Nothing can ruin a wonderful day like a flat tire – they seem to have an uncanny ability to happen at the most inconvenient times. In addition to being inconvenient, when traveling at high speeds, a blowout can be very dangerous. Unfortunately, flat tires are one of the few unpleasant experiences that comes with owning a car. We’ve provided a list of steps to help you to prolong the life of your tires and delay flats.
1. Keep Your Tires Inflated
Check your owner’s manual for the correct tire pressure and be sure that your tires are inflated to the correct pressure. If your tires are over-inflated, your vehicle will be difficult to handle and the ride will be rough. If your tires are under-inflated, they’ll wear out more quickly and unevenly.
2. Check Your Tires for Uneven Wear
It’s important to regularly check your tires to make sure they’re in good condition and that they’re wearing evenly. Your tire tread can wear thin from fast starts, hard stops and from city driving (where you are required to make frequent stops and starts). Regular tire rotation helps even out wear on your tires.
3. Look for Good Tread
When you’re in the market for new tires, look for tires with a solid puncture resistant tread. We recommend purchasing with longer wear warranties, which could save you money in the future.
4. Check your Vehicle’s Brakes
When brakes become worn or are ill-adjusted, they can cause tires to wear unevenly. Have your brakes checked regularly to catch wear early.
5. Use Caution When Driving on Your Spare Tire
If you have to use your spare, remember, it is meant only as a temporary solution. Avoid driving on it for extended distances and at a maximum driving speed of 50 mph.
6. Avoid Rough Streets
Construction sites are often uneven and littered with sharp objects that could puncture a tire. If at all possible, avoid potholes and construction zones, a rough road can damage your tires.
With these simple steps you can catch a flat tire before it happens and put thousands more miles on your tires. If you have a flat tire, bring it in to our service department and we will be happy to replace it for you.