Summer is the perfect season for road trips, weekend getaways, and spontaneous drives with the windows down and music up. But before you hit the open road, there’s one essential safety check you can’t afford to skip—your tires.
Tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road, and worn or underperforming tires can quickly turn a fun trip into a roadside emergency. At Old Town Auto Service, our ASE-certified technicians are here to make sure your vehicle is road-ready with professional tire checks, sales, alignments, and more. But if you're more of a DIY kind of driver, here’s a quick and practical guide to help you inspect your tires before your next adventure.
1. Check Your Tire Tread Depth
Your tire tread is what grips the road and provides traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Over time, that tread wears down, increasing the risk of hydroplaning or blowouts.
How to Check:
Use the penny test! Insert a penny with Lincoln’s head facing down into your tread grooves. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too shallow—it's time for new tires.
Bonus Tip: Uneven tread wear can be a sign of improper alignment or suspension issues. If your tires are more worn on one side than the other, come see us for a full inspection.
2. Inspect Tire Pressure
Air pressure is one of the easiest things to check and one of the most important. Underinflated tires can lead to poor gas mileage, reduced handling, and overheating. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, can wear unevenly and reduce grip on the road.
How to Check:
Use a tire pressure gauge (available at most auto parts stores) and compare the PSI reading to the recommended pressure found in your vehicle’s owner's manual or on the driver-side door jamb.
Tip: Tire pressure can change with temperature fluctuations, so check it when the tires are cold—first thing in the morning is best.
3. Check for Signs of Misalignment
If your vehicle pulls to one side, or if your steering wheel vibrates or feels off-center, your wheels may be out of alignment. Driving with poor alignment can wear tires unevenly and lead to expensive repairs.
How to Check:
Look for uneven tread wear, or take note if your car drifts to the left or right on a straight road. These are signs that your wheels might need realignment.
At Old Town Auto Service, we offer precision wheel alignment services using the latest technology to ensure your vehicle handles properly and your tires wear evenly.
Let the Pros Handle It
Not everyone wants to get their hands dirty, and that’s where we come in. Our ASE-certified technicians at Old Town Auto Service are ready to check your tires, adjust your air pressure, inspect tread depth, and make sure your alignment is on point.
We also offer:
- Tire Sales: Competitive pricing on trusted brands.
- Wheel Balancing: For a smoother, safer ride.
- Precision Alignments: To protect your tires and improve fuel efficiency.
- Tire Protection Plan: Includes free tire rotations, flat tire repairs, and tire replacement within the first 25% of wear—because we stand behind our products and your safety.
Drive with Confidence This Summer
Before you hit the highway for your summer road trip, take a few minutes to inspect your tires—or stop by Old Town Auto Service and let us handle it for you. We’ve proudly served our community for over 45 years, and we’re here to make sure your car is as ready for the summer roads as you are.
Schedule your tire inspection today or just drop by—we’re always happy to help keep you rolling safely.