7 Winter Tire Maintenance Tips for Longer Wear
We don't have to tell you how important your tires are to your car. They are all that's between you and the road! That's why taking care of them requires attention seasonally, with the exception of tire pressure. It should be checked monthly.
With summer behind us, it's time to prepare your tires for the next season, winter driving. Here are our 7 tire maintenance tips to help you get the most out of your tires and to keep you safe on the road.
Proper Tire Inflation
Tires must be properly inflated to perform well and to last a long time. Over or under inflation may cause your vehicle not to brake, steer or accelerate properly.
Check your tire pressure at least once each month but do it when tires are cold. If you're not sure what the proper tire pressure is for your car, there's a vehicle information placard sticker that lists that information. Usually you'll find it on the driver's side front or rear door.
Rotate Your Tires
To extend tire wear and improve performance, rotate them every 7500 miles or every 6 months. Check your owner's manual for your specific recommendation.
Get A Wheel Alignment
About every 15,000 miles, you'll want to get a wheel alignment to avoid uneven tread wear. Potholes, railroad crossings, and the like, can knock your tires out of alignment.
Don't Mix and Match Tires
On the surface, it may seem to be cost effective to replace one or two tires at a time. However, mismatched tires can cause more problems than they are worth such as uneven or rapid tread wear, even mechanical problems!
Tire Balancing
Unbalanced tires can lead to premature or rapid tread wear. Get your tires balanced every time you rotate or change your tires. Or when you buy new tires.
Replace Tires as Needed
Pay attention to the tread wear to know when they need replacing. Do the penny test for an accurate read on the health of your tires. With Lincoln's head upside down, place it in the center groove of the tire. If you can see his head, it's time to replace them.
Store Spare Tires the Right Way
Store out of season tires by first cleaning them, making sure they are free of grease, gas, or any other substance that could deteriorate the rubber. If you're storing your tires inside, keep the area clean, cool, dark, and away from direct sunlight or heat.
If you're storing them outside, keep tires raised off of the ground. Use waterproof coverings with holes to prevent moisture from building up.
Of all the seasons, winter can be the most brutal. As your GMC dealer here in Harrisonburg, we encourage you to take these tips to heart. They will help you get safely through the cold weather ahead.
And if you need any assistance with buying new tires or tire maintenance, consider the Joe Bowman service department. Our certified Chevy mechanics work with all types of cars and trucks.
They can fix you right up!