SYLACAUGA, Ala. -The weather is turning cold – and quickly. But are you and your car prepared?
There are many things you can do to get your vehicle ready for the harshness of winter.
Have you checked your car tires lately? Are your brakes making a funny sound? Is there a knocking sound around the fender? Be proactive and keep your family safe by checking out your tires.
Car care and preventive maintenance are important for the life of your car, and the non-profit Car Care Council recommends that you set aside two months each year for car maintenance – April and October. With that being said, let’s address tire safety. Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to extend the life of your tires, maximize car fuel economy, and keep you and your family safe while on the road.
Here are five tire safety tips:
- Examine your tires, looking for nails, screws, or unusual wearing. Tires should have a minimum tread depth of 1/16 inch.
- Find your vehicle’s recommended PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). It is usually located on a sticker inside the driver’s doorjamb, in the owner’s manual, or in the glove compartment.
- Check your tire pressure with a pressure gauge (on a flat surface while tires are cold, not after a drive).
- Keep your tires inflated at the recommended pressure (not maximum PSI which is also indicated on a tire). Do not over inflate your tires – this can cause tread wear and a blowout, especially as your tires heat up.
- Get your tires rotated and balanced regularly.
Regular car care and preventive maintenance can lengthen the life of your car while also protecting you in your travels – keeping you and your family happy and safe.