Tire Maintenance 101

Few things are as important to the safety of your vehicle as your tires. Tire maintenance isn’t time consuming, but it is necessary to prevent worn-out tires from causing accidents or blowouts. Don’t risk ending up stranded on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. Follow these easy tire maintenance tips to keep your vehicle in top condition. 

Check the Tread

The tread of your tires is what gives them traction, so your vehicle drives smoothly and doesn’t slide when the roads are wet. When your tire tread wears down, you may find it difficult to control your vehicle, and you’ll be prone to spinning out in wet conditions. It’s easy to check the tread on your tires. Start by sticking a quarter upside down in the tread. If George Washington’s head is fully exposed, then your tires need to be replaced. You should try this trick in three spots on each tire. You should also periodically visually spot-check your tread to look for worn areas. 

Look for Inflation Issues

You can verify your tire pressure by checking their PSI with a gauge. However, you may also recognize over or under inflated tires by sight. If your tires are over inflated, they will bulge in the middle, and the sides will be more worn than other areas. Under inflated tires look saggy and may have uneven wear. If your tires look like they are inadequately filled, add or release air according to the reading until you reach the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.

Get Rotations and Alignments

Tire rotation and alignments should be part of your regular car care routine. Get your tires rotated every 5,000 miles and aligned every 12,000 miles to extend the life of your tires and to ensure even wear and tear. 

If you do experience a tire issue, just call Barnett’s Towing for help. Our drivers provide towing 24 hours per day. Schedule a tow anywhere in Arizona by calling us toll-free at (800) 722-2302.