Protecting your tire investment begins with proper maintenance. Well-maintained tires not only promote longer wear and tread-life, they substantially improve the safety of your vehicle.

• Tire Rotation – Tire rotation is essential in promoting even tread wear. Different types of rotational patterns will be more beneficial than others, depending on the type of vehicle and tread wear pattern. Tire rotation performed by automotive professionals will provide this service as well as the opportunity to detect other issues before they become serious problems.
• Tire Pressure – Correctly inflated tires assure even tread wear through equal weight distribution in the vehicle. Proper tire pressure is crucial for dependable handling, reliable traction, and longer tire life. Variables such as temperature change and leaks can affect tire pressure so it is important to check it frequently.
• Wheel Alignment – Improper wheel alignment leads to issues such as poor vehicle handling and steering, as well as rapid and uneven tread wear. A number of problems can affect alignment, including an accident, even if there is no visible body damage. Monitoring your alignment regularly will prevent problems down the road.

Check Your Air Pressure Once a Month

Improper tire inflation pressure is one of the leading causes of premature wear out, unsatisfactory ride and handling, and reduced fuel economy. Remember that your tires are the only component of your vehicle that actually touches the road when you drive. Just a few minutes each month for preventive maintenance will keep your tires working at their best.

The correct tire pressure can be found in the following places:

• in the vehicle's owner manual
• gas tank lid
• placard on the driver-side door's edge or door post
• or let the experts at CJ’s Tire help you!

The air pressure listed on the side of your tire is NOT the correct air pressure for your vehicle. That number is the maximum air pressure for the tire. Remember to check the air in your spare tire regularly. Note: If you have different rims than came on your vehicle originally, make sure that the bolts on your spare tire are the correct fitting.

Failure to keep your tires properly inflated can increase wear and will have a negative effect on your vehicles handling.

When checking and adjusting tire pressure, the following should be kept in mind:

• Check the air pressure when the tire is cold - tires become hot even after driving just a mile.
• If you must drive to add air, check your air pressure before you leave.
• Air pressure changes 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change. Air pressure goes up in warm weather and down in cold weather.
• Tire pressure must be the same on the tires of each axle, but may be different on the front and rear axle.
• Valve caps must be tightly closed to protect the valve from dust and dirt and prevent it from leaking. Replace missing valve caps without delay.
• Visually inspect your tires to make sure there is nothing stuck in them and that they have no deformities.

Tread Depth

To prevent hydroplaning and skidding your tires must have proper tread depth. The minimum tread depth is 2/32nd or 1/16th of an inch. And you should have the same depth in each of the grooves across the tread of your tires. If you don’t, you have an irregular wear problem.

The easiest way to check your tread depth is “the quarter test”. Take a quarter and place it in the tread of your tire. If part of Washington's head is covered by the tread your tires have enough tread. If you can see Washington's entire head, you should buy a new tire. Of course the next easiest way is to let the pros at CJ’s inspect your tires for you whenever you have service done or at least every 3-5,000 miles.

Tire Rotation

The best way to prevent uneven wear is to have your tires rotated every 5,000 - 7,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle's owner manual. When you purchase new tires from CJ’s, rotation is FREE for the life of your tires!