Perhaps you just got brand new tires for your car, or are just curious about taking good care of them, well read on because some good tips are included in this article. 

Check your tire pressure monthly

One of the most important things you can do is check your tire pressure on a regular basis. It’s good to set up a routine that is easy for you to remember, say for example: first Saturday of the month. When checking the tire pressure be sure to pay attention to how your tires are wearing. Proper tire pressure prolongs the life of your tires, helps maintain equal wear and proper fuel economy. Underinflated tires will wear on the outside and will reduce fuel efficiency because of higher rolling resistance. It will also make it more difficult to handle and steer your vehicle and will affect the braking distance. Overinflated tires are not as problematic as underinflated ones, but it is a good idea to monitor it nonetheless because overinflated tires will tend to wear more in the center. This uneven wear will force you to shop for new tires sooner than necessary. With overinflated tires you will also experience a more rough and bumpy ride.

Uneven wear can also be an indication that a tire balance or alignment might be necessary.

Remember that when the outside temperature drops so will the pressure in your tires. You’ve probably seen that pressure sensor light ignite on your dashboard many times before. Do not ignore this warning. Properly inflate those tires as soon as possible.

Check for cracks, tire tread, bulges or items such as nails, glass or stones

When doing your monthly check, look for any cracks in the tires. Tires tend to crack a lot faster in the Valley of the Sun due to hot and dry conditions. These cracks are an indication that the rubber is wearing down. In order to prevent cracking you should keep your vehicle parked in a garage as much as possible. Driving with cracked tires can be very dangerous, as it can cause a sudden loss of pressure or even a blowout.

Paying attention to your tire tread is extremely important. If your tires are worn down you lose traction making it difficult to control your vehicle especially in wet conditions. There is a coin test you can perform on your own, or you can stop by Bullitt Automotive, your Auto Repair Chandler AZ shop and one of our technicians will gladly check this for you. If you happen to find an item stuck in your tire you could potentially remove it yourself. Keep in mind however that if the object is embedded deep in the tire it might serve you better to come visit us at Bullitt Automotive your Auto Repair Chandler AZ shop.

Tire balancing

What tire balancing does is it ensures even weight distribution around it’s entire circumference. Out of balance tires will cause uneven tread wear, you might also notice some vibration in your steering wheel and poor fuel economy. Typically you should have your tires balanced whenever you rotate them, generally every 5,000-10,000 miles.

Tire rotation

Keep in mind that some tires are directional which means: you do not rotate these. Also know that some higher end vehicles will have different tires for the front and different ones for the back which obviously means that you do not rotate these either. For all others, it is a good idea to rotate your tires front to rear every 5,000-10,000 miles.

Alignment

An alignment is typically performed when you install new tires. You might however need an alignment if you hit a pothole or curb. Worn down suspension parts or recent work done to the suspension may also call for an alignment. Proper alignment ensures a safe, smooth and fuel efficient ride. Our technicians use an alignment machine that measures the current geometry of your wheels (such as camber, caster, toe) and provides guidance on how to make necessary adjustments to meet manufacturer’s specifications.

We hope this information helps you understand tire maintenance. Know that we are always happy to answer any of your questions. We love cars and we love helping our customers. We are a full-service Auto Mechanic Shop Chandler AZ near ASU, the Light Rail and Tempe Marketplace. We Provide Reliable and Honest automotive service and maintenance. You name it, we can fix it. We love what we do, and our team’s positive energy can be felt the moment you walk into our Auto Repair Chandler AZ shop. Our highly trained technicians utilize the latest in diagnostic technology, they are passionate about quality auto repairs and they will get you back on the road safely and quickly.



Give us a call at: 480.446.0484 and let’s add you to our long list of satisfied customers. While we take care of your vehicle you are welcome to relax in our comfortable and updated waiting room.