GM Tire Safety Recommendations from Coggin Orange Park Pontiac Buick GMC near Jacksonville, FL
Inflation Pressure
Tires must be properly inflated. You can't tell when tires are "low," or underinflated, just by looking. Use an accurate tire pressure gauge to determine your tire pressure.
•Check tire inflation pressure (including the spare) at least once a month and before every long trip.
•Tires must be checked when they are cold -- that is, before they have been run no more than one mile (1.6 km).
Underinflation
Underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure, so check inflation pressure regularly.
•Changes in outdoor temperature can affect your tire inflation. In colder temperatures, you may need to add air.
•Generally speaking, a tire may lose 1/2 to 1 psi per month.
•Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot. It is normal for pressures to build up as a result of driving.
Tire Inspection
Inspect your tires closely for signs of uneven wear at least once a month. Most likely, the cause can be corrected at your GM or tire dealer. If you find a problem and correct it in time, your tires may be able to continue in service. Certain uneven wear patterns may indicate that the tire has suffered internal structural damage and requires the immediate attention of your GM or tire dealer.
•When the tread is worn down to one-sixteenth of an inch, tires must be replaced.
•Built-in tread wear indicators, or "wear bars," which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread, will appear on the tire when that point of wear is reached. When you see these wear bars, the tire is worn out and it's time to replace it.
•Inspect your tires frequently. Look for any stones, bits of glass, metal or other foreign objects wedged in the tread. These may work deeper into the tire and cause air loss.
•If any tire continually needs more air, have it taken off the vehicle and checked to find out why it is leaking. Damage to the tire, wheel or valve may be the problem.
Vehicle Conditions
There is a close working relationship between your tires and several mechanical systems in your vehicle. Tires, wheels, brakes, shock absorbers, drive train, steering and suspension systems must all function together to give you a comfortable ride and good tire mileage.
•Balance. An unbalanced wheel and tire assembly may create an annoying vibration when you drive on a smooth road and may result in irregular treadwear.
•Alignment. Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear, improperly operating brakes or shock absorbers, bent wheels, worn bushings and other mechanical problems cause uneven and rapid treadwear and should be corrected by a qualified mechanic.
•Rotation. Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating your tires. Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 7,500 miles (10,000 to 12,000 km). Consult your owner's manual, GM dealer, the tire manufacturer, or your tire dealer for the appropriate pattern for your vehicle.
Ask the Coggin Pontiac GMC Buick dealer in Orange Park for any other questions about properly maintaining your tires.
