It happened again. An unforeseen tire blowout while traveling to work or running errands. Not only have your plans been abruptly halted for the day but now you have to call and wait for a tow truck and spend more money on another round of unexpected tire repairs.
Would you like to avoid this all-too-familiar scenario many of us find ourselves in? While we cannot guarantee you’ll never experience another flat tire, we can offer some valuable guidance on how to best prevent this from happening again.
Properly caring for your tires is an important step in doing your best to prevent unnecessary tire damage. Not only that, but well-maintained tires keep you safe while driving as well as help you save money. By performing regular maintenance, checking on the condition of your tires often, and bringing your vehicle to a mechanic for any necessary tire service, you’ll keep your vehicle in prime condition and your family safe and sound.
Good Tires Keep You Safe
Your vehicle’s tires are the only part of the car that has direct contact with the road. The condition of your tires can make a huge difference in your safety while driving. They can also affect how your vehicle handles and how well the brakes respond while on the road. For long-lasting and top-performing tires, you need to ensure they are in prime condition at all times. This includes having the right air pressure, the correct tread depth, and the proper wheel alignment.
Good Tires Save You Money
Replacing badly worn tires is always more expensive than providing regular maintenance for this essential equipment. Without proper maintenance, tires wear down faster and can result in an unexpected flat tire. Not only do you need to repair the tire but if too much damage is caused, you may need to replace the entire wheel. Poorly maintained tires can also cause unnecessary damage to other vehicle parts such as the suspension and brakes.
Well-working tires can also help you save money on fuel costs. Properly inflated tires enhance fuel economy whereas tires that are underinflated use more gas. Checking the air pressure regularly will ensure the tires are helping your fuel efficiency rather than hurting it.
Make Sure Your Tires Are in Tiptop Shape
There are several ways to make sure your tires remain in tiptop shape. By watching for specific signs of tire trouble and scheduling regular tire maintenance, you will be helping both your tires and your vehicle perform better and last longer.
Watch for These Signs of Tire Problems
Watching for these specific signs of tire problems can help prevent accidental tire damage:
- Overinflated tires: If your tires are overinflated, the excessive air pressure will cause extensive tread wear primarily in the middle of the tire. This will create tread damage sooner than if the tire was inflated properly.
- Underinflated tires: As with too much air pressure in the tire, not enough air pressure will cause uneven tread wear mainly on the sides. Again, you’ll need to replace the tires sooner than expected, resulting in an expensive consequence of underinflated tires.
- Unusual tread wear: If your tires are properly inflated but you still notice uneven or unusual tread damage, this could mean there’s a problem with the wheel alignment, the shock absorbers, or other areas of the vehicle’s suspension.
- Strange vibrations or noises: When you begin to notice strange sounds or vibrations, this may be a possible indication that one or more of the tires is out of balance.
- Pulling to one side: An underinflated or damaged tire can cause your car to pull to one side of the road while driving.
Check the Tire Pressure
Checking the tire pressure is one of the best ways to expertly maintain your tires. We recommend checking the pressure once a month. Review the owner’s manual to find the recommended tire pressure for your specific vehicle.
You will need a tire gauge, which can be purchased at any auto supply store. Remove the valve cap and place the tire gauge over the valve stem. The gauge will then measure how much air pressure is in your tire. Once you know the current air pressure, adjust it as needed by either releasing or adding air. Use the gauge to check the pressure until each tire contains the proper amount of air.
Check the Tire Tread
Tire tread is what actively keeps your tires connected to the road. It provides both gripping action and traction that helps keep your car in control when driving on wet, slippery roads or over rough terrain. We recommend checking your tire’s tread at least once a month. This can be done when you check the air pressure. When the tread is worn down, meaning it’s even with the tread indicator, then it’s time to schedule an appointment to have your tires replaced.
Perform Regular Tire Maintenance
Keep your tires in prime condition with regularly scheduled tire maintenance. We recommend having the following three services performed on your tires.
Tire Rotation
Regular tire rotation can help your tires last longer by reducing uneven wear and maintaining peak fuel efficiency. Typically, tire rotations are conducted every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, or sooner if your tires are experiencing or causing damage. You can check the owner’s manual for the exact specifications or ask your mechanic. They will be able to tell you when and how your tires need to be rotated for your specific vehicle.
Tire Balancing
Properly balancing tires can minimize uneven wear as well as extend the life of the tire. Your tires should be balanced when:
- New tires are purchased.
- You notice a vibration while driving.
- Whenever a tire is removed from the wheel.
Wheel Alignment
A wheel alignment is the adjusting or aligning of the vehicle’s suspension, which is the system that connects the vehicle to the wheels. Proper alignment involves adjusting the angles of the tires and how they make contact with the road. This service prevents your car from pulling to one side while driving, ensures your tires perform properly, and also helps them last longer.
Schedule Tire Service Today
Now that you understand the importance of caring for your tires, don’t wait until you experience that flat tire or unexpected blowout. Contact Huffines Hyundai McKinney today to schedule tire service for your vehicle. We are the local dealership where you will experience small-town friendliness and a commitment to exceeding our customers’ expectations.
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