8001 Minnetonka Blvd.

952.931.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

6407 West Lake Street

952.922.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

Thank you for choosing D&D Autoworks for your vehicles’ service, maintenance and repair.

3 Things to check on the Tires before Traveling

by | Jan 20, 2014 | Auto Repair, Car Care Tips, Tire Repair, Vehicle Safety Inspections

The most important thing you can do before driving is to check the tires. The tires should be inspected on a regular basis. The tires of the vehicle are the only part that connects you to the surface of the road. Make sure to inspect the air pressure, tread, and condition of the tire. This can help to avoid a potential accident or hazard when you are driving. We can also inspect the tires for you. Going to scheduled maintenances is important because it can help keep the vehicle in the most efficient working condition possible. Parts and components of the vehicle can be inspected. If there is an issue, we can help to advise you on the options you have to repair or replace the part. It can also help save on wear and tear of the vehicle, which can also help it to last longer.

Makes sure the Air Pressure is correct

The air pressure should be inspected for the tires on a regular basis. If you are unsure how much air should be in the tires, the correct amount can be found in the vehicle owner’s manual. It is important to check the amount frequently during the winter. This is because tires can lose as much as one pound of air pressure for a decrease of ten degrees in temperature. Tires that are under inflated can lead to fuel being wasted from the vehicle. It can also cause the tires to blow out easier. Constant low air pressure can also cause the tires to wear unevenly. Not only is low air pressure hard on the vehicle, but it can cause the tires to wear out sooner than needed. Tires that are over inflated have less contact with the road, and can lead to issues with the suspension and struts of the vehicle. Over inflated tires are also more prone to pick up sharp objects that may be on the road.

Inspect the Condition of the Tires

Check the condition that the tires are in. Make sure they are free from any cracks or punctures. If the vehicle has been sitting out with direct sunlight, the tires could suffer from dry rot. If you notice this, make sure to bring your vehicle in as soon as you can. We can inspect the tires to make sure they are safe and reliable for when you drive. If you notice any puncture marks or objects stuck in the tire, make sure to bring your vehicle in to us as well. Over time the air will start to leak out of the tires, eventually leaving you with a flat tire. We can see if the tire can be patched until you are ready to purchase a new set of tires.

Check the Tread of the Tires

The tread of the tires should also be checked. Make sure it is wearing evenly on the tire, as well as the other tires. The tread is beneficial because it helps to grip the road when the tires rotate. This can also help with how the vehicle handles on poorly covered roads.