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.
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