How To Get The Most From Your Tires
If you own a vehicle, tires are part of your vocabulary. However, as the most trusted Londonderry auto repair shop, our team at Tires Too can say that tires are also some of the most neglected elements. While most drivers keep up with routine maintenance, like oil changes, they assume their local mechanic will handle the other stuff. For example, if you consider the last time your vehicle was in the shop, chances are, tire rotation and pressure check were included. So, while your trusted mechanic is keeping an eye out, what do you have to worry about, right?
Regular tire maintenance is a must.
Spending hundreds, if not thousands of dollars on new tires is generally not something people like to do. While investing in new tires will become inevitable, a routine maintenance schedule can help prolong the expense. With a few simple steps (we will get to this in a minute), you can expect to receive the following:
- Improved fuel efficiency
- Better performance from your vehicle
- Improved handling in any weather
- Even wear and tear throughout your tires
- Longer period before needing replacement
Tire pressure monitoring.
One of the easiest ways to check in on your tire’s health is by monitoring the air pressure. With an inexpensive pressure gauge, you’ll know if you have a slow leak. If you don’t own a pressure gauge, nearly every gas station has at least one available for their customers. Either way, this is a must-have tool for every vehicle owner.
When checking your tire pressure, you want to start by looking inside your driver’s door. Here, you’ll find the manufacturer’s recommended pressure for your tires. If you can’t locate the information on your door for some reason, it will also be documented in the owner’s manual. Once you have this number, you’re ready to move on.
Checking the tire’s pressure starts by removing the valve stem. Once removed, firmly attached the pressure gauge to create a tight seal. You’ll know if you’ve accomplished this by listening – the sound of leaking air means you need more pressure. The gauge will automatically report the pressure amount on a simple to read dial. Depending on the number, you may need to add air to increase the pressure to the recommended number.
While you’re at it.
Since you’re already focused on your tires, take the time to perform a visual inspection too. An inspection will let you know if your tires are starting to crack, have foreign items lodged into them, are getting low in the tread department, and so on. Speaking of tread – have you heard of the penny test?
The penny test is a simple way to figure out how your tire’s tread is doing. Place a penny head first into a few different areas of your tire. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is in good condition. If his head is covered, it may be time to give Tires Too a visit.
No matter what the condition of your tires may be, our team is here for all of your Londonderry auto repair needs. At Tires Too, we have decades of experience and satisfied customers! From routine oil changes to new tires, we have the in-house solution your vehicle needs!
To schedule your vehicle service with Tires Too, contact our shop today by calling (603) 434-2730.