Protect Your Tires This Summer

Summer is just around the corner and that means road trips and summer activities will soon be in full swing. If you’re planning on doing any sort of traveling, you’ll want to make sure your vehicle is prepared. Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC knows that tires are an important part of your vehicle, and it's important to keep them properly maintained. Proper tire care could help you save money on fuel, extend the lifespan of the tires and keep you on the road longer.  The best car dealership at the Lake of the Ozarks has a few tips on how to maintain your tires this upcoming summer season.

Tips for Maintaining Your Tires

Proper tire maintenance is important in extending the life of your tires. If you are driving anywhere from 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year, an average tire can last up to three to four years, however, if it's not properly maintained, it could impact this lifespan. Here are a few tips to help keep your tires going all summer long.

Keep Tires Properly Inflated

It's important to keep your tires properly inflated. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, vehicles driving on underinflated tires by more than 25 percent are three times more likely to be involved in a crash related to tire problems than vehicles with proper inflation. Tires that are underinflated by up to 25 percent run risk of overheating, which can lead to failure and at the very least adversely affect handling and tread life.

Inspect Your Tires

Because it's important to keep your tires inflated, the tire pressure should be checked regularly. When checking the tire pressure, take this time to also check the condition of the tires. Look for any cracks, lumps, bubbles or wear. Unusual wear could be the sign of another issue. Have your vehicle examined by a mechanic to ensure the alignment is centered and the wheels are balanced.

Rotate Tires 

Having the tires rotated regularly can ensure the tires wear evenly and lengthen the lifespan as well. Check the owner's manual to see the manufacturers recommended rotation schedule.

Don't Overload Your Vehicle

The heavier your car is, the more time it will take to brake, which means more friction on hot pavement, which in turns leads to quicker wear. Speaking of braking, also be careful of fast accelerations or quick stops.

Signs It Might Be Time for New Tires

Inspecting your tires often is one of the most important parts of proper tire maintenance. Inspecting your tires can tell you a lot about your car, such as certain wear can let you know your alignment is off or if your shocks are going bad. Here are a few common signs of when it's time to replace your tires.

Tread Depth

The tread on your tires should never fall below 1/16 of an inch in depth. The best way to test the depth of your tires is with the tried and true "penny method." Place a penny upside down with Lincoln's head towards the tire, if you can still see the top of Lincoln's head, there is not much tread left and it's time to get a new set of tire.

Cracks, Gouges or Bulges

When a tire doesn't have enough air, it tends to bulge at the sides. If you find yourself constantly filling up one tire, there may be a slow leak. If your tires have a lot of wear and tear, it could be time to just replace them.

Vibration While Driving

Some vibration while driving is normal, however, too much may mean something is not right. Vibration can be caused by a number of issues including misalignment, bad shocks or internal tire issues. A professional Lake of the Ozarks auto service company can help you determine the issues and let you know if it is time to replace your tires.

Bring Your Car into Hulett’s Service Department

There are a lot of different factors that can affect your tires. From safe driving to proper inflation, nearly everything you do can affect the wear on your tires. Our auto service department at the Lake of the Ozarks can help you stay on the road this summer. Whether you need a new set of tires or have your vehicle's tires rotated, bring it to Hulett Chevrolet-Buick-GMC. We can get you back on the road in no time!

That's The Way We Do It At Hulett!

513 N. Business Route 5
Camdenton, MO  65020

Sales: 573.317.4191
Service:  573.317.4195


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