Tire Care

Tire Care

Repairs:

·          -If there is loss in air pressure, it should be removed for an internal inspection

·          -Most punctures, nail holes, or cuts up to ¼ inch can be repaired if the damage is confined to the

·          Tread

·          -Any punctures larger than ¼ inch or on the sidewall of the tire should not be repaired and should be replaced

Balance and Alignment: Having your tires balanced and your vehicle properly aligned is important for tire longevity and vehicle performance. As tires wear, their mass can get unevenly distributed, and the original rim/tire balance may be affected. Some things to keep in mind:

Unbalanced tires cause road vibration, which can lead to driver fatigue, premature tire wear (also known as cupping or dipping), and unnecessary wear to your vehicle's suspension

Tires should be balanced whenever they're mounted on wheels

They should be rebalanced at the first sign of a vibration or shimmy, and once a year

Preparing for A Flat Tire: Having the necessary items will help you change a flat as soon as the need arises, minimizing potential damage to your tires. Review the list below for what to keep in your vehicle.

Make sure you always have:

·         Your vehicle's owner's manual

·         An inflated spare tire

·         A jack

·         A lug wrench

·         Bracing material, such as a small piece of wood or a brick

Tire Tread: It's recommended that you check your tire tread every 3,000 miles. Below are two simple tests to see if your tires need to be replaced.

Take the Penny Test:

·             Insert a penny into your tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires.

Wear & Tear: To help maintain even tread wear and prolong tire life, review this quick reference about alignment, rotation, and visual inspections.

·             Misalignment of the front or rear wheels can cause rapid or uneven wear. Front-wheel-drive vehicles and those with independent rear suspension require alignment of all four wheels, instead of two. Getting your alignment checked as specified in your vehicle's owner's manual is the recommended way to prolong tire life.

·             Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating your tires. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the appropriate rotation pattern for your vehicle. If your tires show uneven wear, have your vehicle serviced to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance, or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.

·             A tire's tread directly affects how it grips the road, so it's important to regularly inspect it visually for signs of uneven wear. These signs can include high or low areas, or unusually smooth ones

·                      Check your tire pressure (including your spare) monthly - follow the recommendations on your vehicle door sticker or vehicle's owner's manual.

·                      Inspect your tires once a month for uneven tread wear, cuts, cracks, bulges, foreign objects, or other wear or damage.

·                      Have your tires rotated and the balance checked every 6,000 miles. (Check your vehicle's owner's manual for specifics.)