17/08/2017
There is no way to tell exactly how long a tire lasts, their design, the driver’s habits, the climate, the road conditions, the care and maintenance that’s put into the tires, and accumulated mileage are all factors. At South Pro Automotive, we know that your tires are the most used and abused parts of your car. They are in constant contact with rough roads, ice, salt and other unfavourable conditions, especially with Calgary’s weather. Having been in the car services in Calgary since opening in 1983, we’re also in the safety business and to ensure your travels remain safe, here are a few general tire inspection tips that you can do on your own to make sure they’re safe.
You should inspect your tires monthly, and before any long road trip. When you are inspecting your tires, look for:
Uneven tread wear
Shallow tread
Troublemakers (rocks, nails, etc.)
Damaged areas
Your inspection should include checking your air pressure; it can prevent many problems, and checking the tread wear with one of the three methods:
With a tread depth gauge
With the tread wear indicators or
With the quarter test - Put the edge of the coin into the tread, with the Queen going in headfirst. If the top of the Queen’s head is covered by the tread, that’s good. If the top of her head is entirely visible, it’s time to replace the tire.
Finally, you should pay attention to the feel of your tires as you drive, a rough ride may indicate tire damage or excessive wear. If you notice vibrations or other disturbances while driving, immediately reduce speed, drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road and stop, and inspect your tires. If a tire is damaged, replace it with your spare. Any visible perforation, cut, or deformation must be checked thoroughly by a tire professional. If you do not see any tire damage, you see something you’re not sure about during your inspection, or cannot identify the source of the vibration, take your vehicle to a tire dealer for a thorough inspection. Only a tire professional can tell you if your tire can be repaired or has to be changed, like the professionals at South Pro Automotive Ltd. Finally, even if they look okay to you, tires that are 10 years or older need to be replaced. It’s best to replace all 4 tires at once, so you don’t have to keep track of old versus new tires when you rotate them, plus they’ll offer better performance and traction which ultimately leads to a safer ride. South Pro Automotive Ltd. has the brands to meet Calgary’s needs, including Michelin, Bridgestone Tire, Cooper Tires, Yokohama Tires, Toyo Tires, Hankook Performance Tires, Continental Tire, General Tire, and Pirelli.
FINDING THE RIGHT AUTO REPAIR SHOP Contact us, South Pro Automotive Ltd. at 403-258-1693 today to schedule your car service needs, car repairs or new all-season tires to meet your needs.