Did you know that your car, truck, or SUV’s tires lose about 1 to 2 psi each month? This is why we recommend you maintain your tires just as you maintain the rest of your automobile. Tire maintenance is crucial because driving on underinflated, overinflated, or bald tires is dangerous. Here is everything you need to know about tire maintenance for your automobile to keep you safe on the road.
When to Check Air Pressure
Depending on how many miles you put on your vehicle each week, the general rule of thumb is to check the air in your tires every other gas refill. If you drive a lot, however, you may want to check your tires’ air pressure at least once a week. Never overfill your tires. Some people think this will reduce the need to add air but in reality, it just causes uneven tire tread wear and danger if the tire are seriously overinflated. Look on the inside of your vehicle’s driver’s door to see the recommended psi for each tire.
When to Have the Tires Rotated
Get your tires rotated every 6,000 to 10,000 miles. If you drive a lot, every 6,000 miles is a good idea. If you don’t drive a lot, you can probably get away with 10,000 miles between rotations. As with proper inflation, tire rotation prevents your tire tread from wearing down unevenly and uneven tire tread wear can damage the tires and cause them to blow out. Your wheels should also be balanced at each rotation as an added precaution against uneven tire wear and to help you better control your automobile.
When to Have the Wheels Aligned
Aligning the wheels is a little more open. Generally, wheels should be aligned each time a new set of tires is put on the vehicle. Even if you only have one or two new tires put on your car, truck, or SUV, it’s best to get the wheels aligned at that time. You should also have your wheels aligned every two to three years, depending on how many miles you put on the wheels and whether your vehicle shows of being misaligned. Signs of misalignment include pulling to one side and an off-center steering wheel.
Finally, the best way to tell if your tires need maintenance is to inspect them regularly. Check the tread wear using a penny or quarter and look for uneven wear and bubbles or bulging. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, call Ideal Automotive in Blaine MN, or bring your vehicle into our shop right away for tire care.
