Tire Tips from Paul Conte Chevrolet

I remember when I bought my first car. I had no clue that there was tire care I needed to do!  Maybe I should’ve known about rotating tires or how to measure the tread but I didn’t. Paul Conte Chevrolet is more than a car dealership. They also educate you on how to take care of your new vehicle. Here are a few tips from Paul Conte Chevrolet on tire care.

Tire Rotation

It’s a known fact that regular tire rotation extends the life of your tires and improves performance. Tires are rotated to achieve a uniform wear for all tires. Each tire performs different tasks (such as steering in front- versus rear-wheel drive), therefore tires wear at different rates. Tires should be rotated every 7,500 miles to prevent irregular tire wear.

It’s important to rotate your tires according to the correct tire-rotation pattern. Doing so will prolong the life of your tires and will reduce the risk of sudden tire failure. Front tires encounter different tasks than the rear tires. A front-wheel-drive car’s tires perform different tasks than those on a rear-wheel-drive vehicle.

Tire Pressure

Check your tires at least once a month when the tires are cold, meaning the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours or no more than 1 mile. The Tire Information Label located on the inside of your doorframe has the recommended cold tire pressure for your vehicle.

Inflation pressure maintenance of tires is critical for overall tire and vehicle performance. Maintaining the correct inflation pressure allows the tire to perform as intended, including for comfort, fuel economy, stopping distance, cornering, traction, tread wear, and noise.

Wheel Alignment

Proper wheel alignment is key to prolonging the life of your tires. If your vehicle is misaligned, it can cause your tires to wear unevenly, and you may experience handling problems such as pulling or abnormal vibration.

Consider a wheel alignment check if there is unusual tire wear or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one side or the other. A tire that is out of balance often affects ride quality and can shorten the life of tires, bearings, shocks, and other suspension components. If the vehicle is vibrating when driving on a smooth road, the tires and wheels may need to be rebalanced.

Those are a few ways to help make sure you get the most out of your tires. You’ll know when to change your tires when you see any of the following –

You can see three or more tread wear indicators around the tire
The tire cord or fabric is showing through the rubber
The tire tread or sidewall is cracked, cut, or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric
The tire has a bulge or split
The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that can’t be repaired correctly

Tires should be replaced when they reach 2/32. So keep an eye out for warning signs so you can be prepared to purchase new tires and have them changed out.