News

It is just about back to school time!

 If you are getting ready to drive your kids around to all of their school activities and sports, have a high school aged kid, or if you are headed off to college, here are some great tips to prepare your car for the upcoming school year.

With all of the running around we do to prepare for the upcoming school year, we often think of all of the school supplies we need to pick up or the school clothes shopping that needs to be done. Vehicle maintenance is not usually on your back-to-school list, so we are here to help with that!
According to the Rubber Manufacturers of America, only 17% of drivers know how to properly check tire pressure. Having proper tire pressure will help you get better gas mileage and waste less fuel. Having properly inflated tires are also safer and they will last you longer! With that being said, here are 5 back-to-school tire maintenance tips for you as you head into this upcoming school year.

1.  Check your tire pressures

Check tire pressure once a month and before any long trips. Don’t forget to also check your spare. It is best to check your tire pressure when the tire is cold (meaning the car has not been driven for at least three hours). The correct tire pressure can be found in your cars owners manual, on the gas tank lid, the drivers side door edge, or on the door post. Tire pressure should be the same on the tires of each axle, but can be different on the front and rear axle. Don’t forget to close the valve caps tightly to protect the valve from dust and dirt and to also prevent leaking.

Even if your vehicle has a tire pressure monitoring system, a lot of times these systems issue a low pressure warning only after the tire loses 25% of the vehicle manufacturers tire pressure. Still continue to check your tire pressure every month to ensure you have proper tire pressure.

2. Are Your Wheels Aligned?

Running over a pothole or a curb can damage your tires or put your front end out of alignment. If your wheels are out of alignment, that can improperly wear down your tires, causing uneven and rapid treadwear. Have the alignment checked periodically according to your owner’s manual, or if you happen to notice your vehicle has a “pulling” sensation or vibrating.

3. Is it Time to Rotate Your Tires?

Your tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, unless your vehicle owner’s manual has a specific recommendation. Rotating your tires will allow for more even tire wear. If your tires have uneven wear, ask your tire dealer to check and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical issues before a tire rotation.

4. Have You Checked Your Tire Grooves?

As we approach the rainy Northwest Washington fall weather, having the appropriate tread depth is essential to preventing hydroplaning and skidding. Minimum tread depth should be 2/32 of an inch, or 1.6mm. Advanced wear on your tires can reduce the ability of tread properly grip the road in adverse conditions. Make sure you visually check your tires looking for uneven wear, high and low areas, unusual smooth areas or any signs of damage.

You can place a penny into several of your tire tread grooves across your tire to check the tread. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, then you have more than 2/32″ tread remaining on your tires.

5. Where is the spare and how do I change a tire?

Before they are heading off to college or handing the keys to your high schooler, make sure your child knows where the spare is (if there is one) and how to change it. The best thing to do is practice getting out the tire and changing it at home so they don’t have to figure that out while stranded on the side of the road. The vehicle owner’s manual will give the specific instructions you need including where to find the tire and how to use the tools provided.

In addition to the 5 tips we just listed, it is just as important to replace the same tire size, type and speed rating that originally came on the vehicle. Avoiding potholes, road debris, fast stops and starts, as well as hitting or driving over the curb are all potential hazards. Always take the time to inspect your tires when you are getting in and out of your vehicle, making sure their are no gouges, cuts, bulges, or irregularities on the side wall. All of those things can cause tire trouble!

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, we would be more than happy to help you out!