Tire Maintenance and Care
Tire Maintenance and Care in Mobile, AL
Wherever your adventure takes you, whether it’s through rough terrain or a bumpy city street, your tires keep you going and keep you and your passengers safe. Tires provide traction, helping vehicles accelerate, brake and corner safely. They also help absorb shock from bumps on the road to provide a smoother ride. With all this stress put on your tires, it’s important to regularly check and maintain them. While Toyota vehicles can last for years and years, it’s all dependent on proper service. Here at Springhill Toyota, we understand how busy life can get, and that’s why we pride ourselves on creating an easy servicing experience to keep your ride running smoothly. We offer tire changes and rotations and wheel alignments, and while we’re happy to help with all your tire needs, there are steps you can take to properly care for your tires in between service appointments.
Best Ways to Maintain Your Tires
What causes wear & tear?
The most common cause of wear and tear in your tires is regular use. The more you drive, the more wear and tear will occur on your tires. Plus, driving on rough terrain, such as gravel roads or roads with potholes, may also contribute to premature tire wear. Regularly inspecting your tires for signs of wear and tear, such as uneven tread or visible damage, can help you identify issues before they become safety hazards. Do your tires look a little flat? You can keep them road-ready for longer by regularly checking the air pressure and ensuring they are properly inflated. You can find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure inside of your door frame or your owner's manual. If your vehicle's handling or performance seems to have changed, this could be due to tire wear. Schedule an appointment to have your tires inspected by a professional. Additionally, scheduling regular maintenance, like tire rotations (twice a year) and wheel alignments, can keep your tires working properly and your car running smoothly for years to come.
Why do vehicles need wheel alignments?
Wheel alignments are important to ensure that your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently. Improper alignment can cause you to feel like your vehicle is drifting or pulling to one side; this can cause damage to your rims, uneven tire wear and even a tire blowout! By making sure your wheels are properly aligned, you can reduce the risk of premature tire failure. Plus, properly aligned wheels can help improve handling, fuel economy and tire life. Proper alignment keeps your vehicle tracking straight, which can help make driving easier and more comfortable. While best practice is to schedule a tire alignment every two to three years, you might need this service more or less often depending on your driving habits and your vehicle’s make and model. Refer to your owner's manual for your model's specific alignment schedule.
Why are tire rotations important?
Tire rotations help ensure even wear on all four of your tires. While it’s recommended that your tires be rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles (or every other oil change), talk to your technician or refer to your owner’s manual for confirmation. Tire rotations help extend the life of your tires and can save you money in the long run by preventing premature tire wear. Also, rotating your tires helps to improve vehicle performance and handling, as the tires will be more evenly matched and have a better grip on the road. In short, regular tire rotations are an important step in maintaining your vehicle's overall performance and safety.
What is the proper tire pressure for my vehicle?
The proper tire pressure for your vehicle will depend on your make and model. You can typically find the recommended PSI in the owner's manual, on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb, or on the tire itself. It is important to keep your tires properly inflated at all times to maximize fuel efficiency and support tire life. Check your tire pressure once a month (after your vehicle hasn't been driven for three hours), as even small changes can affect safety and performance. For example, tire temperature will affect your tire pressure readout becoming more accurate the colder your tires are. For your convenience, your vehicle may have a tire pressure monitoring system that will alert you when your tire pressure is low. If you are unsure of what pressure your tires should be filled to, it is best to consult a professional technician for guidance.
When should I replace my tires?
Your tires should generally be replaced when they have reached the minimum tread depth of 2/32". There's a very easy, at-home way to check if you need to replace your tires; all you need is a penny. Place the penny with Lincoln's head facing down into the tread of your tires; if you can see most of his head, it is time to replace your tires. You should also check your tires’ sidewalls for signs of dry rot or cracking and replace them if necessary. Lastly, if you still don’t know if your tires are in good shape, bring your vehicle to us! We can give you an accurate assessment of when it's time to replace your tires. And if you need to replace them, our team of professionals will quickly and efficiently do so, so you're back on the road in no time.
If you have any questions about tire maintenance or car maintenance overall, contact us today or stop by our dealership at 3062 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL 36606. We look forward to serving our customers near Daphne and Spanish Fort.