Six tips to keep your car tires safe and in shape

Tips to keep your car tires in shape and safe for all driving conditions 

Keeping your car tires safe and ready to roll can mean different things in different driving conditions. Wet weather, extreme heat or cold and other factors can influence the safety of your tires. Here's how you can ensure that your car tires are in tip-top shape.

1. Keep an eye on the pressure of your car tires

Check your tires' pressure monthly and more often if you are planning on taking longer trips. It is best to consult your vehicle's owner manual to determine the right pressure for the conditions you will be driving in. Remember that the pressure can change depending on the number of passengers, the load's weight, and weather conditions.

Driving with the correct tire pressure can also improve your fuel efficiency and ensure that you have a smooth, safe drive every time. 

2. Inspect the tread of your car tires

According to U.S law, the depth of tread of your car's tires should be at least 2/32 of an inch. Some states, however, do not regulate the tread depth of tires. Legal requirements aside, it is best to be safe when it comes to tread. We recommend having at least 4/32 inch of tread to keep your tires performing at their best in all weather conditions. You can purchase an inexpensive tread gauge to measure your tires or have our service professionals at Professional Auto Repair measure your tire tread depth for you. 

3. Look for tire damage

While you are inspecting the tire tread, keep a close eye on your tires' general condition. If you see any bulges, cracks, or deformities in the rubber, it is time to get the damage sorted out as soon as possible. While tires are quite hardy, the tire's sidewall is more susceptible to wear and will need to be replaced if damaged. 

4. Rotate your car tires

Your car's tires will wear down differently depending on whether it is a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive car. Driving on different sides of the road may also affect the wear of your tires. You can ensure an even wear on all the tires by simply rotating them after around 6000 to 8000 miles. Talk to our service center about having your tires rotated or purchase a hydraulic tire jack if you want to (and can) do this yourself. 

5. Avoid driving with mismatched tires

If you get a flat tire that cannot be fixed, you might be tempted only to replace the damaged tire. Unfortunately, this can result in more wear and tear on the remaining tires, and it can also impact the way your car handles. If you have to replace a tire, it is best to replace two tires at once and fit the newest tires at the back of the car. If you drive in wet conditions, having the tires in the best condition at the back will help you to avoid accidents resulting from "fishtailing" or spin out. 

You can always keep the old tire that is still in decent condition as a spare to help you get home safely in a pinch, but it is best to avoid driving on mismatched tires for long periods. 

6. Keep your vehicle's load weight in check

Most of us don't drive around with a heavily-loaded car routinely, but overloading it even just now and then can severely affect the way your vehicle handles and can cause damage to the tires. The best bet is to determine the safe load weight of your car and stick to it. Most cars have a sticker on the driver's side that is visible when the door is open. You can also consult the owner's manual on inflating and deflating your car's tires, depending on the weight. 

Need an expert opinion on your car tires? Make an appointment at Professional Auto Repair, your auto repair shop in Marietta, for your car air conditioner repair, car tire checks, and more. Google car ac repair shop near me to find out more about Professional Auto Repair in Marietta, GA.