Your Ford features tough construction, quality materials, and innovative engineering, but even the best vehicle designs need a firm foundation. Tires do their job so effortlessly that it’s easy to forget about them until you get a flat. Regular maintenance will keep them performing just as they should and give you peace of mind that whatever seasonal set you have on will provide a firm grip on the road no matter the weather conditions. Shoppers near Jasper, IN can schedule a service appointment for tire rotations and replacements at Ruxer Ford.
Maintaining Your Tires
Basic tire maintenance can be performed by any driver regardless of their skill set. Use a handy tire gauge to check your tire pressure monthly as part of your car washing routine. This can help you spot a slow leak in a tire before it becomes apparent to the eye with a deflated droop. Temperatures can cause your tire pressure to fluctuate, so check it when the tires are cold for the most accurate reading. You can find the ideal pressure range listed in your Ford owner’s manual, as this varies from model to model. Topping your tires up with air is simple if you have a service station with an air pump nearby.
How to Check Tire Traction
You can also check your tires’ tread with nothing more than a penny by inserting it into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing the tire. If the top of his head is exposed, the tread is too low. In a perfect scenario, your tire tread would wear evenly, but that is never the case in reality. Most drivers encounter rough road conditions that place potholes, aggressive speed bumps, and random debris in their path. Running over these things can cause a vehicle’s alignment to shift incrementally.
Over time, these shifts will cause your tires to wear at an uneven rate, which is why it’s a good idea to have your alignment adjusted every few years. You’ll be able to tell your alignment is off by your vehicle shuddering at certain speeds or by your steering wheel pointing slightly right or left even when you’re traveling in a straight line.
Having the Right Tires for the Season
You’ll also want to have your tires rotated twice a year to avoid uneven wear. This usually works advantageously if you switch your tires between a summer and winter tread. It’s a good idea to have seasonally appropriate tires to ensure you are driving with a vehicle properly outfitted to the season it’s in. Summer tires feature a stiff construction and optimized tread pattern that stands up to the blazingly hot roads you’ll encounter at the height of summer. Softer winter tires struggle to provide grip in the summer.
Conversely, your winter tires are perfect for freezing road conditions, remaining pliable enough to adapt to the changing terrain caused by snow and ice. Your technician will be able to advise you on the perfect tires for your needs for any given season, and detailed information about tire size is listed in your Ford owner’s manual.
Ruxer Ford is Here to Help
At Ruxer Ford, we take your safety very seriously, which is why we recommend regular tire maintenance for your Ford vehicle. We know the holiday season can be a busy one, but we’re here to attend to every aspect of tire care you need, from alignments to installing a new set to taking a quick read of your tire pressure. We always use quality Ford parts and follow the manufacturer's guidelines when advising you about your tire options.
We also offer occasional specials and discounts that will save you money on the tire maintenance you need. Schedule an appointment for a time that’s convenient for you, and we’ll get right to work caring for your tires. Schedule a tire rotation, order new tires, and visit us here at Ruxer Ford Jasper, IN. We hope to hear from you soon!