Know Your Roll – 4 Tire Care Tips

Tires are important. They provide traction, which is essential for safety when driving. Without them, you would have to get out and push your car whenever it starts raining. Tires that are not properly maintained can lead to premature wear and tear and uneven tread wear that can be dangerous during rain. This post will provide tips for proper tire care.

1) Check Tire Pressure Regularly

This may seem like a no-brainer, but many people forget about checking their tire pressure until they hear an audible hissing sound from their tires while driving down the road. Keeping your tires inflated at recommended levels not only improves gas mileage but also helps to prevent uneven tread wear and possible failure.

Most cars have the recommended psi levels printed in the back if you have a manual. You can buy an inexpensive air gauge at any auto or hardware store. Most gas stations have air machines that are free to use. If your tire pressure is low, don’t wait to fill them up. Driving on under-inflated tires can quickly lead to a blowout.

2) Tires Have a Specific Shelf Life

Just like anything else, tires have a specific shelf life. Once they reach that age, they’re no longer safe to use. Tires should be replaced every six years, regardless of how much tread is left on them. You can find the age of your tires by looking for the DOT code on the sidewall.

If you’re not sure when your tires were made, it’s best to err on the side of caution and replace them every six years anyway. Old tires are more likely to blow out, and they’re also less effective at gripping the road.

3) Tires Need to be Balanced and Aligned

Tires need to be balanced and aligned regularly to stay safe and effective. If they’re not, you’ll start to experience several problems, including decreased fuel economy, uneven tire wear, and even a blowout.

The best way to tell if your tires need to be balanced or aligned is by taking them to your dealership service center. They’ll be able to take a look and let you know if any work needs to be done. Most mechanics will balance your tires for free when you get a new set.

4) Check the Tire Tread

It’s imperative to check your tire tread regularly. If you’re not sure how to read your tire tread depth, there are a few ways to do so. One is to use a penny: place the penny upside down into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. Your tires need to be replaced if you can see all of his head.

When you think about how much time your car spends on the road, it’s important to keep tires in good shape. Fortunately for drivers of Toyota vehicles, our certified technicians can help with everything from tire rotation and tire balancing to repairing punctures or installing new ones.

Visit our dealership today to learn more about our services at Toyota of Fort Walton Beach, serving Wright, FL. You can also check out our Toyota tire center online to buy new tires and explore our services.