Avoid Getting A Flat Tire With These Tips

Flat tires are a major inconvenience, often leaving you stranded on the side of the road. As seasons change and temperatures fluctuate, tire blowouts and flats become increasingly common – so now’s the time to brush up on a few tips for preventing them! In fact, proper tire care can extend their lifespan and keep you safe on the road ahead.

Here at Burns Chevrolet, our service technicians have provided some great insight into the importance of routine maintenance. Read on to learn more, then stop by our Service Center to ensure your vehicle is ready to ride.

How Does The Weather Affect My Tires?

Changing temperatures have a direct effect on tire pressure. As a general rule, tire pressure will drop by one PSI (pound per square inch of pressure) for every 10-degree Fahrenheit temperature dip. That means that your tire pressure may decrease overnight when temperatures reach their low, then increase throughout the day as the weather warms up 

Check your owner’s manual to find out the proper PSI (pounds per square inch of pressure) or ask a member of the Burns Chevrolet service team. Keep in mind that most newer vehicles make tire maintenance simple, with alerts indicating reduced pressure or performance.

Check Your PSI Monthly 

It’s a good idea to get in the habit of checking your tires’ air pressure, especially if you live in a climate with a frequently changing forecast. Most gas stations have air stations where you can check your pressure and inflate the tire if needed. To check the tire pressure, simply remove the dust caps from the valve stems, insert the tire gauge and leave it for a few seconds, then remove it and read the PSI level.

Driving on a tire with low pressure is not only inefficient but unsafe, and may result in the following:

• Poor performance
• Decreased traction
• Uneven wear of tire tread 
• Lower fuel economy

While tire pressure typically regulates on its own after a temperature fluctuation, our service technicians recommend doing a quick pressure check after a dramatic change in temperature.

Maintain Proper Tire Alignment

Misaligned tires can negatively impact your vehicle’s performance, making it harder to handle. Improper alignment can also decrease the lifespan of your tires by causing the tread to wear unevenly. 

Here are some signs of poor wheel alignment to watch for: 

• Car drifts to one side while driving 
• Car pulls to one side while steering wheel is straight 
• Car doesn’t turn easily 

Rotate Your Tires Regularly 

Tire rotations are an important part of routine vehicle maintenance and should be performed about every 5,000 miles – depending on your vehicle and driving habits. Here at Burns Chevrolet, our service technicians will take the opportunity to check the tires’ tread depth for uneven or excessive wear. If you need a tire repair or replacement, we can help with that too!

Avoid Hazards and Drive Cautiously

Where and how you drive also impacts your tires. Punctures from nails, screws, glass, or other sharp objects are the leading cause of flat tires, so exercise caution when driving near construction zones or road work. Potholes and bumpy, uneven roads can also cause a tire blowout, so be sure to avoid them when possible. We also recommend staying away from curbs that can scrape or damage tires. Plus, speeding can increase your risk of a blowout if your tire already has a knick in it.

Make Sure You Have a Properly Inflated Spare

In case of emergencies, you should always keep a spare tire in your vehicle – and know how to change it. Make sure the spare is in good condition, without any punctures or wear and tear.

Have Questions About Tire Performance? Visit Your Chevy Dealership in Rock Hill!

Trust the Burns Chevrolet Service Center to handle all your automotive needs and keep your vehicle running right. If you have any questions about vehicle maintenance or you’d just like us to check your tire pressure, get in touch today!

Our team of skilled service technicians has extensive experience maintaining all makes and models, and we are committed to providing the highest quality customer service. We also offer an incredible new Chevrolet inventory, including popular models like the Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Blazer, and more! We have a great variety of affordable used vehicles available too. Whether you’re looking for a reliable used vehicle or a great deal on a new Chevy near you, we can help!

Burns Chevrolet is conveniently located in Rock Hill, SC – near Fort Mill, SC and Charlotte, NC. Our team is proud to serve drivers throughout South and North Carolina, so come see us today for a test drive!

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