Town & Country Ford’s Top 10 Tire Tips

At Town & Country Ford in Bessemer, Alabama, your safety is our highest priority. Before you hit the road, we encourage our customers to look at the condition of your tires. Well-maintained tires keep your vehicle safer, which will help it last longer, and save you money in the long run.

These 10 tips will help to keep your tires in good shape and your travels safe:

1. Choose the correct tires. Many drivers will purchase a tire based on the initial price or appearance. Tire selection should be based on the right size recommended for the vehicle and its load recommendations. You should consult with a knowledgeable tire or automobile dealer like us at Town & Country Ford about selecting the proper tire for your vehicle’s needs.
2. Keep a tire gauge handy. It will inform you if you need to add more air to your tires.
3. Check your tire pressure at least once per month. Underinflation is a tire’s No. 1 enemy. It can cause damage that may lead to tire failure. Overinflation can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems. Use the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure listed on the sticker of your vehicle’s door jamb or owner’s manual as a guide. Always check your tires’ pressure when they are cool or cold—driving heats up tires, making readings incorrect.
4. Rotate your tires every 6,000 miles. If your tires show uneven wear, ask your automotive service professional to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance, or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.
5. During wet weather, slow down. As your speed decreases, the tire provides better traction. You also reduce the risk of hydroplaning should you run into water puddled on the road.
6. Check your vehicle alignment periodically. It’s imperative to have an automotive professional check your alignment if you notice your vehicle is pulling to one side when you’re driving.
7. Inspect and measure your tire tread. You can do this yourself by placing a penny in the tread groove, and if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then it is time to replace your tires.
8. Check the tire sidewalls to ensure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges, or other irregularities.
9. Make sure you do not overload your vehicle because it can create excessive heat inside your tires. An overloaded vehicle puts stress on tires that can cause damage and lead to tire failure. Check the manufacturer’s load recommendation, which can be found on the vehicle information placard inside the driver’s side door post or in the vehicle owners’ manual.
10. Have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear.