No matter the season, tires are an important part of how you drive safely on the roads. However, having a set of tires with adequate tread and air pressure are especially important during the winter so you can navigate your vehicle through less than ideal road conditions. Even if you’re a cautious driver that follows the recommended following distance, tires with low tread won’t be able to stop as quickly. While it’s easy enough to grab a penny and test your tire tread, when was the last time you checked your tire pressure?
Some drivers may think they only need to care about their tire pressure when the light comes on their dashboard. In reality, you should be checking it regularly to receive optimal performance and get the best value out of your tires. Tires that are inflated too much or deflated will suffer from uneven tread wear over time, which makes them less effective quicker. That uneven tread wear will also affect how smoothly your car drives and your mileage.
So how do you ensure your tires have adequate air? Check inside of your door or your owner’s manual for the proper measurement. Most passenger cars require between 32 and 35 PSI for proper inflation, while many trucks require up to 60 PSI. Then keep a measurer in your car so you can always be prepared to test your tires. While some gas stations will have advanced air pressure machines to measure your tire’s PSI while filling them, it’s always a good idea to manually test it yourself to make sure.
When you keep up with the maintenance of your tires, you enjoy these key benefits:
- Better traction on rainy, snowy, or icy roads.
- Overall longer lifespan, which saves you money in the long run.
- Better gas mileage.
- Improved steering ability.
If you’re worried about your tires going into this winter, stop by Superior Service Center to discuss replacement. Our technicians are a trusted resource and will help you choose the best options for your needs and budget.