Why Autumn Is the Perfect Time to Rotate or Replace Your Tires
It doesn’t matter if you live or commute through the mountains, piedmont, or coast; checking the health of your vehicle's tires before the colder months is always a good idea. Having appropriate tires in good condition means you will be prepared when challenging inclement weather like snow and ice hits the area.
Your vehicle's tires are the only points of contact with the road. If they aren’t in good condition, it doesn’t matter how well maintained the rest of the car is.
1. Visual Tread Inspection
One of the most significant ways to make sure you are prepared for fall and winter weather is making sure that your tire's tread and grip are up to the task of handling rain, snow, and ice.
There are a few quick ways to do this yourself at home. Tires have wear bars within the tread patterns; if they are flush with the rest of the tread, your tires are reaching the end of their safe lifespan. The second easy way is the penny check. Slip a penny up inside the remaining tread; if you can see all of Lincoln’s head clearly, you need to replace the tires.
Make sure to diligently check across the interior and exterior edges of each tire. Tires don’t always wear evenly, and your car's grip is compromised if any area is missing tread. If the difference in wear patterns is significant across your tire set or from each interior and exterior reading, there is a good chance that you need to have your vehicle's alignment checked.
2. Appropriate Tire Pressure
If the tire treads look good, it is time to double-check tire pressure. Every manufacturer has a recommended level for tire pressure that will provide optimal maneuvering and fuel efficiency. Going into winter, you need to take into account cooler temperatures. Every 10 degrees, the air temperature drops will lower your tire pressure by about one psi.
You can get a tire gauge for less than $10, and you can refill at the gas station for those without an air compressor at home. Don’t be alarmed if you still see a low-pressure warning in early winter mornings, even if you keep up with regularly checking the pressure throughout the winter.
As long as you are doing your due diligence, the warning should go away as the day warms up and you get to driving. But if it stays on even as the temperature goes up, double-check that the tire pressure is still appropriate and make any needed adjustments.
3. Wheel Alignment and Tire Rotation
Even in good weather, misaligned wheels can cause tire treads to degrade faster and can cause wear and tear on your vehicle's suspension. Over time wheels naturally get knocked out of alignment from uneven roadways. But this wear and tear isn’t the only issue that arises out of wheel misalignment.
As the wheels get knocked further and further out of alignment, it begins to impact driving and will pull to one side or cause odd responses to your attempts to turn. What might be manageable in good weather can quickly become unpredictable and dangerous in winter weather when snow and ice hit the road. Get your tires realigned yearly to prevent accidents and keep from needing new tires.
Tires that are rotated regularly increase safety on the road. Each specific location of your tires carries varying demands on your tires. On a front wheel drive vehicle, for example, your front wheels will carry more torque from turning, accelerating, and braking than do the rear tires. By rotating your tires regularly, it helps them wear evenly. This extends their life and improves traction on the road.
Keep in mind that most vehicle manufacturers suggest tire rotation every 5,000 miles. For many, this will need to be done when changing your oil.
4. Winter Weather Tires
If you live in (or commute to) an area that frequently has extreme winter weather or your work requires you no matter the condition of the roads, you may want to consider investing in a set of winter tires. While all-weather tires will serve for those who don’t often need to drive through ice and snow, the extra performance and grip of winter treads can be essential for getting around when bad weather hits.
If you have a set from last year, pull them out of storage and give them a solid inspection to make sure they are in good shape for the coming season. And if you need to order a new set, now is the time to do so. Getting an order in early will ensure you aren’t waiting at the last minute.
Schedule Tire and Winter Maintenance Today
Get a jump start on your prep for winter weather by getting your tires and other car systems inspected and maintained by a trusted professional.
For drivers in the Goldsboro area, you will not find more experience and expertise than Retro Lube Oil Change. We have been helping car owners protect their vehicles through routine maintenance practices for many years. Don’t let the name fool you; we are more than just oil change experts. Our services include:
- Fuel Injection Cleaning
- Oil & Filter Changes
- Brake Servicing
- Fluid Flushes
- Tire Rotations
- NC Inspections
You can give us a call to set up an appointment or bring your car by the shop today. We will help you get back on the road quickly and safely.