Is it already time to start thinking about back to school? Before you – or one of your children – head back to school this fall, make sure you properly check your tires. Routine tire care and safety is simple and easy. A quick five minute inspection for tire damage, uneven wear, tread depth, alignment, and proper inflation can save you a lot of time, aggravation, and money down the road.
The first step is to make sure you’ve got the proper air pressure in your tires. Underinflation can lead to tire failure and blowouts. The right amount of air pressure, or PSI, for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner’s manual. If you’re not sure about how to properly inflate your tires, simply stop by any Dunn Tire location for assistance – as an added incentive we’ve got free nitrogen inflation, which can save up to 5% in fuel costs by helping maintain proper tire pressure for longer.
Monitor your tire’s tread depth for safety and performance. Visually check your tires for uneven wear, looking for high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also check for signs of damage. Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch in order to prevent skidding and hydroplaning. An easy test: place a penny 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, it’s time for new tires!
Routine tire rotation will promote more uniform tire wear. The general guideline for tire rotation is approximately every 5,000 miles. There are a few rotation patterns to follow when rotating tires. If you are unsure about the recommended tire rotation pattern, you should consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual, the tire manufacturer or any Dunn Tire location.
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end out of alignment and damage your tires. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread wear and should be corrected by a tire dealer. If your vehicle shows any sign of shaking, vibrations, or uneven tire wear it’s time to have your alignment checked. Bring it to any Dunn Tire. We’ll check your alignment for free.
Stop by any Dunn Tire location to make sure your tires are ready to roll. We’ll give your tires a check and provide you with an immediate and honest opinion. Your tires will be one less thing to worry about when studying this fall.