Tire Maintenance Tips from Hampden Auto Body
Happy Friday from Hampden Auto Body! June 2nd-8th is National Tire Safety Week. Do you know how to check your tire pressure? It will help your tires last longer and keep you safe on the road. Here are some tire maintenance tips from betiresmart.org.
PRESSURE
It’s important to have the proper inflation pressure in your tires, as under inflation can lead to tire failure. The “right amount” of inflation for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on either the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Look for this information in your vehicle:
• Check inflation pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
• Check tires when cool. After driving, tires need at least 3 hours to cool.
• Remember to check the spare.
• Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
• Tire inflation pressure increases (in warm weather) or decreases (in cold weather) 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
ALIGNMENT
Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread wear and should be corrected by a tire dealer. Have your alignment checked periodically as specified by the vehicle owner's manual or whenever you have an indication of trouble such as “pulling.” Also have your tire balance checked periodically.
ROTATION
Tire rotation can prevent irregular tire wear. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000–8,000 miles.
(NOTE: After rotation, make sure inflation pressure is set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification.)
TREAD
Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. Traction, particularly in bad weather, and resistance to hydroplaning is reduced as tires wear. An easy test: place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you’re driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, you should buy a new tire.
Built-in tread wear indicators or “wear bars” will appear on the tire when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. When the top of the “wear bars” are flush with the tire tread, the tire is worn out and needs to be replaced. Visually check your tires for signs of irregular tread wear, such as high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Consult your tire dealer as soon as possible.
For a Tire Care video check out the website: http://betiresmart.org/tire_safety/tire_maintenance_and_safety/videos/video_viewer.cfm?videofile=-qywkVSaa6o
Source: betiresmart.org
Go Back PRESSURE
It’s important to have the proper inflation pressure in your tires, as under inflation can lead to tire failure. The “right amount” of inflation for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on either the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the vehicle owner’s manual.
Look for this information in your vehicle:
• Check inflation pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
• Check tires when cool. After driving, tires need at least 3 hours to cool.
• Remember to check the spare.
• Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
• Tire inflation pressure increases (in warm weather) or decreases (in cold weather) 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
ALIGNMENT
Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread wear and should be corrected by a tire dealer. Have your alignment checked periodically as specified by the vehicle owner's manual or whenever you have an indication of trouble such as “pulling.” Also have your tire balance checked periodically.
ROTATION
Tire rotation can prevent irregular tire wear. Always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000–8,000 miles.
(NOTE: After rotation, make sure inflation pressure is set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specification.)
TREAD
Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. Traction, particularly in bad weather, and resistance to hydroplaning is reduced as tires wear. An easy test: place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you’re driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, you should buy a new tire.
Built-in tread wear indicators or “wear bars” will appear on the tire when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch. When the top of the “wear bars” are flush with the tire tread, the tire is worn out and needs to be replaced. Visually check your tires for signs of irregular tread wear, such as high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Consult your tire dealer as soon as possible.
For a Tire Care video check out the website: http://betiresmart.org/tire_safety/tire_maintenance_and_safety/videos/video_viewer.cfm?videofile=-qywkVSaa6o
Source: betiresmart.org