Tires are arguably one of the most important assets to the safety and functionality of your vehicle. It’s important to consistently check in on the wellbeing and longevity of your tires so you can be sure you’re driving a safe and reliable car. If you don’t know what to look for in the maintenance of your tires, however, it can be tough to keep them functioning properly. The experts at Car-Title.org want all drivers to stay safe on the road, starting with trustworthy tires. Keeping the proper air pressure and a good amount of tread on your tires is a great place to begin when attempting to keep your tires maintained. Here are a few ways to ensure these factors are on point.
The coin tire tread test – As one of the oldest tests in the book, using a coin to test the tread of your tire is still one of the most popular ways to know when you need to invest in a new set. It’s important to know where your tread should be on the coin so you can recognize when a replacement is necessary. According to the experts at Car-Title.org, you can use either a quarter or a penny for this test. If you use a quarter, simply put it in one of the grooves of your tire with the head of Washington facing down. If the president’s entire head is covered by your tire tread, you’re in good shape and don’t need to consider a tire replacement. However, if you can see any part of Washington’s head, you should consider a replacement. Furthermore, if the entire head is not covered by your tire grooves, the need for tire replacement is urgent.
If you plan to use a penny for this tread test, you should place the coin in a groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see any of the president’s head, it’s an indicator that new tires are needed soon.
Analyzing the tread – Without using a coin, you can examine your tire tread with your naked eye to figure out if new tires are needed. If your tires look worn in certain spots but not in others, it may mean there’s an alignment issue. You’ll probably need to replace all tires and fix the alignment of your car. The team at Car-Title.org warns that tires and service can be a steep investment, but one that’s well worth it. If you don’t get the alignment problem fixed, your next set of tires will experience the same wear patterns, causing you to need a new set more frequently.
Checking your tires for thin or bald strips is important to keep the vehicle driving safely. If you see these types of wear patterns or a shallow tire tread, it can mean your vehicle won’t be able to stop as quickly, and may skid. Tires without good treads are also dangerous on steep roads or in poor weather conditions.
Air pressure checks – Keeping the correct air pressure in your tires is another important factor for the longevity of the set and the safety of the vehicle. If you’re unsure of the proper air pressure for your car, the experts at Car-Title.org suggest checking the outside tire wall for the optimal suggested tire pressure. If you don’t see the reading there, your car’s manual should let you know the tire pressure needed for your vehicle. You can check your current tire pressure with a gauge, or by visiting a tire air pump at your local gas station. By hooking up your tire to the pump, there should be a gauge that lets you know the current tire’s pressure. You should consider checking your tire pressure every time there’s a drastic temperature change in your area, when you see a warning light on your dashboard or at least once every month.
Tire maintenance – Taking care of your tires is the best way to ensure they last for a while and keep operating properly. The group at Car-Title.org recommends keeping your tires correctly aligned and balanced so the tread wears evenly. This also ensures you have the best grip and control of your vehicle. Stay on a strict schedule with your mechanic for tire rotation and other maintenance so you can get the most mileage out of your current tires.