Tire Safety and Maintenance 101

In the U.S., there are more than 11,000 tire-related accidents every year, making tire safety crucial. Tires are the only parts of your vehicle that encounter the road. Therefore, it is important to know how to take care of them properly. If you don't maintain your tires regularly, they can wear out faster, and it will be less safe for you and other drivers on the road.

Check Tire Pressure on a Regular Basis
 

A major aspect of tire maintenance is tire pressure. A tire is considered fully inflated when it has 30 to 35 pounds per square inch (PSI) of air pressure. If you notice that your tires are looking low, you can use a tire gauge to check the pressure at any time.
 

To check tire pressure, use the following procedure:
 

Make sure the air pressure recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer matches your tire's current PSI.
?Find the valve on the tire and use the tire gauge to press it down firmly
Take the pressure reading and make sure it matches with your car's owner manual or sticker (usually found on the driver's side door).

If your tires have less than 35 PSI of air, then they are underinflated, and you need to add air. If your tires have more than 35 PSI of air, then they are overinflated, and you need to let some air out. It is important not to go by feel when determining if your tires are fully inflated. A tire gauge will provide the most accurate reading.
 
 

Tire Wear and Damage
 

It's also vital to regularly inspect your tires for wear and damage. Look for uneven tire wear, which can come from several problems, including underinflation. As part of tire maintenance, you should also watch out for bubbles or bulges in the sidewall, cuts, cracks, or signs of corrosion.
 

Check Tire Tread Depth Regularly
 

Another tire maintenance tip is inspecting your tire treads regularly. The minimum legal tread depth is 2/32nds of an inch. If your tires do not have this much tread, you should replace them as soon as possible. You can use a penny to measure tread depth. Put it into the tire groove with Lincoln's head touching the bottom of the groove. If you can see all his head, there may be a safety hazard.

Rotate Tires Every 5,000-7,000 Miles
 

An important part of tire maintenance is rotating your tires regularly. This will ensure that all four are evenly worn. Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. If you notice uneven wear after rotating your tires, it could be an indicator of a problem with your vehicle. When you have your tires rotated at Nucar Nissan of North Attleboro, the team will check to see if everything is working correctly and balance your tires, if necessary, for your safety.

The Importance of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
 

Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are another important safety feature that you should have on your vehicle. TPMs are easy to use and monitor the air pressure in all four tires. If you notice that one of the TPMS warning lights is on, it could mean that one of your tires is underinflated. Therefore, you should have the tire pressure checked at a local service center as soon as possible.

Tire Safety Matters
 

At Nucar Nissan of North Attleboro, we want our customers to feel safe when they drive their cars. We’ll provide you with information about checking tread depth, rotating your tires, and more. Visit our service center in North Attleboro, MA, for tire maintenance and service specials.

 
Source: blog