Only four pieces of rubber are what separates your vehicle from the roadway, yet data show that surprisingly few Americans really understand how to properly maintain their tires. Even fewer are able to deal with an emergency tire situation.
Proper inflation is key for the performance and longevity of your tires. Under-inflated tires will mean your tires will wear unevenly, negatively impacting your vehicle’s performance. Also, keeping your tires pressure at the recommended level can boost fuel efficiency by up to one mile per gallon. According to the Department of Transportation, an estimated 5 million gallons of fuel per day are wasted due to low tire pressure.
The following are some basic ways to maintain your tires:
- Be sure to properly check all four tires once per month and before any long trips. You cannot really tell if a tire is underinflated just by looking at it. If it actually looks underinflated, it is likely severely underinflated.
- Do not inflate tires to the maximum pressure that is shown on the tire’s sidewall. The optimum tire pressure for your vehicle can be found on a sticker in the door jamb, on the inside of the glove compartment door, or in the owner’s manual.
- When the tires are cold, check the pressure first thing in the morning.
- Purchase your own tire gauge to properly check your tires.
Rotate Your Tires
Regular tire rotation will extend the life of your tires, along with saving some time and money down the road. Tires should be roasted every 6,000 to 8,000 miles on average. If you have a full-size spare, it should be included in the process. Rotations can be done at your local auto repair shop in San Diego.
Maintain Proper Vehicle Alignment
Alignment usually refers to the adjustment of a car’s front and rear suspension components. A proper alignment will help ensure that your car handles appropriately and will increase the life and performance of your tires.
Check Tire Tread
In order to check your tires, you just need to use the penny trick. Place a penny with the top of LIncoln’s head facing down into your tire’s shallowest tread. If you are able to see the top of Lincoln’s hair, it is likely time to replace your tires. Tires are involved in nearly 20% of the energy consumed to move a vehicle, finding a quality tire is crucial. Keep in mind that your tires are the only part of your vehicle that makes contact with the road.
Tire Repair San Diego CA
Automobile Repair Shop San Diego is a family-owned and operated repair shop that has provided quality tire repair in San Diego for years. We offer you hassle-free estimates and repairs in San Diego starting with a precise assessment of your vehicle’s current issues. We will tow your vehicle for FREE to our shop, organize a rental car, and work directly with the insurance company to streamline the repair process. We will even pay up to $500 of your deductible. Contact us today at (619) 330-0862 to see how we can help.