As you drive, it naturally causes wear and tear on your tires. Uneven wear or improper air pressure can wreak havoc on your tires, causing a possible blowout. When this happens, it’s not only dangerous, but it can also cost you quite a bit of money for a replacement. To keep your tires in top condition, you can perform a few simple checks for good vehicle maintenance.
Checking Tire Pressure
The air pressure in your tires should be checked every month whenever possible. This is your best line of defense to ensure that the tire lasts a long time. Whenever you drive, the tire naturally loses pressure over time. It also depends on the weather, and tires can lose more air during the hot summer months. Check your recommended PSI level by reading the label located on a sticker inside your driver’s side door. Use a pressure gauge and determine if your tires are at the right level. If they’re not, it only takes a few minutes to fill them with air at any gas station.
Look at Tread Depth and Potential Wear
You can easily check your tread depth by using a quarter and a penny. Place the quarter upside down and put it into a groove on your tire. If you see most or all of Washington’s head in any groove, this is an indication of serious wear. When you use the penny, it will help you look for uneven wear. If you see a gap between the top of Lincoln’s head to the edge of the penny, your tires could be in trouble. This indicates that you either have misalignment, improper air pressure, or the tread is simply worn down to the point of no return.
Pay Close Attention to Aging Tires
All tires have a date code that indicates when they were manufactured. This should look like the letters “DOT” followed by several digits, located on the lower sidewall of the tire. The last four numbers will show you when the tire was made. For example, if the number says 2016, the tire was made on the 20th week of 2016. Depending on the tires’ current condition, you may need to replace them every six years, even if they’re not totally worn out. Any tires over ten years old should definitely be replaced as a matter of safety.
For all your car’s maintenance and repair needs, remember to call the experts at Doc Motor Works in Sherwood, Illinois at 815-201-5122 today.