Every time you drive, you are trusting that your car will get you and your family to your destination safely. This trust is based on you having your car checked out regularly, and any routine maintenance of your car should include regular tire service in Basalt, CO.
When to replace your tires
When something is wrong with your car, it is likely that you are driving the car when you notice the problem for the first time. It is no different with your tires, and you should always pay attention to the feel of your ride as a potential indicator that something may be wrong. If your ride feels more turbulent than usual, or if you detect vibrations that you have never felt before, your tires may be trying to tell you something.
When a safe opportunity presents itself, performs a visual inspection of your tires. Any feathered or cupped edges, cracks, bulges, grooves or diagonal streaks that are visible on the outside of your tires are the first signs that the time to replace your tires is fast approaching.
It is important to make sure that your tires are always in good shape, because if anything is even slightly off, you could find yourself in a very dangerous situation, especially on the road. One of the most important things to monitor when it comes to your tires’ health is the amount of tread present, because this is what allows your tires to grip the road for a safe, smooth ride.
One of the easiest ways to assess the tread level at home is by using the penny test method. Using your thumb and forefinger, insert the penny with Lincoln’s head pointing towards the ground. If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered, then you have a safe and legal amount of tread. However, if all of Lincoln’s head is visible, then the tread on your tires is worn very low, and it is time to consider replacement.
The importance of wheel alignments and tire rotation
It is recommended that you get a wheel alignment once every two to three years, and every time new tires are installed. If you live in an area that has particularly damaged roads due to extreme weather conditions, it wouldn’t hurt to check in once a year, because every pothole you encounter could potentially be affecting the angles of your wheels.
You should also have your tires rotated somewhere in between every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or every six months, depending on how much use your tires see. Failure to do so can lead to excessive wear on one side of a tire, which creates imbalance, unsafe driving conditions and the need for premature replacement. On the other hand, with regular tire rotations and wheel alignments, you cannot only extend the life of your tires, but your suspension and steering apparatuses could benefit as well.
All four tires need to be working together as a unit for maximum effectiveness, and any inconsistencies can prove to be dangerous. Basalt Quick Lube & Tire wants to make sure that your family is as safe as possible while you are on the road, so give us a call today or anytime you need tire service in Basalt, CO.