As your sole contacts to the road, tires play a vital role in your vehicle’s handling, ride quality, and braking distance. With such crucial aspects of your drive resting on your tires, maintaining proper inflation, tread depth, and routine rotations are essential to getting the performance, comfort, and safety you expect in your everyday drive.
A set of new tires should last you at least six years, but the tire brand, your driving habits, and the terrain you drive on, among other factors, will impact your tire life.
We recommend inspecting your tires for damage at least once a month, especially if you reside in a cold climate like Minnesota, drive over potholes or debris frequently, or drive an above-average amount of miles in your vehicle.
Deflated tires can exacerbate wear as well as reduce performance. In turn, you should always make sure your tires meet the appropriate tire pressure outlined in your owner’s manual and driver’s side door decal. Deflation is especially common during the winter months as pressure decreases by about 1 PSI for every drop in 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
In front-engine vehicles, the front tires, which bear the weight of the engine and friction during turning, endure more wear than the rear wheels. By rotating your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, you can avoid uneven tire wear and save money in the long run.
Overinflation will cause excessive force between the center of the tire and the road, which results in more wear down the middle of the tire. On the other hand, underinflation will cause more wear on the outer edges of the tire.
Keep an eye out for uneven tread wear or cupping – erratic patches of tread wear due to out-of-balance wheels or malfunctioning shock absorber or suspension components.
When tread depth falls below 2/32 inches, it’s time to replace your tires. You can quickly measure tread depth by using a penny:
An out-of-balance or separated tire can cause vibration or thumping while driving.
If you notice your vehicle pulls to one side while you maintain a straight course, one of your tires may be underinflated or damaged. This phenomenon may also indicate a brake issue or misaligned wheels.
Whether you need a tire rotation, tire repair, or outright tire replacement, the service experts at our Inver Grove service center have you covered. Schedule your service appointment today.
Feel free to contact Morrie’s Inver Grove Mazda to learn more about tire service.
