Tire Services: 4 Things You're Forgetting to Do This Fall
Whew...that was a sweltering summer in Vermont. Now that we have cleared the heat, let's kick back and enjoy a pleasurable (but far too short) autumn.
However, don't forget about the impact the weather change can have on your vehicle and why fall car care is key, especially for your tires.
The tires on your vehicle have a remarkable level of importance. While often overlooked until there is a problem, your tires are the only part of your vehicle that makes contact with the road. Thus, it's imperative to show your tires some love! Fortunately, the team at Girlington Garage has your back (and front tires) covered. Let's look at a few of the top things you shouldn't—but most likely will—forget to do this fall.
1. Fall in Line with Tire Inspection
One of the first things you should have on your list is to schedule a full, comprehensive tire inspection.Don't want to visit Girlington Garage for a tire inspection? Fortunately, you don't have to, as you can do a tire inspection yourself.To get started, check out your tire treads. The treads are vital in helping you grip the road, accelerate, and efficiently brake. As we welcome cooler weather, snow, and wet conditions, having sufficient traction is elevated to new heights.There is a simple and easy way to do a preliminary check on your tire treads. It will only cost you a penny (literally).
To get started, turn a penny so that Lincoln's head points down into the tread. Pay special attention to whether the top of Lincoln's head disappears between the tread ribs.If it does, yay...your tread is still above 2/32". However, if you can see his entire head, you will need to replace your tires because the tread is no longer sufficient.
2. Check Your Tire Pressure
When temperatures drop in South Burlington, VT, the mercury isn't the only thing that goes down. The pressure in your tires will, too. In fact, your tires will drop about 1 to 2 PSI for every 10-degree temperature decrease.If you have a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), you will probably be alerted to add air. If you don't have a tire pressure monitoring system, you should go the manual route and add air.It's vital to ensure your vehicle has the proper amount of air pressure in the tire. Driving your vehicle with low tire pressure can cause the following:
Compromised tire performance
Lowered fuel efficiency
Increased risk to driver safety
Increased risk of tire failure
Instead of taking a chance, it's best to keep a close watch on your air pressure and add air as needed.
3. Upgrade to Snow or Winter Tires
While fall may be a lovely time of the year, it can quickly turn into a proverbial blizzard. Because of this, your vehicle must be up to the task with winter tires or snow tires. These tires are designed with unique features that can help improve traction and safety while driving in winter weather.
Special Rubber Compound
Winter and snow tires are engineered with a unique rubber compound designed to stay soft and pliable when temperatures drop into the freezing zone.These tires differ from summer or all-season tires with rubber compounds that can stiffen in freezing temperatures. When this happens, traction is reduced, and your ability to maneuver is negatively impacted.
Deeper Tire Treads & Biting Edges
Snow tires have deeper tread depths and unique tread patterns that work to safely channel snow, water, and slush away from your vehicle. Moreover, most snow tires will have biting edges, which are thousands of small slits that provide extra traction on ice.You can visit Girlington Garage to see our full array of winter tires.
4. Rotate Your Tires
No matter the time of the year, tire rotations are always in season. When you have your tires rotated properly according to the manufacturer's suggested interval and pattern, you can extend the life of your tires.The overarching goal of rotating your tires is to ensure they wear down evenly. If you fail to rotate your tires properly, they will wear unevenly and can become slick. This can cause your tires not to have sufficient tread and traction to stop on slippery or wet roads.In addition, when your tires are uneven, you are more likely to have a flat tire.
Contact Girlington Garage for Tire Services
At Girlington Garage, we are the best auto repair center in South Burlington, VT. If your vehicle needs tires, our team can and will surely guide you to the best solution.
Schedule your appointment today by calling 802-247-7917, filling out this online form, or stopping by our shop at 2 Harbor View Rd in South Burlington, VT 05403.
