It's National Tire Safety Week

This week it's National Tire Safety Week! With the unofficial kick-off of summer that Memorial Day represents, vacation time and road trips may be on the mind. Take some time this week to make sure your vehicle’s tires are up to par for your upcoming adventures this summer. Don’t get stranded or left in a less than desirable situation due to unchecked tires! While some tire tragedies are simply caused by an accident, many can be prevented by following these simple maintenance tips, most of which can be done at home.

Check your tire pressure

You should know the correct tire pressure for your vehicle and check it often. The correct pounds/square inch (psi) can be found on a sticker somewhere along inside of your driver side door. Generally, most vehicles should be kept around 30 psi. You can purchase an inexpensive tire pressure gauge at a local hardware or car care store and keep it in your car. Under inflated tires can cause uneven wear and become a safety hazard if left unchecked.

Check your tire tread

Many people rely on the “penny check” to tell them if their tires are starting to wear out. If you stick a penny in between the tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing down, and you can see all of Lincoln’s head above the tread then it’s definitely time for new tires. Driving on tires that are too worn can be extremely dangerous, putting you at higher risk of sliding on the road in wet conditions. Worn tires are also more likely to become flat in the case of potholes or sharp objects.

Have your tires balanced, rotated and aligned

You can’t balance, rotate, or align your tires without the proper equipment, so it’s important to bring your vehicle in for these routine maintenance checks. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to avoid uneven wear. You may notice that your steering wheel pulls to one side or shakes while you’re driving. If this is the case, your tires probably need to be aligned or balanced. If tires are not aligned and balanced properly, uneven wear can also occur. If you are allowing your tires to wear unevenly, you will find that you need to replace them more often, causing you to spend unnecessary money more often.

Always keep a spare tire and tools in your car

Accidents do happen even when you do everything you can to avoid them. It’s important to be prepared in case of an emergency. Keep a properly inflated spare in your vehicle at all times, as well as the proper equipment needed to change a tire. You should also always have your insurance and phone number to a roadside assistance service in the case that you cannot fix the problem yourself.

Since it's National Tire Safety Week we hope that you take some time to make sure your tires are in good condition! If you’re having any trouble or think you need an alignment check, come down to the dealership today! We always offer free alignment checks in our service center. Our ASE Certified technicians would be happy to make sure your vehicle is running smoothly this summer.

If summer has brought you thoughts of new vehicles, check out our Buying vs. Leasing page to read about the pros and cons of both processes. Once you decide which is right for you, check out the How to Buy and How to Lease pages to learn about everything that goes into each option.

Located at 9009 East Lansing Road Durand, MI 48429, Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand is revolutionizing the car buying experience. We provide all the transparency and customer service you need, while simultaneously making your purchase experience fun! We proudly serve Durand and surrounding communities including Owosso, Flint, Swartz Creek, and Genesse Charter Township. Learn more about Hank Graff Chevrolet Durand, or for any questions contact us at (989) 288-2657 or visit our website at www.GraffChevyDurand.com!

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