Back-to-School Tire Maintenance Tips

With the school season getting ready to start again, students should prepare their car for commuting once again. Many students have lists of important things to take care of before school reopens, such as registering or buying school supplies. In the process, some students may neglect important car preparations.

(Pixabay / Roselie)

If you have kids heading back to school, here are some tips to share with them:

• Check tire pressure – Tire pressure should be checked regularly, at least once a month and before every long trip. The best time to check tire pressure is after the car has been idle for at least three hours. Otherwise, you will get a skewed reading. The tire pressure must comply with car manufacturer specifications. The recommended pressure can be found in the car owner’s manual or on the inside of the door, usually on the driver’s side.
• Tire alignment – Hitting the curb or a pothole can put the car out of alignment. Misalignment could damage the tires and even cause uneven tread wear. Tire alignment should be checked on a regular basis, but especially if you experience a pulling sensation or vibration while driving.
• Tire rotation – Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or according to manufacturer’s specifications. The recommended frequency of tire rotation may be found in the car owner’s manual.
• Checking tire tread – Tread depth needs to be inspected to ensure that it is within the allowable limits. The minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. Anything less than that could lead to the car skidding or hydroplaning.

Before you hand over the car keys to your child for home-to-school travel, make sure that they know where the spare tire is located and how to switch out a flat tire. Tires in Utah often take a beating, so it’s important to stay on top of tire care.