Tire Maintenance

Know what is safe and how to evaluate your needs
Proper tire maintenance is essential to your vehicle's overall performance and your driving safety, especially during this critical time when you are moving. Learn quick and easy techniques to maintain proper inflation, schedule tire rotation and measure tread depth. Simply remember to Inflate, Rotate and Evaluate!

INFLATE
The single greatest cause of tire damage is improper inflation. Your tires loose pressure over time, which causes unnecessary stress, early and irregular tread wear and poor gas mileage. Plus, tires can't deliver their best performance without the right air pressure.
1).Why Tires Lose Air Pressure
Tires can lose 1 psi (pound per square inch) per month under normal conditions. Additionally, tires can lose 1 psi for every 10?F temperature drop.

2).Finding the Right Air Pressure
Look for the manufacturer's recommended air pressure listed on the sticker of your vehicle's door jamb or owner's manual. It is important to regularly check that your tires meet the recommended air pressure. For example, one of the tires below is actually ten pounds underinflated. Your eyes can deceive you, so rely on a good tire gauge for an accurate reading.
 

3).Air Pressure and Performance
This chart shows you how underinflation can create an overload on tires. Always check your air pressure to make sure it's up to standards, especially if you're carrying extra weight.

4).Monthly Check
For accuracy, check your air pressure with a tire gauge when tires are cold. Driving heats up tires and makes the reading incorrect.
 

ROTATE
Ideally you should have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles ?and more frequently if you do most of your driving around town or if you own a front-wheel drive car.
 

EVALUATE
You can prevent unnecessary damage by getting to know your tires. When getting into and out of your car, give them a quick eye-ball. A general familiarity with them will make it easier for you to spot problems.
You should also listen to your tires.
When you turn a corner at normal speeds, do you hear a squealing sound? If so, one or more of your tires may be low on air. Also, pay attention to how your car feels when you move the steering wheel. Changes may be due to tire problems that need attention.
1).Visual Tire Wear Check
Check for obvious signs of wear, like in the example below.
 

2).Tread Depth Check
Check to see if your tire tread depth is adequate in three easy steps.

1.Take a penny and pinch Abe's body between your thumb and forefinger.
2.Put his head into the grooves of the tread at the point on your tire where the tread is the lowest.
3.If any part of his head is obscured by the tread, you're driving within the legal guidelines. If you can see above his head where it says "In God We Trust" it means you are ready for a new set of tires.