June 2-8 is National Tire Safety Week, devoted to ensuring that tire condition and pressure is monitored by both drivers and their auto repair shops frequently and accurately. While it only takes a few minutes each month to check, tires seem to be the forgotten service all too often. As one of the most critical safety devices on your vehicle, we urge you to start spending a little more energy on your tires and you will immediately improve your safety and performance. With over an estimated 980 million tires on the road these days, the miles traveled could be even safer. There are hundreds of deaths on our highways which could have been prevented with a little more tire pressure monitoring. Incorrect tire pressure can compromise cornering, braking, stopping, and stability.

Not sure how to check your tire pressure? First, knowing where to find the proper pressure amount is important. Check in your owner’s manual or inside the driver’s door pillar. The recommended tire pressure is not found on the tire itself, which only lists the maximum allowable air pressure which is not what we want to inflate to. Once you know the PSI your tires require, then you can use an accurate tire gauge to check the pressure. Analog, dial-type gauges or digital gauges tend to be fairly accurate. Be sure to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold, or when the vehicle has been at rest for some time in order to receive a more accurate reading. You want to check the pressure when your tires are at air temperature. When you do check your tire pressure, remember to check all four tires. During your monthly inspection, we also recommend that you check your spare tire as well, just to be safe.

It is also important to have your tires checked for condition and inflation before long roads trips. Our auto repair shop offers all tire services, from tire sales  tire repair, tire rotation, or simply checking tire pressure for drivers who feel more comfortable putting it in the hands of our trusted mechanics. Drivers must be responsible for keeping their vehicles safe on the road. Proper tire pressure can save lives in the end. The key aspects of tire maintenance include tire pressure, wheel alignment, rotation, and tread. Underinflated tires mean increased friction with the road, wearing out tires prematurely and creating the potential for overheating and tread separation – a common cause of accidents. On the other hand, overinflated tires lead to less traction and less stopping distances. To prevent accidents and tire problems, come visit our auto repair shop. Drivers may be under a lot of pressure to keep their vehicles safe, but remember that your tires shouldn’t be!