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Tire maintenance is often overlooked, yet it’s crucial for safe travels. You might not always consider the condition of your car’s tires, but they become a focal point when issues arise, such as a flat or blown tire. While a Cleveland-based auto repair shop like Rad Air is equipped to assist in selecting the ideal tires for your vehicle and local weather conditions, there are several steps you can take on your own to ensure your tires remain in optimal condition. This proactive approach helps in maintaining your family’s safety on the road.
The first thing you can do to keep your tires working correctly is to check your tire pressure about once a month. While Cleveland area Rad Air auto shops can quickly check and correct this for you, all you need is a tire pressure gauge and access to an air pump. Under-inflated tires can actually cause crashes, so keeping your tires inflated correctly is a critical part of car care. The amount of air pressure needed is indicated on the side of the tire, and you find the same information inside your owner’s manual and door pillar as well.
While you are checking the air pressure, don’t forget to look for wear patterns or damage to your tires. If you see cracks in the tread or nails, screws, glass embedded in the tire or bulges on the sidewalls, then you may need to visit a northeast Ohio automotive repair shop that does tire repair as well as wheel alignment to make sure you are safe to go out on the road. While you are having your tires checked, you may want to ask your car repair shop to rotate your tires. Rotating your tires approximately every 6,000 miles will help your tires to wear evenly and give you the most wear for your money. Generally, tires on the front are rotated and crossed to the back and the back set are crossed and placed on the front, helping to increase the even wear of the set you currently have.
Another area of tire care which is usually ignored is over stressing your tires through use. When designed, each tire is rated for a certain amount of cargo; so overloading your car or truck when you are moving heavy equipment can cause serious stress on your tires and can even cause an accident. Additionally, driving your car at excessive speeds or on rough roads can overheat your tires, causing damage and unexpected tire failures. These tire failures can lead to accidents, something that we would all prefer to avoid.
If you have additional questions about tire care or when it is time to replace your tires, visit a Rad Air automotive repair center. Conveniently located in Cleveland, Akron, Strongsville and Westlake, our service technicians can give you the best advice and price on your next set of tires, as well as, advice as to how to make your current set last as long as possible.