Tire Inspection
Tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. Poorly maintained tires can lead to dangerous or deadly accidents at worst and a negative impact on your vehicle’s handling at best. It’s important for every driver to regularly inspect their tires for proper inflation, tread depth, and sidewall condition. Performing this quick, regular check can help you stay safe on the road.
Check Tread Depth
Evaluate the tread depth of your tires to make sure you have enough traction to grip the road. The penny test is a simple way to do this. Just place a penny upside down in your tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it may be time for new tires.
Check Tire Pressure
Use a tire pressure gauge to make sure your tires are properly inflated and then fill your tires with air as needed. To check your pressure, remove the valve stem cap, press the gauge head evenly onto the valve stem, use firm pressure so that the hissing sound stops. Remove the gauge and read the pressure. Compare this to your vehicle’s recommended inflation pressure. Always check your tires while they are cold (after sitting for at least 3 hours or before you’ve driven 1 mile at moderate speed). Never bleed pressure from a hot tire.