Don’t Forget About your Tires!

With the busyness of life, it’s easy to neglect the consistent maintenance of your vehicle; however, proactiveness is a vital element to your safety. Oil changes and replenishing your wiper fluid are tasks that many of us handle like clockwork, but proper upkeep of your tires sometimes gets put on the back-burner.
 
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a hiking trip to the mountains, or an escape to the beach, your vehicle’s maintenance should be a top priority to ensure you have safe travels. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for those miles of memories:

1. Check your spare

Every couple of months, inspect your spare tire for proper tire pressure and/or any visible issues. Remember, no tire will last forever, so even your spare may need to be replaced if you’ve been carrying it for a lengthy amount of time. Also, ensure that you have the proper tools in your vehicle if you were to have a flat and need to put on the spare. Some tools may rust over time or break, so don’t take for granted that your vehicle’s previous owner properly cared for them.

2. Monitor your tread depth

To prevent hydroplaning and skidding, proper tread depth is essential. Tires generally have a life-span of three or four years with an average mileage use of 10,000 to 15,000 miles. The easiest way to find out how close your tires are to replacement is to use a penny to test the tread. Simply place the penny upside down into a tread groove — if Lincoln’s head is fully visible, it is time to get a new tire. Visit StateFarm for a detailed graphic of using coins to test your tire’s tread.

3. Align and rotate

Misalignment of wheels can cause uneven and rapid wear on your tire’s tread, drastically reducing its life-span. This can be caused by simply hitting a pothole or bumping a curb, so don’t wait to only get them checked after a road accident. Regularly rotating your tires will also help to achieve more uniform wear and extend the life of your tires. The general recommendation for tire rotation is between 5,000 to 8,000 miles unless specified otherwise in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
 
Properly maintaining your vehicle’s tires can help you to boost performance, save fuel, and stay safe. Your local Co-op's Auto Center will be happy to help you with all of your vehicle maintenance needs or to equip you with the tools and supplies you need to take care of it yourself.

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