Comprehensive Guide to Tire Care & Service: Ensuring Safety and Performance

Tires are one of the most critical components of your vehicle, directly impacting both safety and performance. Proper tire care not only extends the life of your tires but also enhances your driving experience. At Japanese Auto Service, we understand the importance of maintaining your tires and offer expert services to keep them in top condition. In this guide, we’ll cover the signs that you need new tires, essential tire maintenance tips, and how Japanese Auto Service can help with all your tire care needs.

1. Signs You Need New Tires

Knowing when to replace your tires is crucial for maintaining safety on the road. Here are some common signs that it’s time for new tires:

• Tread Wear: The most obvious sign is worn tread. If the tread depth is below 2/32 of an inch, it’s time for new tires. You can use the “penny test” to check tread depth: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low.

• Cracks and Bulges: Cracks in the sidewall or bulges on the tire surface indicate structural damage and can lead to blowouts. If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to replace your tires immediately.

• Vibration or Thumping: Unusual vibrations or thumping noises while driving could indicate an issue with your tires, such as an imbalance, misalignment, or internal structural failure. 

• Age: Even if your tires have sufficient tread, they should be replaced every six years due to age-related degradation.

2. Regular Tire Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your tires is key to extending their lifespan and ensuring your vehicle’s performance. Here are some tips for regular tire care:

• Check Tire Pressure: Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can cause uneven wear and affect your vehicle’s handling. Check your tire pressure monthly and keep it at the manufacturer’s recommended level.

• Rotate Tires Regularly: Rotating your tires every 5,000, or at every oil maintenance interval helps ensure even wear, extending the life of your tires and improving performance.

• Inspect for Damage: Regularly inspect your tires for signs of damage, such as cuts, punctures, or sidewall cracks. Address any issues immediately to avoid further problems.

• Balance and Alignment: Unbalanced tires or misaligned wheels can cause uneven wear and poor handling. Make sure to have your tires balanced and your wheels aligned as part of your regular maintenance routine. A 4-wheel premium alignment and balance service is recommended every time new tires are installed on your vehicle.

3. Japanese Auto Service Tire Services and Expertise

At Japanese Auto Service, we offer comprehensive tire services to keep your vehicle safe and performing at its best:

• Tire Inspections: Our technicians thoroughly inspect your tires for tread wear, pressure, and any signs of damage, providing recommendations for repair or replacement as needed.

• Tire Rotation and Balancing: We offer tire rotation and balancing services to ensure even wear and smooth driving, which can help extend the life of your tires.

• Alignment Services: Proper wheel alignment is crucial for vehicle safety and tire longevity. Japanese Auto Service provides precise alignment services to keep your vehicle driving straight and true, reducing tire wear, improving handling and overall tire life.

• Tire Replacement: When it’s time for new tires, we offer a wide selection of high-quality tires for Lexus, Toyota, Subaru, and other vehicles. Our expert team will help you choose the best tires for your needs and ensure they’re installed correctly. We have access to order from most of the major tire manufacturers, giving us the ability to offer a wide range of tire selections as well as ordering custom sizes and styles.

Want to ensure your tires are in top shape? Schedule a tire inspection or alignment service with Japanese Auto Service today. Click here or call us, 509-202-9558 , to book an appointment and keep your vehicle safe and performing at its best.