Tire Care | Mobile AL | Near the Gulf Coast, Daphne & Spanish Fort
Healthy tires indicate a healthy model, and that’s why tire care is a top priority for the service technicians here at Lexus of Mobile. We make sure your tire’s tread is properly maintained so that your safety (and the safety of those around you) isn’t compromised by poor traction, uneven wear or misalignment. It’s easy to schedule an appointment with our team — we’ll thoroughly inspect every inch of your vehicle (especially those tires) before suggesting helpful services. While we’re outfitted with startlingly accurate equipment that can handle even the most extensive repair, we’d rather recommend a few preventative services that will keep your tires performing at their best. Keep reading to discover our answers to your frequently asked questions.
Best Ways to Maintain Optimum Tires
What causes wear & tear?
Tire wear and tear is determined by your driving style (the more aggressive, the more worn) and how well you take care of your tires. Wear and tire can negatively impact your vehicle’s handling and performance, but there are a few things you can do to prevent untimely tire replacements. First, ensure your tires are properly inflated with the correct air pressure recorded in your owner’s manual or on the inside of your doorframe. Next, request a tire rotation at your next oil change and pencil in an appointment in another six months for the same service. These simple steps can prolong the life of your tires by a few months.
Why do vehicles need tire alignments?
Regular tire alignments correct the gradual deviation of your tires from your vehicle’s suspension that naturally occurs with daily driving. If you’re driving a vehicle with misaligned tires, it can cause uneven tire wear, damaged rims and suspension, and even tire blowouts — all services that are more expensive to fix than the tire alignment itself. Our technicians recommend scheduling a tire alignment every two to three years, but always check your owner’s manual in case your model requires one more or less often.
Why are tire rotations important?
First — what are tire rotations? When our technicians perform this service, they move the two tires from the back of your vehicle to the front, rotating them so that the natural wear and tear can be evenly distributed. Your model will perform at its optimum level with regular tire rotations, creating a smoother, safer ride, better fuel efficiency and long-lasting tires and suspension.
What is the proper tire pressure for my vehicle?
It’s different for each auto manufacturer. Lexus, for example, details the number according to the model’s weight and how it carries that weight. You’ll find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle in your owner’s manual or on the inside of your doorframe. Check your vehicle’s tire pressure once a month and only when it hasn’t been driven for at least three hours. Why? The colder your tires are, the more accurate of a read you’ll get.
When should I replace my tires?
Great question. Use the penny method to check your tires’ tread depth. Place the penny in a groove in your tire, preferably in the thickest part of the tread. If you see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head, your tread is worn and it’s time for a replacement. Is your tire punctured? Split? Cracked? Snagged? These are other indicators that it’s time for a replacement.
Maintaining your tires is an essential part of car ownership. If you need any help with the care of your tires, we’re here for your tire needs. Contact Lexus of Mobile today or stop by our location at 3024 Government Blvd, Mobile, AL 36606. We look forward to serving our customers near the Gulf Coast, Daphne and Spanish Fort.