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(NC)-As soon as the snow melts and the sun starts to sizzle, vehicle maintenance is often forgotten. People don't realize that they need to exercise the same amount of caution when driving in summer as in winter. To ensure your family is safe and sound on the roads this season, it's essential to take your vehicle in for a summer check-up.
"Whether you're packing up the car for a weekend up at the cottage, hitting the highway for a family road trip or just touring around town, it's important to ensure that your vehicle is in tip top condition, says Dan Harper, Harper's Tire, Alliance Tire Professionals. "Before setting out on your adventure, be sure to have a qualified professional give your car a thorough inspection."
By following the three summer driving tips below, you will ensure your vehicle is prepared for whatever Mother Nature has in store this season.
1. Tune up your tires - Did you know that tires are the foundation of your car and are directly linked to the car's safety and performance? While the number of kilometres you've driven indicate the need for an oil change, there are many factors that affect the lifespan of your tires including style and construction features, vehicle applications, geographical conditions as well as driving habits. Worn or bald tires can be dangerous, so it's important to pay attention so you know when to replace them.
One easy way to identify when your tires need changing is the penny test. Place a penny into a tread groove with the Queen's head down and facing you. If you can see the tips of the crown, it's time for a new tire. Before you make your tire purchase, visit your local Alliance Tire Professionals dealership for some expert advice to ensure you buy the tires that not only work best with your vehicle, but with your lifestyle and driving habits too.
2. Pump it up - Did you know a tire can lose as much as 1-2 PSI of its air pressure during any given month? Fluctuating summer temperatures can cause changes in air pressure in a matter of hours since air expands when it's hot, so it's important to stay cool and check the pressure when your tires are "cold" to obtain an accurate reading. Prime time is at least three hours after the vehicle has stopped and before it has driven more than two kilometres. Tires must be inflated according to the manufacturer's specifications. Proper inflation values can be found in the vehicle's owner manual, on a placard located in the vehicle's door jamb, inside the fuel hatch, or on the glove compartment door - and don't forget to use a good tire pressure gauge. Checking your tire pressure regularly will help save fuel and help prolong the life of your tires.
3. Be straight with your tires - When is the last time you checked your wheel alignment? Proper alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering. Uneven front or rear tire wear or changes in your vehicle's handling or steering response (i.e. pulling to one side) can indicate misalignment. If your wheels are misaligned, it becomes increasingly difficult to steer and drive straight. This means your vehicle may need a "front-end" alignment or a "four-wheel" alignment, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. To be safe, wheel alignment should be checked every 25-30,000 kilometres. Additionally, tires should be rotated every 10,000 kilometres.
For more tips on tire care, speak with your local Alliance Tire Professionals dealer, or consult your Yellow Pages listing of "Alliance Tire Professionals" in the Tire Dealers section.