05/07/2019
Tires are an essential part of your vehicle, and if not maintained properly, they can lead to fatal accidents. You should regularly inspect them for proper inflation, tread depth and sidewall condition. Performing a quick check before starting a trip can keep you and your family safe on the road.
Tire inspections should ideally be performed once every month. You must do them often if you frequently drive on bad roads over long distances or live in a cold climate. Worn suspension parts or improper wheel alignment can result in your tires wearing down quickly. If so, you need trusted professionals to keep your vehicle running safely. At South Pro Automotive Ltd., we offer an extensive range of automotive services to ensure your vehicle is in top working condition.
Here are a few things to check before taking your vehicle out on the road:
Check for the Tire’s Tread Depth Having a sufficient tread depth is essential for a safe driving experience. You cannot maintain traction on the road if your tires are worn out; acceleration and braking functions may not work safely in slippery or wet conditions.
Rotate Your Tires and Check for Balance Out of balance tires and wheels cause vibration and tread wear, which reduces their lifetime. Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 km or follow the rotation schedule recommended in your vehicle’s manual to ensure even wear.
Check Your Tires for Cracks Fine cracks are a normal part of the ageing process of your tires. But, if they become wide and you can see the steel belts or woven fabric, you may have to consider a replacement.
Look for Tread Separation If the rubber your tire has been made up of is degrading, the tread can separate from the body. You may find large cracks forming at the join between the sidewall and the tread section. You may initially operate the vehicle safely under this condition but monitor the cracking to replace it when required.
Check for Punctures in Your Tire Objects like nails, pieces of metal and large rocks can puncture your tire’s liner, causing a leak. Also, look for bulges on the tread section. These feel softer than the rest of the surface when pressed, indicating air between the rubber layers. Though it may not leak immediately, it is not safe to drive your vehicle in this condition.
Check the Tire Pressure Ensure you have properly pressurized your tires for a smooth ride. Use a gauge to make sure they are properly inflated. This provides optimum fuel economy and the best possible traction. Over-inflation increases the overall tire diameter reduces the amount of tread which is in contact with the road. Under-inflation, on the other hand, cuts down the overall diameter, increases sidewall flexion and generates higher tire operating temperatures. This makes vehicle handling difficult.
Check your wheel alignment This is an essential part of standard automobile maintenance. This should be done every time front end work is performed or abnormal tire wear is noticed. South Pro Automotive Ltd. has been offering wheel alignment to its clients for over 30 years. Our professionals use state-of-the-art equipment to provide reliable customer services at competitive rates.
Adhere to Your Vehicle’s Load Limits Overloading your vehicle can damage its tires. Keep to the rim width and maximum load limit (specified in the user manual) for proper tire load distribution and function.
Avoid excessive tire spinning Don’t spin your tires excessively while your vehicle is stuck in snow or sand. This will result in over-heating and cause irreparable damage. Get your tires inspected annually by professionals and replace them if they are older than 10 years. South Pro Automotive Ltd. has been serving its clients in Calgary and the surrounding areas since 1983. Whether you are looking for an oil change or an auto repair service, contact us today!