“One of your tires looks a little low,” comments the friendly person parking next to you at the grocery store. While you’re thankful for his concern, you’ve also got a carload of groceries and appointments to get to. Can’t it wait? How would I know how much air it needs? Is a low tire really that big of a deal?

The short answer is yes. Tires are a safety issue. They’re the middleman between your vehicle and the road; worth caring about, right? We think so.

We’re here to tell you that you have some control over the state of your tires and getting the most for your money. Some regular, easy tire maintenance can be the difference between gripping to the wet road in a storm and slipping right over it into a ditch; It can be the difference between trouble free driving and changing a flat on the edge of the highway with a stranger.

Here at Christian Brothers Round Rock, we’re concerned with your safety, as much as the health of your vehicle. We want to ensure you are well educated on every part of your vehicle so that you know how to care for it between visits, saving you money on unnecessary repairs.

We’ve put together four simple tips to help you care for your tires:

1. Check your tire pressure regularly: You can do this fuss-free at your local gas station. Most have a small area decked out with all you need. Your car’s manual will specify what your tire pressure should be maintained at. It’s vital to keep it within healthy range as low tire pressure can cause your vehicle to lose its grip on rainy roads. It’s recommended to do this before a long car trip or as regularly as once a month. If you’re still confused on how to check, simply ask one of our ASE-certified mechanics to find out what your tire pressure should be for your vehicle. We will even show you how to do it quickly and efficiently, free of charge!

2. Check your tire tread depth regularly: The tread depth allows the tire to maintain traction and stay steady on slick roads. It’s recommended to check this monthly and you can do so using a quarter. Simply insert the quarter into the tread groove with Washington’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, you’d be wise to start shopping for new tires.

3. Always put new tires on the back: It’s important to keep your rear tires in good condition as they play a crucial role in keeping your car under control on wet or slippery roads. This should be done by your tire service technician, but it’s always good to be aware of so you can double check.

4. Rotate your tires every 5000-7000 miles: This ensures your tires wear evenly getting the most for your money.

Lastly, there are some things to look for while driving that may indicate that your tires need attention. If you notice a pull to one side, this could mean that your tires are underinflated or damaged in some way. Likewise, if you feel unusual vibrations or a thumping sound while driving, your tires may be out of balance or showing signs of another problem. If you notice any of these signs, please come by to see us for a courtesy check where we’ll inspect your wheel alignment, tire pressure, tread, and any other parts that may be contributing to this issue. We aim to ensure your vehicle is as safe as it can be, especially as the winter months approach.

You can conveniently schedule an appointment online for a time that works for you. Simply click the link below. Your safety and education are important to us, so please ask any questions you may have about recommended vehicle maintenance. We are happy to assist you.

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