Proper tire maintenance is crucial for safe driving in Massachusetts and extending the life of your tires. With some simple regular care, you can keep your tires in good shape and avoid costly repairs or replacements down the road.
Check Tire Pressure
One of the most important aspects of tire maintenance is ensuring tires stay inflated at the proper pressure. Underinflated tires wear out more quickly, reduce fuel economy, and can lead to blowouts. Overinflated tires reduce traction and braking ability. Use a quality tire gauge to check pressure monthly when the tires are cold. Consult your owner's manual or the sticker inside the driver's door jamb for the recommended PSI for your vehicle.
Inspect Tires Routinely
Give your tires a visual inspection each time you fill your gas tank. Look for any signs of damage, uneven tread wear, or foreign objects lodged in the rubber. Uneven wear indicates alignment or suspension problems, and foreign objects can cause slow leaks.
In Norwood, having your tires rotated and balanced every six months or 5,000-8,000 miles is a good idea. This step ensures tires wear evenly and extends their life.
Monitor Tread Depth
Tires should be replaced when the tread depth is down to 2/32 of an inch. An easy way to check is by using the penny test. Insert a penny into your tread grooves with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tires need replacing. Tires with inadequate tread have reduced traction and braking ability, especially in wet weather conditions around Stoughton.
Get Wheel Alignments
Properly aligning your wheels helps prevent uneven tire wear as you drive around Dedham. If you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or rapid tread wear on the edges of your tires, it's time for an alignment. Most vehicles need alignments every 12,000-15,000 miles. Be sure to get regular alignments along with tire rotations and balance to maximize the life of your tires.
Know When to Replace Tires
In addition to monitoring tread depth, there are other reasons you may need to replace your tires:
- Tires over six years old, even if the tread looks good
- Signs of damage like cracks, bubbles, punctures, or cuts
- Irregular or uneven tread wear
- Frequent loss of pressure
High-quality tires can last upwards of 80,000 miles with proper maintenance. When it's time for new tires, consult with our tire shop near Newton on the right options for your vehicle and driving habits. The team at Clay Subaru is very knowledgeable about finding the right tires for the weather and roads in this area.
Visit Our New England Service and Parts Centers
With some simple monthly and regular checks, you can maximize the life of your tires, save money on replacements, and stay safe on the road to Sharon. Proper tire maintenance should be part of any vehicle care routine. Contact us or schedule a service appointment at our dealership near Brookline.
