Yes, if you want them to last their expected lifetime, your tires require maintenance. Based upon the kind of automobile you own, tires can be a pretty hefty investment. Research has shown that tires are among the most overlooked items when it comes to vehicle maintenance. Your car tires are designed to work with the steering and suspension systems to keep your vehicle on the road. Over-inflated, under-inflated, misaligned, and/or dry-rotted tires can quickly become safety hazards. By adhering to a few tire maintenance tips, your tires will last longer and your vehicle will operate more efficiently.
Key #1 – Check Tire Inflation on a Monthly Basis
When your tires are properly inflated, they will wear evenly, help you conserve gas and improve handling. Extreme weather temperatures will affect the air pressure in your vehicle’s tires. To make sure your tires are always inflated to the correct air pressure, it’s wise to check them once a month. Invest in a tire pressure gauge and keep it handy. Checking the air pressure is a fast and simple process. If you don’t know how, we’d be happy to show you the next time you bring your vehicle in for service. When checking the pressure and filling your tires with air, don’t use the pressure that’s noted on the sidewall of the tire. The correct tire pressure will be listed on a label on the inside of the driver’s door. One last note – Check the tire pressure first thing in the morning, while the tires are still cold.
Is the tire pressure warning light staying on despite having the proper air pressure? Schedule an appointment with Shade Tree Garage in Morristown, New Jersey. This warning light is designed to illuminate when one or more of your tires are under-inflated. When the light comes on, check the tire pressure and add air, as necessary. If you’ve been driving and this light turns on, your tire is probably losing air quickly. Do not drive on a flat tire as it could pose serious safety risks and will cause damage to the wheel. If the tires are inflated properly and the light remains on, make an appointment with Shade Tree Garage. Sensors will sometimes go bad and require replacement.
Key #2 – Have Tires Rotated Regularly
Your tires will wear evenly and will last longer if they’re rotated regularly. The easiest way to be sure this is done on a regular schedule is to rotate the tires every time you change the engine oil and filter. When it comes time to replace your tires, for safety reasons, it’s highly recommended to replace all 4 simultaneously.
Key #3 – The Front End Suspension and Vehicle Alignments
Worn out steering or suspension system parts will result in tires that wear out quicker than they should. Steering and suspensions systems that are worn out can fail and pose a serious safety hazard. Your vehicle’s suspension helps you keep control of your automobile. Moreover, the suspension allows your vehicle to smoothly drive around curves and make turns without rolling. If you notice excessive bounce when you hit a bump or your vehicle sways from side to side around curves or when you turn, have the suspension system checked. It’s also wise to have the wheels aligned at least once a year (more if you hit a curb or pothole). The technicians at Shade Tree Garage are equipped and knowledgeable in handling all of your steering and suspension system repairs. We can also perform wheel alignments.
Key #4 – Inspect Your Tires When You Check Tire Pressure
At least once each month, complete a visual inspection of your tires. Inspect the tread depth and check on how your tires are wearing. If you notice any uneven wear or you find that very little tread depth is left, have your tires replaced right away.
Bring Your Vehicle to Shade Tree Garage, New Jersey for Tire Maintenance & Replacement
By following these key steps, your tires should last their expected lifetime. When it comes to replacing them, give Shade Tree Garage a call. We can assist you to in selecting the right tires for your vehicle and budget. You can choose from a number of different tire manufacturers and we often run specials on Michelin tires. If you need any repair or maintenance on your vehicle’s suspension and steering systems, we can handle that too. Click here to make an appointment with Shade Tree Garage, in Morristown, New Jersey.