Top Tips for Tire Service, Tire Maintenance and Tread Safety
Tires tend to lose air pressure over time, approximately one PSI per month, even if they are not punctured. Driving with tires that are consistently underinflated reduces their performance, wastes fuel, and can lead to a blowout at highway speeds, which is why it is important to do regular tire service.
As a local Edmonton driver, you have access to the best tire service Edmonton professionals who can check your tire’s tread depth, tire pressure, rotation, balancing, and storage.
Top Tire Service Tips to Keep You Road-Ready
1. Check Your Tread Depth
A tire’s tread depth is one of its most critical features for determining performance and safety. Tires with insufficient tread can cause punctures, reduce overall grip on the road, and even lead to hydroplaning, especially when it rains.
A simple trick to measure your tire’s tread depth is by using a coin. The easiest is to use a quarter and place it on the tire’s groove with the caribou’s nose pointing downwards. If the caribou’s nose is covered by the tread on the tire, then it means that it has sufficient depth.
If it doesn’t, you may need to consider getting new tires. Most tires also have built-in tread depth indicators located at the base of the main grooves. When the depth of your tire reaches the level of these markings, it means it’s time to think of getting new tires.
If you want to get an accurate reading, it’s always best to use a tread depth gauge. The legal limit is 2/32nds of an inch on average tires or 3/32nds on winter tires, measured on the central three-quarters of the tread width all the way around the tire.
If you are using winter tires, make sure to look out for the snowflake marking. You should always bring your vehicle to a trusted tire service Edmonton provider if you are not particularly sure about your tire’s tread depth.
2. Store Your Seasonal Tires Properly
While switching from one set of tires to another, make sure to store the ones being replaced in a proper tire storage unit. You can store them in a cool, dark place with low humidity, away from direct sunlight.
You can also keep them away from gasoline, solvents, and greases, as well as ozone-generating devices like compressors, generators, and furnaces, to prolong the usable life of your tires.
A professional tire service Edmonton provider usually offers seasonal tire storage options you can consider if you don’t have space to keep them in your garage or basement.
3. Make Sure You Always Have a Spare Tire with You
Make sure you have a spare tire in your car if you can. A proper spare tire should always be kept in good condition. In case of emergency, it will minimize your chances of having to spend extra cash on towing services.
If your primary set of tires needs to be replaced or repaired, a spare tire will always get you back on the road quicker. Don’t forget to always have a jack with you as well.
4. Get Your Tires Rotated and Balanced Often
Getting your tires rotated and balanced regularly is one of the best ways to prolong their service life. A good rule of thumb is to get them rotated every 6,000 to 10,000 km depending on the manufacturer and model, so make sure to consult your vehicle’s user manual.
It’s important to rotate your tires because it helps them wear evenly, extending their overall lifespan.
Unbalanced tires usually cause a bumpy sensation, especially at higher speeds, which can be minimized by balancing them.
5. Check Your Tires’ Pressure Regularly
Keeping your tires at the recommended pressure is the best thing you can do for them and your overall safety on the road. Underinflated tires can lead to blowouts, tread detachment, increased fuel consumption, reduced vehicle control, and uneven wear patterns.
On the other hand, properly inflated tires give you better control over your vehicle, reduce the risk of a blowout, improve gas mileage, lower the likelihood of accidents, and prolong the lifespan of the tread.
With improper care, tires lose tread, get punctured, or go underinflated, among other problems. All of these issues can be avoided by following the regular tire service protocol.
