One of the most frequently overlooked maintenance items on a vehicle are the tires. Here at Fisch-Bone Motors, we want you to be safe. Dallas drivers know that commuting is stressful enough without having a flat tire. To reduce the risk of being stranded on the road, every driver needs to know how to perform three basic tire maintenance functions. We’ll explain below.
Every time you change your oil you should check your tire pressure. Tires can naturally lose up to one psi (pounds per square inch) each month and even more when the weather is cold. Here’s how you can check and make sure your tires have optimum pressure.
Check the sticker on the inside of the driver’s door for proper tire pressure. This number may also be found in the owner’s manual. Once you know your psi, you can measure the pressure with a standard pressure gauge. Remove the valve stem cover and place gauge over the exposed stem. You will here a “pssst” sound, and the gauge will pop out. Check the number on the gauge against the proper tire pressure. Note: Only check pressure when tires are cold.
If you have driven the car, wait three hours before checking.
Add or release air until the gauge shows proper inflation for your car.
If you have plenty of tread, but the tires are over ten years old, you should consider replacing them. Most tire manufacturers recommend you replace your tires at the ten year mark. However, most vehicle manufacturers suggest every six years. Check with the manufacturers recommendations for your specific vehicle.
It’s important to replace tires so that your vehicle responds correctly in adverse conditions. Also, worn or outdated tires can cause a tire to blow out which may result in a serious accident.
If you have a flat tire, you will most likely need to use your spare tire to get you to the closest destination for tire replacement. Today, most automobile manufacturers use the narrow, compact spares. They work great, but many people don’t understand how to use them properly.
These are not full tires and are not as durable as a regular tire. Long term use of these spares can cause serious mechanical issues due to the imbalance of the vehicle when used. Most manufacturers suggest you don’t drive your vehicle over 50 mph when using one of these spares. It’s also a good idea not to drive over 50 miles on one. Regular maintenance of the spare is important. It’s a good idea to check the pressure in the spare when you check the other tires. Now that you understand tire maintenance and what you need to know to keep your car running evenly, you can be safer while on the road.
How to Check Tire Pressure
Every time you change your oil you should check your tire pressure. Tires can naturally lose up to one psi (pounds per square inch) each month and even more when the weather is cold. Here’s how you can check and make sure your tires have optimum pressure.
Check the sticker on the inside of the driver’s door for proper tire pressure. This number may also be found in the owner’s manual. Once you know your psi, you can measure the pressure with a standard pressure gauge. Remove the valve stem cover and place gauge over the exposed stem. You will here a “pssst” sound, and the gauge will pop out. Check the number on the gauge against the proper tire pressure. Note: Only check pressure when tires are cold.
If you have driven the car, wait three hours before checking.
Add or release air until the gauge shows proper inflation for your car.
When to Replace Your Tires
Tires should be replaced when the tread wears down too far, or the tire becomes older than recommended. To check tread level, use an ordinary penny. Place the penny into the tread grooves in several different areas. If the top of Lincoln’s head can be seen, the tread is too low and the tires should be replaced. If only part of Lincoln’s head is visible you still have some tire life left.If you have plenty of tread, but the tires are over ten years old, you should consider replacing them. Most tire manufacturers recommend you replace your tires at the ten year mark. However, most vehicle manufacturers suggest every six years. Check with the manufacturers recommendations for your specific vehicle.
It’s important to replace tires so that your vehicle responds correctly in adverse conditions. Also, worn or outdated tires can cause a tire to blow out which may result in a serious accident.
Spare Tire
These are not full tires and are not as durable as a regular tire. Long term use of these spares can cause serious mechanical issues due to the imbalance of the vehicle when used. Most manufacturers suggest you don’t drive your vehicle over 50 mph when using one of these spares. It’s also a good idea not to drive over 50 miles on one. Regular maintenance of the spare is important. It’s a good idea to check the pressure in the spare when you check the other tires. Now that you understand tire maintenance and what you need to know to keep your car running evenly, you can be safer while on the road.
