Tire Safety Tips From Toyota of Dothan

Jan 12, 2015

Taking good care of your tires can make them last longer and additionally keep you and your passengers safe. Proper tire maintenance has several important steps. Here is what Toyota of Dothan wants you to know about taking care of your tires.

What You Need To Know About Tire Pressure

If your tires are over or under inflated, a variety of issues can occur. First, your tire treads can wear down prematurely. Your fuel economy can be reduced, your drive can become rough and your tires can start to make a humming sound. Worst case scenario is that your tires could over heat and fail. Tire pressure should be checked monthly and adjusted to the recommended level in your owner’s manual.

The Importance Of Tire Rotations

Tire rotations are also critical when it comes to tire longevity and safety. When tires are not rotated on a regular basis, the treads wear unevenly. Many owners will have their tires rotated when they get their oil changed.

Pay Attention To Tire Alignment

Proper tire alignment is also essential for safety. While you can’t just look at your tires and know that they are not in alignment, there are warning signs. These include your car pulling to one side or another, a humming sound or a vibration in the steering wheel when driving.

Check Your Tire Tread Regularly

Finally, checking your tire tread regularly will allow you to know when your tires are no longer safe to drive. A simple check is to use a penny and place it with Lincoln’s head down between the treads. If the tread goes past the top of Lincoln’s head you are good, but if it doesn’t it is time for a new tire. Be sure to check all four tires and not just one.