The holidays can be stressful. It can be stressful to work, attend family parties, indulge in holiday treats, and shop for the perfect gift. Despite the holiday season being hectic, it’s not the right time to neglect regular tire maintenance.
Firestone Complete Auto Care recommends these tire maintenance tips to make your holiday season more enjoyable.
Don’t let pressure get you down. Tires can lose up to one pound of pressure per square inch (psi), each month. For every 10 degrees Fahrenheit temperature drops, one psi will be lost. Therefore, it is important to inspect your tires monthly, including your spare. You will need a precise tire gauge. Find the recommended tire pressure on your vehicle’s fuel filler lid or driver’s side door jamb. Also, check your glove box or owner’s guide.
Never overfill — the “Max Press”The number printed on your tire’s sidewall should be used only if it meets the recommended pressure. Check your tire pressure after the vehicle has been parked for more than three hours or has been driven less that one mile.
Don’t get stuck in a rut. You should have at most 2/32 inches of tread depth. Insert a penny with Lincoln’s head down into the tread to determine if your tires are in need of replacement. If Lincoln’s head is visible, then the tread may need to be replaced. Trusted service centers should be your next stop if that is the case.
Balance your life. You should live a balanced lifestyle. Uneven tread wear could indicate many problems, such as uneven tread wear, over-or under-inflation, wheels out of alignment, or tires that are out of balance. Ask your service professional to inspect your tread if it appears unevenly worn. A certified technician from ASE should check your wheel alignment annually. Have your tires rotated once every 5,000 or as directed by your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Proper alignment, rotation, balance, and steering are essential for a smooth ride, correct vehicle handling, and tire wear.
