Blue Seal Spotlight
August 2004
Fowers Service Center
1275 South 1000 East
Clearfield, UT 84015
(801) 773-9140 |
Vacationing? Check Your Tires!
It’s vacation time and if you’re planning on heading off in your car, SUV or Pickup, do not forget to check your tires! Tires are one of the most important safety items on your car. They not only cushion the ride, they play a key role in your ability to control, maneuver and stop your car. But to do this they must be in good shape, which means you shouldn’t take them for granted. By taking proper care of your tires, you can do your part to help your tires keep you and your family safe.
Proper Pressure – Check tire pressure at least once a month and always before heading out on a long trip. Ideally tires should be checked cold, which means that pressure should be checked before your car is driven (or for no more than one mile), preferably after your car sits overnight. To find the correct inflation pressure, look at the tire information placard usually found on the driver’s door or post, in the glove box or the owner’s manual. Do not go by the maximum inflation pressure listed on the tire. Sometimes, cars may have different inflation pressures for front and back tires. Don’t rely on the pressure gauge at the gas station to be accurate; in many cases these gauges give false readings. So, invest in a good tire gauge and keep it in your glove box. Proper inflation pressure can also improve gas mileage by more than 3%, when maintained regularly. With today’s escalating fuel prices, a small investment in time can save you money over the long haul.
Tread Depth – This is another critical part of tire maintenance. The tread on your tires gives the traction to start, stop and hold the curves. Tread also funnels out water, slush, snow and other barriers to traction from under the tire to prevent slipping and hydroplaning. Tread should be at least 1/16 of an inch deep. The penny test is a great way to measure remaining tread depth. Put the edge of a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head going in first. If you can see the top of his head, you need to replace the tire.
Rotation – Rotation simply means a systematic and periodic method of moving the tires to different locations on the car. Rotation can reduce tread wear, giving you the biggest return for your tire investment. Rotation should be done about every 6,000 miles. Your owner’s manual will specify an exact interval and a rotation diagram. Keep in mind that some cars have directional tires, along with different sizes at the front and rear. In these situations, tires can’t be rotated; check your owner’s manual to be sure.
Alignment – An annual alignment check will give your technician the opportunity to do a safety check of all the critical steering and suspension parts. It should be checked annually. Aligning your vehicle not only extends the life of your tires, it also enables the car to steer and handle the way it was designed.
So have a safe vacation and remember when it comes to tires, be smart and do your PART.
Pressure
Alignment
Rotation
Tread
Shop Profile
Fowers Service Center, recognized by the ASE Blue Seal of Excellence Program since 2001, is owned and operated by Don Fowers. This business has been servicing the Utah area for several years. For more information, contact Don Fowers at (801) 773-9140.
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