On your way to or from your mom’s Thanksgiving get-together is not the time to end up with a flat tire. The weekend is busy enough as it is without travel troubles. You can avoid flats for the most part with a simple tire inspection before the Thanksgiving holiday. Urb’s Garage can help if you need new tires or tire and wheel services.
Measure Tire Tread Depth
Grab a penny or a tire tread gauge and measure the tread in several places on each tire. You must have 2/32-of-an-inch of tread on your back tires and 4/32-of-an-inch of tread on your front tires in Kentucky. If the depth is below that per the gauge or you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you need new tires.
Look for Uneven Tire Tread Wear
Inspect the tread wear all around each tire. Look for uneven wear such as patches or scallops. The tread should not be worn down obviously along the inside or outside edges of each tire, either, nor should you see bubbles or cracks on the sides of the tires. If a tire looks odd, there is likely some type of damage.
Get the Tires Rotated
If your tires look great but it’s been over 5,000 miles since you last had them rotated, now is the time to schedule a tire rotation. Generally, tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 6,000 miles; it’s easy to remember this rule if you have them rotated at every other oil change. Rotate them before the holiday.
Have the Wheels Balanced
The wheels should be balanced after each tire rotation, as well. This keeps the wheel weight balanced across the axle(s). Wheels do not weigh exactly the same, even if you have the same tires on each wheel. Balancing them maintains tire tread and keeps your ride smooth and comfortable.
Check for Wheel Alignment
Go through your auto service receipts to see when it was you had your wheels aligned last. If it’s been two years or longer, schedule a wheel alignment before the Thanksgiving holiday. Signs your wheels are not aligned include problems keeping straight when in motion and a steering wheel that isn’t centered.
Call or stop by Urb’s Garage in Burlington, KY, before Thanksgiving weekend for a tire inspection and service. We’ll also check your fluids, filters, belts, and hoses to make sure your Thanksgiving holiday will be filled with only family fun and tons of turkey. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
