- New Mexico roads are tough on our
tires. Bumps and potholes are notorious for causing uneven tire pressure,
so you must constantly monitor them. Improper inflation causes premature
wear, decreases efficiency, and can cause a blowout in the worst cases.
Take 10 minutes out of your Sunday to check your pressure before driving
for the week. If your car has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System, check that
it works correctly so you get accurate readings. By regularly checking these things,
you'll be safer when you hit the road.
- Rotating your tires every 5,000
miles and checking your alignment a couple of times a year are two important
things to put on the calendar. When technicians rotate your tires, they
move them to different wheel positions. This process helps your tires last
longer by evening out the wear on each one, extending their lifespan. A
good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires whenever you get an oil change.
Additionally, aligning your tires from time to time is essential,
particularly the front ones, to prevent any significant difference in
their pointing direction and to avoid any hazardous drifting of your
vehicle towards one side. A qualified facility like our service department
at Melloy Dodge can
measure and adjust the difference according to manufacturer
specifications.
- Regardless of how well you care for them, tires only live so long. This is where the penny pressure test comes in. It's an expert-recommended and straightforward way to check for dangerous tread depth. Doing so on several grooves of each tire, grab a penny and insert it into a tread with Lincoln's head facing down. Look at the visible part of the penny. If you can see the top of Abe's head often, your tire's tread is shallow and it's time to replace your set.
Taking care of
your tires is relatively simple but crucial. Regular tire inspection and
maintenance will help extend your tires' lifespan and keep you safe. If you see
an issue beyond your comprehension, call our service
department, and we'll gladly lend a helping hand.