Is Your Car Ready for Thanksgiving Travel?

Thanksgiving can be a stressful time to travel with all that traffic and unpredictable weather.  More travelers will be on the roads this year than in the previous 12+ years according to AAA.  Even though you can't control the traffic or the weather, you can make sure your vehicle is ready for your trip.

To make sure your vehicle is ready for all the holiday traveling, check these items before your trip:

• Brake system
• Make sure battery connection is clean, tight, and corrosion free
• All filters and fluids such as oil, power steering, brake, transmission, windshield washer, and antifreeze/coolant
• Check windshield wipers, heaters and defrosters to ensure they are all working properly
• As a general rule, windshield wipers should be replaced every six months
• All hoses and belts
• Tire pressure and tread of your tires
• All interior and exterior lighting, especially headlights, taillights, brake lights, and directionals 

Checking your vehicle before your holiday traveling will help keep you safe on the road, and get you to your Thanksgiving feast.

If you need help checking any of these items, call us today and we will make sure you are all ready for your trip!

When Should You Replace Your Tires?

When it comes to figuring out when to replace your vehicle's tires, there are some factors to consider such as tread depth and the age of your tires. 

Tread Depth

To measure the tread of your tires, first do the penny test.  Take a penny and with Lincoln's head facing town, place it into the middle grooves of your tire.  If you see Lincoln's complete head, it means your tread is very low and you need tires as soon as possible.

The Age of Your Tires

You also want to consider how long you have had the same tires on the vehicle, especially if you do not drive many miles.  The tires may look alright, and they may have a good amount of tread after performing the penny test, but depending on their age, they can be unsafe. 

Most manufacturers suggest replacing tires six years after their production date, regardless of tread.  Old tires can become dry rotted and unsafe.  These tires can start to deteriorate, and eventually cause the steel belts in the tread to separate from the rest of the tire.  When this happens, it can result loss of control of your vehicle and can lead to an accident.

Tire Tread Separation

To find out the age of your tires, look for the DOT number.  You will see four digits which is the production date of your tires; the first two are the week made, and the last two are the year made.  If the production date is older than five years, have your tires checked out for dry rot, and start thinking of getting replacements.

Proper maintenance of your tires, such as rotations, balancing, and wheel alignments, will also help with keeping your tires in the best shape, and allowing them to be used for longer periods of time.  Make sure to always have your tires inflated to the proper amount that your car requires.  Over inflation as well as under inflation can drastically affect how your tires wear during use, and can lead to having to replace tires sooner.

Not sure if you need new tires?  Not sure if you are due for routine maintenance for your tires?  Contact us today, and we will be more than happy to assist with any of your tire needs!