Air Pressure

Making sure your tires are properly inflated at all times is the most important thing you can do for your vehicle. Tires that maintain an appropriate air pressure level not only perform better but are also less susceptible to overheating and blowouts, which can cause serious accidents and injury. Under-inflated tires actually force your engine to work harder, decreasing the overall fuel efficiency of your vehicle and costing you even more money every time you hit the pumps. They are also subject to uneven treadwear and consequently shortened tire life. Check your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure that your vehicle is always operating at optimum levels.

• Air pressure should be monitored once a month, or more frequently if driving and weather conditions warrant it
• Tires should be checked when they are cold, preferably first thing in the morning or after they have sat for at least three hours
• Both manual and digital pressure gauges are available to help you determine if your tires need more air

Repairs and Replacement

If you happened to run over a nail this morning on the way in to work, don't despair. Some punctures and tears can be repaired without having to replace the whole tire. Whether or not a tire can be salvaged is a decision best made by a professional, such as a technician at your local Sears Automotive Center. If the tire cannot be repaired and it isn't time to upgrade all your tires, you have the option to replace it with one of the same size and ratings as your other tires.

Tire Rotation

Uneven treadwear can shorten the life of your tires by causing areas of a tire to wear down prematurely and need replacement sooner. You can avoid this by regularly rotating your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. The tire rotation pattern will differ slightly depending on what type of drive system your vehicle has. If you have rear wheel drive, the front tires should be rotated from the front to the back in a crossover pattern while the rear wheels will simply move to the wheel position directly in front of them. Front wheel drive vehicles are exactly the opposite with the back tires moving to the front in a crossover pattern and the front wheels moving to the rear without changing sides. Unidirectional tires should not be crossed and simply swap from front to back staying on the exact same side of the car. Four wheel drive systems should be crossed on both the front and the back.

• Regular tire rotation is necessary to ensure even treadwear and longer life
• Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or as recommended by the manufacturer

Wheel Balance and Alignment

There is nothing more bothersome when zipping down the freeway at top speeds than a constant vibration or shaking. Likewise, fighting with your car to keep it moving in a straight line is nobody's idea of a good time. Keeping your wheels balanced and your vehicle properly aligned can eliminate speed-related vibrations and steering problems that will affect your overall driving experience. Balancing and alignment are services that should be performed by a professional. Contact your local Sears Automotive Center for assistance.

• Experiencing vibration in your vehicle or steering column when approaching speeds over 50 mph usually indicates a balance problem
• Cars that are out of alignment tend to pull in one direction and can affect overall steering, responsiveness, handling and more
• Vehicles that are out of balance or alignment may experience uneven treadwear that can shorten the life of the tire
• Wheels should be balanced every time you rotate or replace your tires or if you notice speed-related vibration
• Have the alignment of your vehicle checked every time you replace your tires or if you detect a problem

When to Purchase New Tires

With every mile you drive, the tread on your tires is slowly wearing away. Eventually you will get to a level that is no longer safe or effective. Keep an eye on treadwear by regularly inspecting your tires and observing how much of the tread has worn away. The law in most states requires that a tire's tread must not be below 2/32". There are a couple of ways you can tell if you are still safe to drive. The first is by observing the tread bars, which are placed at various intervals along the tread specifically to help notify you when it is time for new tires. They are usually 2/32" high, so if they are close to or right at the height of your tread it's time for new tires. Another way to tell is by conducting the 'penny test,' which involves placing a penny in the groove of the tread with the top of Lincoln's head pointing toward the tire. If the raised tread covers part of Lincoln's head, your tires are still okay. If it doesn't cover his head, you should replace them immediately. There are also tread gauges that you can use to measure tread depth. Keep in mind that, while it is still legal to drive on tires with a tread of 2/32", the traction and other performance characteristics of your tires are going to be considerably reduced, so you may want to consider replacing your tires before they get that low.

• The law in most states requires you to replace your tires once the tread has been worn down to 2/32"
• Observe the tread bars or conduct a penny test to determine if your tires are still okay to drive on