News

The dreaded car maintenance is here, you need new tires. So, you go to a friendly auto mechanic, you choose from a large selection of tires and found the perfect tires for your vehicle. Now that they came home with you, you must treat them well! Here is a beginner's guide to help you service your vehicle, tires included!

First off, why is caring for your tires important?

Overall, it can save you money! Just checking the tire pressure regularly will make sure they are properly inflated, and properly inflated tires last longer. Over or under inflated tires wear unevenly, which will require you to prematurely replace them, a cost your wallet won't like to do!

Additionally, proper tire care can save you money on fuel costs. Under-inflated tires are one of the biggest culprits of using excess fuel as it takes more effort from the engine to move your vehicle.

How to give a comprehensive safety check

To ensure your safety and to avoid any problems, follow this list!

Inspect your tire for damage.

As you may not always be able to see if your tire has any damage, make it a weekly habit to check. When doing this, you can check the tire's wear with the penny method. With Lincoln's head upside down, put a penny in between the tread blocks of the tire. If you are not able to still see the top of his head, then you still have 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining. If you can see his head, then it is time for a replacement.

Rotate your tires.

A tire rotation should be done every 7,500 miles in order for your tires to be as efficient as possible. This is done so they are all worn down equally.

Check your air pressure.

Because low air pressure can affect your vehicle's breaking and handling, it is important to check the air pressure regularly so as not to compromise your safety. Driving on severely under inflated tires can cause heat build up and eventually cause a premature failure. To prevent this, check the pressure monthly and before any big road trip.

Check the alignment.

Your tire alignment should be checked every 5,000 miles or every time you get your oil changed. If your tires are not aligned correctly, it can pose a large safety risk for you and your family.

Want an experienced professional to service your vehicle? Contact us at Sea Tac Tire and Auto Tech today!