Summer time is here and that means its time for family road trips!
So Much To Remember
There’s a lot to think about when you’re planning a vacation…money, accommodations, scheduling, keeping the kids occupied in the car…but one thing you definitely should not neglect in those plans is your tires.
Summer Heat is Tough on Tires
Summer road trips are hard on tires. You will probably be in a vehicle that’s loaded to the brim. You’ll be driving for hours to get to your destination in 90-plus-degree weather. That’s a good way to end up with overheated tires. Heat is the number one enemy of even the best tires. Here are a few things to consider before you load up the car and get going:
To-Do List Regarding Your Tires
• Check your tire pressure – Under-inflated tires cost you money in terms of fuel economy. U.S. Department of Energy studies show that every 1-psi (pounds per square inch) drop in tire pressure costs you 0.4 percent of your gas mileage. Tires can lose that much air pressure every month. If left unchecked, it wouldn’t take long for under-inflated tires to cost you one or two miles per gallon. Get a good quality tire gauge and check the inflation of all four tires while they’re cold. If you’re in doubt as to the proper inflation level, look for a manufacturer’s sticker on the inside of the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual.
• Rotate Your Tires – Weight distribution, braking, steering and other factors tend to cause your tires to wear in certain patterns when they’re left in the same position on your vehicle for too many miles. Regular tire rotations are one of the best ways to prevent that from happening. Tire rotations will make tires wear more evenly and will enhance a vehicle’s ride, handling and drivability. That also means you’ll get longer service life for all four tires. New tire warranties call for tire rotations at specified intervals.Tires should be rotated about every 5,000 miles. A good rule of thumb is to schedule tire rotation at the same time you have your oil change.
• Wheel Alignment – Even with careful driving, your car will absorb jolts from potholes and other road irregularities. Over time, that normal wear and tear will knock your front end out of specifications. When your wheels are out of alignment, your tires will wear unevenly as one wheel tries to push or pull the car in a different direction. That drag and friction will cause rubber to wear prematurely from your tires. In addition, a vehicle that needs an alignment might constantly pull to one side or another and will use more fuel. Do you have to hold the steering wheel off-center to maintain a straight line down the highway? Better make an appointment for a wheel alignment.
Contact Us
Before you load up the car and head out for this summer’s road trips, give us a call or come by so we can have a look at your tires.
Postle Tire Barn is a family owned and operated tire and service store in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We’ve been serving the West Alabama area for more than 35 years. We are located on Jug Factory Road behind McDonalds.
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