A New Year’s Resolution: Remember Your Tires!
The New Year continues to present financial challenges and you find you may need to hold onto your current car for another year. One small, but important responsibility as a vehicle owner is to make sure to take care of your vehicle, including tires. If you haven't already done so, be sure to schedule a standard courtesy inspection service to make sure that your vehicle is up for the task of the cold weather and miles to come. This should include checking all fluids, a needed oil change, inspection of your tires (purchasing new tires or snow tires may be necessary), braking system, and steering and suspension systems.
Even after your vehicle has received a clean bill of health, it is important to be prepared for the unexpected. This time of year can lend itself to many unfortunate possibilities, such as engine problems, flat tires, accidents, road closures, and other issues. Every vehicle should have a roadside emergency kit in the trunk, available at most retailers, and auto part stores. Make sure to tuck in blankets, snacks, and water.
New Year's Resolution: Check the Tires!
There are several things you can check yourself to make sure your tires (don't forget the spare) are in good shape before heading out in the cold.
- Tread Depth - The tread on your tires should never fall below 1/16 of an inch (1.6 millimeters) in depth. Twice that much is better if you regularly drive on slick, wet surfaces.
- Cracked Sidewalls – This could be a sign that your tire is developing a leak.
- Bulges and Blisters – When the outer surface of the tire begins to weaken, it can result in a bulge or blister that extends outward from the rest of the surface.
- Too Much Vibration - There can be a number of causes for excessive vibration—misaligned or unbalanced tires, failing shock absorbers, or a problem in internal structure of the tire.
Take a few extra minutes of your time and make sure your winter travels are as safe as can be. A tire failure while you're driving can be catastrophic--causing your car to go out of control or leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Need a set of high-quality snow tires? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
The New Year continues to present financial challenges and you find you may need to hold onto your current car for another year. One small, but important responsibility as a vehicle owner is to make sure to take care of your vehicle, including tires. If you haven't already done so, be sure to schedule a standard courtesy inspection service to make sure that your vehicle is up for the task of the cold weather and miles to come. This should include checking all fluids, a needed oil change, inspection of your tires (purchasing new tires or snow tires may be necessary), braking system, and steering and suspension systems.
Even after your vehicle has received a clean bill of health, it is important to be prepared for the unexpected. This time of year can lend itself to many unfortunate possibilities, such as engine problems, flat tires, accidents, road closures, and other issues. Every vehicle should have a roadside emergency kit in the trunk, available at most retailers, and auto part stores. Make sure to tuck in blankets, snacks, and water.
New Year's Resolution: Check the Tires!
There are several things you can check yourself to make sure your tires (don't forget the spare) are in good shape before heading out in the cold.
- Tread Depth - The tread on your tires should never fall below 1/16 of an inch (1.6 millimeters) in depth. Twice that much is better if you regularly drive on slick, wet surfaces.
- Cracked Sidewalls – This could be a sign that your tire is developing a leak.
- Bulges and Blisters – When the outer surface of the tire begins to weaken, it can result in a bulge or blister that extends outward from the rest of the surface.
- Too Much Vibration - There can be a number of causes for excessive vibration—misaligned or unbalanced tires, failing shock absorbers, or a problem in internal structure of the tire.
Take a few extra minutes of your time and make sure your winter travels are as safe as can be. A tire failure while you're driving can be catastrophic--causing your car to go out of control or leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Need a set of high-quality snow tires? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
