There's a lot to parse through when it comes to caring for your tires, including knowing if your tread is thick enough, how to tell your car is properly aligned and whether or not your tires have appropriate levels of air pressure. To make the process much easier, we've answered some basic questions on tire care. By the end of this guide, you'll know how to better maintain your tires and where to look for things that indicate your car needs to be brought into our Santa Clara service center immediately.
Do My Tires Have Enough Tread?
This is a common question that many people ask when they've had their tires for a few years, and the best way to tell if you have enough tread on your tires is to do the simple "Penny Test."
All you need to do is take a penny, put Lincoln upside down in the tread and check if you can see the president's hair. If you can't, then your tire's tread is fine. If you can, then the tire needs to be replaced.
Is low tire tread bad? Many experts recommend not driving on tires that have low tread as it can increase your risk of an accident, especially when driving on the highway or in bad weather, due to lack of road grip.
Can Weather Affect My Tires' Air Pressure?
In a word: yes. Your tires are very much affected by changes in temperature, from the sudden cooling of a fall day to a heat wave in the middle of summer. That's why it's important to constantly keep an eye on your tires' pressure so that you can make adjustments to keep them properly inflated.
Is it dangerous to drive on underinflated tires, you may be wondering? Definitely. Underinflated, as well as overinflated, tires can be very risky, increasing the likelihood of a blowout, costing you more at the gas pump and causing your tires' tread to wear down faster than normal.
How Do I Know If I Need a Tire Alignment?
There are a lot of signs that your car might be out of alignment, the biggest being your car pulling to one side or another when driving. You might also notice things like:
- Uneven tread wear
- Steering wheel doesn't return to center after turning
- Strong vibrations in the steering wheel
Is There an Expert Tire Shop Near Me?
Why yes there is! At Frontier Ford, we pride ourselves on offering top-notch tire service and maintenance to our Santa Clara neighbors. Our fully staffed service center on Stevens Creek Boulevard boasts certified service technicians who understand the ins-and-outs of many makes and models.
Schedule an appointment with us today to have us inspect your tires and ensure they are both safe and effective!