Keeping your car tires in good condition should be a top priority on your car care list – after all, if you have bad tires, your performance will suffer in more ways than one. You’ll find yourself losing fuel efficiency, as well as having to worry about safety because of the loss of traction bad tires can cause. However, we know not everyone has the time to bring their car into our Charlotte auto service center for a tire inspection. That’s why we’ve rounded up some tips to help you conduct one in the comfort of your own driveway!
Do you know how to conduct a DIY tire inspection?
There are five main things our Charlotte Toyota service techs recommend examining closely when conducting a tire inspection – here they are:
1) Overall condition. During this part of your tire inspection, you should examine the entire tire. Look for signs of damage, like punctures or tears, but also look for signs of excessive wear, like cracking, bubbles, and bulges. Any and all of these signs can lead to a flat tire or a blowout so consider scheduling Charlotte car tire maintenance or replacement.
2) Valve cap and stem. Check your valve cap – yes, you need to have one. This part keeps moisture and dirt out of your tires, so you definitely want one on there! Make sure both the cap and the valve are in good shape and have them replaced at Toyota of N Charlotte if they’re not so you can protect your tires.
3) Tread. You’ll need to check the tread carefully and perform the penny test to ensure you have enough of it. Take a penny and put it into the tread so Abe Lincoln is upside down – if you can see the top of his head, you need new tires. You can also look for tread wear bars, which run parallel across the treads. If you see them, you know you’re in need of a Charlotte car tire replacement. Loss of tread means loss of traction, as well as the possibility of a blowout.
Our Charlotte Toyota service techs have the tips you need
4) Inflation. You’ll want to check the PSI of your car tires during your tire inspection to ensure that they’re at the proper inflation level, which can be found in your owner’s manual. If tires are over or underinflated, it can affect your fuel efficiency, as well as up your chances of getting a flat tire or having a blowout.
5) General ride. You know how your car rides and sounds, so if it seems like it’s riding rough or vibrating, you may be having tire issues. Conduct a tire inspection and if you can’t pinpoint the cause, visit our Charlotte auto service center to have our techs take a peek.
Ready to schedule car tire service? We’re ready and waiting – just call us at (888) 883-3797 and don’t forget to ask about our Toyota service specials to save big bucks.
