Basic Tire Maintenance Tips

The tires on your vehicle are the only thing between you and the road. When these tires are properly inflated and in good condition the handling, stability, safety and fuel economy of the vehicle are maximized. On the other hand, when the tires are under inflated, worn out or damaged, the remaining safety systems on the vehicle cannot overcome the loss of control that comes with a blow-out or a hydroplaning situation. The air pressure in a tire is like oil in the engine; when it is low, the resulting internal damage is often unseen until it is too late. Tires naturally lose 1-2 psi per month, so ongoing neglect can result in a tire that fails to support the weight of the vehicle and the occupants. When this happens, the resulting blow-out can result in the loss of steering control which can lead to vehicle damage or even personal injuries!

Every tire manufacturer stresses the importance of regular tire rotations and visual inspections to maximize the life and safety of their respective tires. The normal cadence for this service is between 5-7,000 miles. Today’s front-wheel-drive vehicles cause the front tires to wear at a much faster rate than the tires on the rear of the vehicle. By consistently rotating the front tires to the back and the back tires to the front in an ‘X’ pattern, you can extend the life and promote even tread wear on all four tires sustaining the performance and increasing the life of the tire. Failing to rotate the tires on front, rear or all-wheel drive vehicles can lead to premature wear, irregular tread wear patterns and vibrations. The same emphasis needs to be placed on maintaining proper vehicle alignments. There’s no gray area here – if the vehicle is not tracking down the road correctly your tires will begin to wear prematurely and, if left unchecked - will cost you money.

Finally, drivers should perform a visual inspection of their tires on a regular basis, especially after hitting a pothole, curb or any type of road debris. Bulges, cuts and other visible damage weaken the internal components of the tire, which can lead to a blow-out. Regular visual inspections will often identify any potential problems before they result in an accident.

The good news is you are not alone in this effort and you do not have to become a tire expert to maximize the life and ensure the safety of your vehicle’s tires; You have friends who happen to be experts in all things ‘Tire’. By making regular visits to our Xpress Oil Change Plus vehicle maintenance center you will be doing your part to protect your family and your wallet against unexpected tire issues down the road. At Xpress there is never a need to make an appointment, but if you prefer to do so - Please visit https://www.xpressoilchangeplus.com/ to give us the chance to prepare for your arrival. As always, thank you for choosing Don Hewlett as your preferred servicing dealer.

We look forward to seeing you soon!
Your Service Team at Don Hewlett Chevrolet Buick
and Xpress Oil Change Plus

By Greg Grove
Service Drive Manager