Automotive

The Importance of Tires Maintenance

maintenance-tiresTires are a crucial part of any vehicle. Regardless of the complexity and performance of the machinery under the hood, movement simply isn’t an option without workable tires. Therefore, it’s always a smart decision to pay close attention to your tire's air pressure, tread, and rotation or replacement schedule. If you suspect that your tires need serviced, trusting reputable professionals to provide the auto repair solutions you need will save you time and money. Whether you’re experiencing an issue with alignment, need your tires rotated, or need to plug a hole, the right company can assist you.

Materials & Assembly Process

While it may seem hard to believe, the design of a tire is actually fairly complex. Today’s tires are typically made of synthetic and natural rubber, along with wires, fabric, sulfur, carbon black, and other materials. A tire is comprised of a variety of important key elements, such as tread, beads, inner liner, steel belts, sidewalls, and ply. After a tire is properly constructed, vulcanized, and treaded, it’s thoroughly inspected before being distributed for purchase. While they’re indeed built to last, keeping up on regular maintenance is important to the health of your tires and vehicle.

How to Maintain Your Tires

Checking each tire on your vehicle routinely only takes a few minutes, and prevents larger, more significant issues from occurring. First, checking the air pressure for every tire at least once per month is essential. Air pressure plays a large role in tire damage, and making sure you’re adding the correct amount can help you avoid costly expenses and inconveniences. Second, having your tires rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles and replaced regularly are good preventative actions to take. Thirdly, making sure your tire tread depth is at least 1/16th of an inch is a good way to avoid skidding and hydroplaning.

Wet & Icy Conditions

Many drivers try to avoid driving in the rain or snow, and for good reason. Driving on slick or icy roads can be treacherous and stressful, especially for less experienced drivers. Ensuring that each tire is filled with the correct amount of air pressure is a good way to avoid collisions. Checking to make sure every tire possesses at least the minimum tread will help prevent skidding on icy patches, or hydroplaning on wet roads. Thousands of car crashes occur each year due to severe weather conditions and faulty tires. Planning ahead by ensuring each tire on your vehicle is in good shape is a smart way to avoid such accidents.

When Your Tires Need Attention

As with most components of a vehicle, if you know what to look for, it’s easy to tell if your tires need replacing. For one, the tread of a tire speaks volumes as to its condition, and whether a new one is needed. Placing a penny in the tread of a tire upside down with the front facing you is a good way to check the tread. If the top of Lincoln’s penny head is visible, even partially, you’re probably due for a new set of tires.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RjzoCWKUwEU]

For tire alignments, rotations or plugging services in Northern Virginia, contact Hogan & Sons or visit their website at Hoganandsonsinc.com.

If you have any questions, please ask below!