Are Your Car Tires Holiday-Ready?

Tips for Car Tire-Ready Season

The winter months do not only bring chilling temperatures and jingle bells, but also tis’ the season to be car and car tire-ready. Can your car take on the Christmas rush, with all the shopping and the parties to do? Remember, the air is ice cold and the roads are slick with snow outside. Your car tires should be in tip-top shape and are responsible for safely getting you from point to point. All car drivers should take the responsibility of checking the condition of their tires.

Conducting tire maintenance is absolutely important. The tread should be in good shape and your tires are properly inflated. Well kept tires help increase traction on wet and icy roads, which is especially important during the fall to winter season. Check out these tips that should be top-of-mind all year round.

Do check your tire pressure once monthly at least. Make sure you’re using an accurate tire gauge and consulting the owner’s manual or that sticker on the driver’s door to ascertain proper tire pressure. Depending on the type of car you drive, the tire pressure level will vary. Especially when the tires are cold, or at least 4 hours after the car’s been driven, check the tire pressure. Correct tire pressure enhances vehicle performance, improves gas mileage, and decreases the risk of a blowout or a flat tire.

Do check your tread depth. Many states have laws requiring car tires to carry a minimum amount of tread depth to be legal on the road. That is because bald tires have a very hard time maintaining traction, especially in wet conditions. In short, they’re unsafe. Check your tread depth by placing a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tire’s tread has worn down to the legal limit and you need to buy a new tire.

Do rotate your tires regularly. Why? Because rotating your tires regularly promotes even wear of the tread. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Periodical tire rotation keeps wear even and balanced. Cars with front-wheel drive typically have increased wear on the front tires. Even wear on tires helps the engine run more efficiently and allowing it to use less gas. Gas mileage also goes up when there is less tire pulling and road friction.

Do check your tire alignment at least once a year or sooner, especially if the vehicle is pulling to one side. This will help avoid uneven wear on tire tread. It also contributes to smoother driving, increases fuel efficiency, and extends the life of your tires. Tire balance should also be monitored.

Checking Tire Health When in Seattle

Over at Greenwood Collision in Seattle, we are your go-to place when your car needs repair or repaint. We check and maintain your car performance, and that includes tire care.