Tires are a critical component of your vehicle, and having tires with good treads is even more crucial. Why? Tires that are worn down can cause longer stopping distances when brakes are applied. Tire maintenance ensures that your vehicle maintains optimal performance and safety, and having your tires rotated regularly will help prevent uneven wear.
Place a Quarter between the tread ribs on your tire. A "rib" refers to the raised portion of tread that spans the circumference of your tire. Tire tread is composed of several ribs.
Turn the Quarter so that Washington's head points down into the tread
See if the top of his head disappears between the ribs. If it does, your tread is still above 4/32 of an inch. If you can see his entire head, it may be time to replace the tire because your tread is no longer deep enough.
Regardless of each tire's physical condition, improper air pressure will cause it to underperform — or even cause damage. Your tires will live longer and provide you with optimal performance when the recommended level of air pressure is maintained. Different factors can affect the level of air pressure in a tire. For example, a puncture will cause pressure to be lost. The outside temperature can also have an affect. As the weather cools, air contracts and reduces pressure (and vice versa). In addition to checking pressure regularly, be sure to check your tires during major temperature or seasonal changes.
According to the United States Department of Energy, properly inflated tires can return an additional 3.3 percent to your vehicle's current fuel economy rating. When your tires aren't properly inflated, however, your vehicle's engine and components have to work harder to get you to your destination, causing a noticeable dip in the fuel economy. Inclement weather or adverse driving conditions can make the problem worse. Be sure to check the recommended PSI that's found inside the driver's door jam instead of the number found on the side of your tire. Another option? Bring it to us, and we'll take care of it for you.
Similar to how only parts of your shoes wear down depending on how you walk, certain parts of your tires can wear more quickly based on how your vehicle drives. To prevent uneven wear, be sure to have your tires balanced and aligned regularly. You can also stop by our service center to have your Toyota's tires inspected.
When it comes time to replace the tires on your Toyota, be sure to give us a call or stop by. We'll help you choose the best tires for your needs, from economy, performance and more. We offer the most reliable tire brands at competitive prices, and our knowledgeable staff is here to help. No matter if you need new tires or a rotation and alignment for your current set of wheels, we're here to help you! Located in Lansing, MI, we proudly serve Toyota owners from Lansing, Williamston and Brighton .