National Tire Safety Month
Did you know what happens this week? If you answered that it was National Hug-Your-Cat Day on June 4th, you wouldn’t be wrong, although you might be ridiculed in some circles (although certainly not this one) for possessing such knowledge. More importantly, the first week of June is National Tire Safety Week, and with good reason: many of us are heading on vacations soon, and a new class of drivers has just been unleashed upon the roads in the Phoenix area. To put it bluntly, the health of our tires are crucially important to our safety, yet this is often overlooked. So, to make sure you’re safe in your upcoming travels, follow these simple tips to tire safety, courtesy of your friends at Avondale Nissan.
Check Tire Pressure Frequently. No element of proper tire safety is so frequently ignored. Check your tire pressure monthly, adhering to the prescribed tire pressure found on the inside of your driver’s-side door or owner’s manual. It also should be checked when the tires haven’t been moving for over three hours to ensure that the pressure reading is accurate. Also, regularly check the inflation on your spare tire.
Check Tire Depth. An easy way to check your tire depth is to simply take a Lincoln penny, inserting it head-down in the groove of the tread. If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, it’s time to start looking for new tires. If Lincoln’s head is partially hidden, meanwhile, your tires are at proper depth.
Rotate your Tires Regularly. Rotating your tires helps them to wear more evenly, resulting in longer tire life. Thus, you should rotate your tires roughly every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. An easy way to remind yourself is simply to have your tires rotated with every (or every other) oil change.
Remember the Little Things. Are you missing any valve caps? Have you had your tire balance checked? Are you carrying excess weight in your vehicle? All of these things can put undue stress on your tires, resulting in low tire pressure and shorter lifespans.
Your tires are crucial to the safety of your travel, and there is no better time to take advantage of our comprehensive service department at Avondale Nissan, located just west of downtown Phoenix. Pay us a visit for tire service today!
