Your tires are the first line of defense when it comes to the road. When there are bumps, crevices or sharp turns, your tires will be there to give you protection and help you gain traction when needed. Here at the Krause Auto Group, our number one priority is keeping our customers safe on the road. Some of the services we offer are tire changes and rotations to ensure that your tires are working correctly. Although, there is preventative maintenance that every car owner should know so they can take proper care of their tires. Keep reading to learn more about tire care.

Best Ways to Maintain Optimum Tires

What causes wear & tear?

If you notice that your vehicle is handling differently or is experiencing performance issues, this may be a result of tire wear. Your driving style and how well you take care of your tires will determine the amount of wear and tear that appears on your tires. You want to ensure that your tires are inflated to the right amount of pressure to decrease tire wear. You can find the correct tire pressure for your tires on the inside of your doorframe or owner’s manual. Your tires should be rotated twice a year by an expert technician. Improper tire alignment can also cause tire wear. When you make these maintenance habits routine, you can prolong the life of your tires.

Why do vehicles need tire alignments?

If your tires aren’t properly aligned, your vehicle may pull from one side or another. Misalignment may also lead to uneven tire wear, damaged rims and suspension and tire blowouts. These problems can cost you more money on maintenance for your vehicle and jeopardize the safety of you and your loved ones. A great way to avoid these issues is to schedule a tire alignment. In general, you should get a tire alignment every two to three years, but depending on your particular vehicle, the timeframe may be more often or less often. You can find specifications for your vehicle in your owner’s manual or by contacting your local dealership to talk to a professional.

Why are tire rotations important?

Tire rotations are when a technician moves your tires around (or rotates them) in a particular order to keep them balanced and create even wear on each tire. Getting regular tire rotations are important for the performance of your vehicle and can create a smoother and safer ride, better fuel efficiency and long-lasting tires and suspension. And who doesn’t want their car to perform at its optimum level?

What is the proper tire pressure for my vehicle?

You can check the tire information label on the inside of your doorframe to find the correct number your tire pressure is supposed to be. Maintaining the correct tire pressure is vital for your tires and vehicle performance standards. Having well-maintained tire pressure can give you a more comfortable ride, help you save on gas, provide proper stopping distance and give your tires the right traction and tread wear. Your tire pressure should be checked once a month and only after it hasn’t been driven for at least three hours. This is because the colder the tires are, the more accurate read you will get for your tire pressure. Your vehicle may also have a tire pressure monitoring system that will send a notification on your dashboard when the tire pressure is too low.

When should I replace my tires?

Of course, when you bring your vehicle to one of our many dealership locations, we use advanced technology and tools to replace your tires. But there is a way to check your tires' tread depth that will tell you if you need a tire replacement. All you need is a penny. You’ll want to take the penny with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing towards you and put the center of the penny into the thickest part of the thread. If you see the top of his head, then your tread is worn and it’s time for a replacement. Other signs that you need a tire replacement is if the tire has a puncture or cut, is bulging or split and if your tread or sidewall is cut, cracked or snagged.

Maintaining your tires is an essential part of car ownership and shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you need any help with the care of your tires, we’re here and ready to help with your tire needs.

If you have any questions about oil changes or need any service for your vehicle, contact us today or stop by the many locations of the Krause Auto Group. We look forward to serving our customers near Woodstock, Duluth and Kennesaw.