Are your tires safe?

One of the easiest ways to save money on your car or truck is to take good care of your tires. After all, for most of us, tires are a significant expense…but they do require maintenance. For example, it is very important to rotate your tires every 7,500 miles or so… this helps ensure the tires wear evenly on all four wheels. Tire rotations are inexpensive and only take a few minutes time.

Make it a habit to have them rotated about every other oil change unless you feel as though your car or truck is “pulling” to one side or the other. You should also have them rotated if you notice the steering wheel vibrating at a higher speed, or you see tire wear that appears uneven. In other words, if you feel or see something that looks at all odd on any one tire, have it checked out by a professional.

We’ve prepared an easy-to-use guide to tire wear and tear, as well as terms you may have heard to describe the front end end suspension of your car or truck. If you think you have ANY issue with ANY tire, don’t wait to have it checked out. Here at Terry’s in Gainesville, FL, we can do that for you quickly and efficiently. In fact, we have a great money saving coupon for tire rotations! You have nothing to lose and a lot to gain. We just want to help you keep money in your wallet or purse…instead of buying more new tires.

In determining the safety of your tires manufacturers analyze the capabilities of their tires under a variety of road conditions and speeds to ensure the safety and durability of their tires. These tests are conducted on all factory-made tires whether they are intended for rain, snow, off-road, performance or fuel conservation. Among the many tests done on new tires is stopping distance. Stopping distance is the span of road that it takes for a vehicle to come to a complete stop.  Here at Terry's Automotive & Qwik Lube in Gainesville, FL we carry top tire brands and test your tire safety continuously.  If you have any questions or would like additional information about tire wear, just give me a call. I’m Terry Carter, owner,  and I can be reached at (352) 377-2886.

Several factors determine the stopping distance of a tire. These include the materials and construction of the tire, its tread patterns and the vehicle on which it's mounted. That's why it is so important to choose the right tire for your car, van or truck. Fortunately we can help you determine which tires are best suited for your vehicle, and your day to day driving demands.

A simple way to determine whether you need tires is the quarter test. Insert a quarter upside down into your tire's tread. If the tread of your tire does not touch George Washington's head, it's time to have your tires replaced.

KEYS TO T.I.R.E SAFETY

It takes 5 minutes every month to properly check your tires (including the spare) to ensure the safety of your family and friends.

Tread Depth & Wear:  A simple way to determine whether you need tires is the quarter test. Insert a quarter upside down into your tire's tread. If the tread of your tire does not touch George Washington's head, it's time to have your tires replaced.

5/32" or greater depth: Your tires are in good condition and do not need to be replaced.4/32" Depth:  Your tires should be monitored and you may notice a decline in wet weather performance.
3/32" Depth: Monitor your tires closely and replace them soon to ensure your vehicle is road ready, safe, and dependable.
2/32" Depth or less: You need tires now. Driving is unsafe with tires in this condition and should be replaced right away.

Inflation: Check the air pressure monthly and before taking any long trips. Poor inflation can cause premature wear, increased fuel consumption and tire failure.

Rotation: Your tires should be rotated every 3,000-5,000 miles. When done consistently, this helps maintain proper traction and gives you the maximum tread life.

Eye Check Daily: Inspect your tires daily for penetrations, bulges, cracks, and abnormal wear.  Don't forget to check the tire edges for damage caused by misalignment or under-inflation.

Trust your tires to our team of automotive technicians at Terry's Automotive & Qwik Lube located at 6501 SW Archer Rd in Gainesville, FL.