checking tire pressure, and watching for signs of uneven wear. Proper inflation pressure is crucial—tires that are overinflated or underinflated can lead to poor handling, reduced gas mileage, and increased tire wear.
- Use a tire pressure gauge to measure pressure at least once a month.
- Compare the result to the recommended pounds per square inch (PSI) found in your owner’s manual or on the sticker inside your driver’s side door.
- Don’t forget to check when the tires are cold for the most accurate reading.
2. Understand Tread Depth and the Lincoln’s Head Test
Tread depth is vital for proper traction, especially on wet roads. As your tread wears down, it becomes harder for your tires to grip the road, which increases stopping distance and the risk of hydroplaning.
An easy way to test this is with a penny:
- Place a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down.
- If you can see all of his head, it’s time to replace your tire.
This simple test can help you keep track of tire wear before it becomes a safety hazard.
3. Keep Up With Tire Rotations
Rotating your tires is an essential part of tire care. Tires wear down at different rates depending on their position on the vehicle. Rotating them regularly helps promote even tread wear, which extends the life of your tires.
We recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. At Schlenker Automotive, we can take care of tire rotations during routine oil changes to save you time.
4. Watch for Uneven Tire Wear
If you notice that your tires are wearing more on one side than the other, it could be a sign of a bigger issue, such as misalignment or suspension problems. Uneven wear affects handling and braking, so it’s important to have it checked out.
Common causes of uneven wear include:
- Improper inflation pressure
- Misaligned wheels
- Worn suspension parts
- Driving habits
We offer inspections that include looking at tire wear patterns to catch and correct problems early.
5. Proper Inflation Saves You Money
Maintaining proper inflation not only improves safety but also helps with fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires can increase rolling resistance, making your car work harder and burn more fuel. Overinflated tires can cause a rough ride and uneven wear.
Remember:
- Always follow the PSI recommendations in your owner’s manual.
- Check tires after significant temperature changes, as cold weather can lower inflation pressure.
- Don’t forget the spare tire—it needs attention too!
6. When in Doubt, Ask the Experts
Tire maintenance might seem simple, but many drivers overlook it until a problem arises. If you’re unsure about your tire condition or how to perform these checks, bring your vehicle to Schlenker Automotive in Rockledge. Our experienced team is happy to help with:
- Checking tire pressure
- Measuring tread depth
- Rotating your tires
- Performing alignments and balancing
- Recommending replacements when needed
Final Thoughts
Taking the time for basic tire care can save you money, improve safety, and help you avoid unexpected roadside issues. Don’t wait until a flat tire or blowout forces you into the shop. Stop by Schlenker Automotive in Rockledge, FL, for expert advice and tire services you can trust.
