Summer Tire Maintenance & Safety Tips

Summer is fast approaching, and most of us are still scrambling to book our summer vacation travel plans. Before leaving on that family road trip to tour the great wild yonder, be sure your vehicle is travel-ready. Schedule a tire maintenance service so your technician can check your vehicle’s wheel alignment, tire balancing, and tire pressure.

Tire Maintenance & Safety

Proper tire maintenance is vital for personal safety and reducing vehicle ownership costs. Whether preparing for a summer vacation or simply performing routine maintenance, remember that your vehicle’s tires require a little TLC.

Tire Pressure

Ensuring the correct tire pressure is not just about fuel economy and tire longevity; it’s about your safety. Properly inflated tires can extend a tire’s life by 4,700 miles, plus enhance your vehicle’s handling, and reduce the risk of tire-related collisions. Shockingly, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports nearly 11,000 such collisions annually, resulting in over 560 fatalities in 2020. By maintaining accurate tire pressure, you’re not just saving on fuel; you’re potentially saving lives.

What is PSI?

PSI (per square inch) is the method for measuring the amount of air in your tires. The PSI number on your tires is the maximum level of air considered safe, not the level to which you can fill your tires when cold. For instance, a sedan might require a PSI of 32-35, while an SUV might need 35-38. Read your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the driver’s side door sticker for the correct tire pressure.

Tread Wear

Tire tread grips the road unilaterally across its entire surface. With proper tire maintenance, the tread will wear evenly, and your tires will have a longer lifespan. It doesn’t happen automatically; it requires a bit of effort on your part, such as scheduling routine service for alignment, balancing, and tire rotation.

Identify Uneven Tread Wear

What is uneven tread wear? If the tread is worn more on the sides or down the center of the tire, then you have uneven tread wear. Various factors may cause these issues, including incorrect air pressure (too much or too little), misalignment, or suspension issues. Address these problems right away to prevent further damage to your tires.

Wheel Alignment

You may need a wheel alignment if you notice uneven wear on the inside or outside of your wheel’s tire tread. Another sign of misalignment is needing to correct the steering wheel frequently when driving in a straight line at higher speeds. 

Tire Balancing

Do you feel vibrations when accelerating or decelerating on smooth roads? Are you experiencing steering problems or a bouncy ride? These are common signs that your vehicle’s tires need rebalancing. Don’t worry; you’re not alone in this. Many drivers face tire balancing issues, and a diagnostic tire service will resolve them.

Tire Rotation Intervals

Most automobile manufacturers recommend rotating your vehicle’s tires every 6,000 miles. A tire rotation service ensures that all four tires wear evenly, extending their lifespan. Check your owner’s manual for specific suggestions for your car. Remember that driving style, road conditions, and extreme summer heat may require an earlier service. Schedule a tire service immediately if irregular or uneven tread wear develops.

Tire Age Starts At Manufacture Date

All tires start to age from the day they were manufactured. Their safety and soundness should last for about 6 years from that date. Tires over 6 years lose their flexibility and are prone to cracks, wear, and other damages. To check the age of your tire, find the stamped code on the tire’s sidewall. The last four digits of the code denote the week and year of manufacture.

For instance, if the code is ‘2318 ‘, the tire manufacture date is the 23rd week of 2018. There’s often additional information in the code as well. For example, you may find the production location, maximum PSI, tire size, and speed rating. The tire’s age applies whether the tire is still ‘new’ on the shelf, in your trunk as a spare, or used while you drive your car every day.

Do Tires Have Expiration Dates?

While technically, tires do not expire, most automobile manufacturers encourage motorists to replace their tires every six years. Operating a vehicle with older tires dramatically increases the chance of experiencing a blowout or other tire failure, especially in locations with hot summers. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor the age of your tires and replace them when needed.

Spare Tire

Don’t forget about your spare tire. Even if it sits in your trunk unused, it is necessary to maintain its tire pressure and monitor its expiration date. It is wise to replace your spare whenever you replace the rest of your tires.

Summer Tire Care Safety Tips

While no one can control the weather, you can do a few things to diminish the summer heat’s impact on your tires.

• Do your errands in the morning to avoid driving on hot roadways.
• Park in a shaded area when possible.
• Clean and protect your tires from road grime, oil, caked mud, etc.
• Perform routine maintenance. 
• Schedule tire service and repair or replace damaged tires when necessary.

Tire Maintenance Service in Midland, MI

All A’s Automotive & Transmission Repair is a family-owned and operated business with years of experience. We have the resources necessary to treat you and your vehicle with careful, trustworthy attention. Our service technicians can handle all your wheel alignment, tire balancing, and tire pressure needs quickly and within your budget.

Make A  Tire Maintenance Appointment

Let us know what you are looking for, and we will be happy to help with your vehicle’s wheel alignment, tire balancing, and tire pressure! 

Call us today (989)631-4672 or reserve your appointment time online.