Tire Maintenance
In Orangeburg, SC by Murphy's Auto Glass & Tire Express
Tires are a big investment for your vehicle. Just like any investment, you want to make sure to get the most out of your tires. Tires come in a variety of different mileage warranties. These warranties are determined by the tire manufacturer. A tire warranty is basically the lifetime the tire should last based on normal driving conditions and proper maintenance. There are several things you can do as a vehicle owner to gain the maximum amount of life expectancy from your tires.
Check Tire Pressure Often for Proper Inflation
Tires are known to lose on the average about 1 psi (pounds per square inch) a month based on normal usage. Maintaining proper tire pressure levels will extend the life of the tire but will also allow your vehicle to get better gas mileage and a more comfortable ride. Checking tire pressure is easy and only takes a couple minutes per tire. Make sure the tire pressure gauge matches the vehicle tire specifications usually located on the inside of the driver side door. If you decide to have your tires inflated with nitrogen gas, checking the tires' air pressure will not need to be done as often since nitrogen gas does not escape the tire as easily as compressed air, but consistently checking the tire pressure is still a good habit.
How to Check Tire Pressure
- Purchase a trusted pressure gauge.
- Check your tires "cold," before you've driven or at least three hours after you've driven.
- Insert pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tire. (The gauge will "pop" out and show a measured number. When you hear a "pssst" sound, air is escaping the tire. The escaping air shouldn't affect pressure substantially, unless you hold down the air pressure gauge too long.)
- Compare the measured psi to the psi found on the sticker inside the driver's door of your vehicle or in owner's manual. DO NOT compare to the psi on your tire's sidewall.
- If your psi is above the number, let air out until it matches. If below, add air until it reaches the proper number.
Tire Rotation
Regular rotation helps extend the life of your tires and improve performance. During rotation, each tire and wheel is removed from your vehicle and moved to a different position to ensure that all tires wear evenly and last longer. Tires should be rotated every six months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles (usually at every oil change).
Tire Inspection
It is important to inspect your tires once every month and before you begin a long road trip, check your tires for wear and damage problems. One easy way to check for wear is by using the penny test. All you have to do is grab your spare change and follow 3 easy steps.
- Take a penny and hold Abe's body between your thumb and forefinger.
- Select a point on your tire where tread appears the lowest and place Lincoln's head into one of the grooves.
- If any part of Abe Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the legal and safe amount of tread. If your tread gets below that (approximately 2/32 of an inch), your car's ability to grip the road in adverse conditions is greatly reduced.