Tire Maintenance: Safety and Performance Tips

Your tires are the only contact point between your vehicle and the road. Proper tire maintenance is essential for safety, performance, and fuel economy.

Tire Pressure: The Foundation

Why It Matters

Affects fuel economy
Impacts tire wear
Affects handling and safety
Reduces risk of blowouts

How to Check

Check monthly
When tires are cold (not driven)
Use accurate pressure gauge
Check spare tire too

Proper Inflation

Follow vehicle manufacturer specs
Found on door jamb or manual
Not maximum on tire sidewall
Adjust for load if towing/carrying heavy items

Tire Tread Depth

Why Tread Matters

Provides traction
Channels water away
Prevents hydroplaning
Essential for safety

How to Check

Use penny test (insert upside down)
If you see all of Lincoln's head, replace tire
Minimum 2/32" legally required
4/32" recommended for winter tires

Tread Wear Indicators

Built into tires
Visible when tread is low
Indicates time for replacement

Tire Rotation

Why Rotate

Promotes even wear
Extends tire life
Saves money
Maintains handling

When to Rotate

Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Follow vehicle manual
With every oil change
Before long trips

Rotation Patterns

Front-to-back
Cross pattern
Directional tire considerations
Varies by drive type (FWD, RWD, AWD)

Wheel Alignment

Signs of Misalignment

Vehicle pulls to one side
Uneven tire wear
Steering wheel off-center
Vibration

When to Align

After hitting curb or pothole
After suspension work
If replacing suspension components
Annually or as needed

Benefits

Extended tire life
Better fuel economy
Improved handling
Safer driving

Tire Balancing

What It Does

Distributes weight evenly
Prevents vibration
Extends tire life
Improves comfort

When to Balance

When installing new tires
If experiencing vibration
After tire rotation
Annually or as needed

Seasonal Tire Considerations

Winter Tires

Essential for Ottawa winters
Better traction in cold
Effective below 7°C
Required in some provinces

Summer Tires

Better warm weather performance
Replace when switching from winter
Check condition after storage

All-Season Tires

Good for moderate climates
Compromise between seasons
Check suitability for your area

Tire Replacement

When to Replace

Tread below 2/32"
Sidewall damage
Excessive wear
Age (typically 6-10 years)
Damage from impact

Choosing New Tires

Match original specifications
Consider driving conditions
Quality brands recommended
Professional consultation helps

Tire Safety Tips

Regular Inspection

Check for damage
Look for embedded objects
Monitor air pressure
Watch for uneven wear

Proper Loading

Don't exceed load capacity
Distribute weight evenly
Check pressure when loaded

Driving Habits

Avoid potholes when possible
Don't hit curbs
Drive at appropriate speeds
Avoid sudden maneuvers

Trust Franco Garage for Tire Service

Our tire services include:

Tire pressure checks
Tread depth measurement
Rotation and balancing
Wheel alignment
Tire replacement
Flat tire repair

Keep your tires in top condition. Schedule tire service at Franco Garage today.