How to Properly Maintain Your Tires

Proper tire maintenance is essential for the safety and performance of your vehicle. Here are a few tips on how to maintain your tires and why it’s important:

  1. Check the tire pressure: Underinflated tires can cause poor handling, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased tire wear. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, can lead to a rough ride and decreased traction. To ensure that your tires are properly inflated, check the pressure with a tire gauge at least once a month and before long trips. You can find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle in the owner’s manual or on the tire placard, which is usually located on the driver’s side door jamb or glove compartment.
  2. Rotate the tires: Rotating your tires helps to ensure even wear and extend their life. Most automakers recommend rotating tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or so. If you have a front-wheel-drive car, the front tires will tend to wear out faster because they carry more weight and provide steering and braking force. Rear-wheel-drive cars and four-wheel-drive vehicles will generally wear the rear tires faster.
  3. Align the tires: Misaligned tires can cause uneven tire wear, poor handling, and reduced fuel efficiency. If you notice your car pulling to one side or if the steering wheel is off-center, it’s a good idea to have the tires aligned. Most automakers recommend aligning the tires every 12,000 to 15,000 miles or so.
  4. Check the tread depth: Worn tires can be dangerous because they can reduce traction and increase the risk of a crash. To check the tread depth, insert a quarter into the tread with Washington’s head upside down. If the top of his head is visible, it’s time to replace the tires. You can also use a tread depth gauge, which is available at most auto parts stores.

By following these simple tire maintenance tips, you can ensure that your tires are in good condition and can help keep you and your passengers safe on the road.

Find a local dealer and shop their tires online: https://www.buylocaltires.com/find-a-dealer

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CTDA offers scholarships to employees and family of member dealers to help them with the cost of education. Learn more about how CTDA gives back at www.ctdascholarships.net