Checking the condition of your tires is an important element of preventative maintenance. The condition of the tires can be used to judge the condition of the vehicle's steering and suspension, and prevent serious damage.
Maintaining the correct tire pressure increases their service life, ensures minimal fuel consumption and improves ride comfort.
When checking the condition of your tires, the first step is to determine tread wear. Uneven tread wear (wear of center tracks, spotty, uneven wear) indicates incorrect wheel alignment and/or balancing, in which case the vehicle must be taken to a repair shop to have the problem corrected.
Check the tire tread for cuts and tears. If a nail penetrates the tire tread and becomes lodged in it, the tire will only hold air pressure for a short time, so it is necessary to take the punctured tire to a repair shop to have it repaired.
It is important to check the inner and outer sidewalls of your tires for any rubber damage, cuts, or tears. Inspect the inside of your tires for signs of brake fluid leakage and, if present, immediately inspect the brake system components.
Tire pressure cannot be determined visually, especially for radial tires. To determine the tire pressure, you need to use a pressure gauge.
Always check tire pressure when tires are cold. Cold tires are those of a car that has driven no more than one kilometer after being parked for at least three hours.
Unscrew the valve cap and press the tip of the pressure gauge firmly against the valve. Record the reading on the pressure gauge and compare it with the recommended tire pressure.
Check the pressure in all tires, including the spare tire, and adjust the pressure if necessary. After checking the pressure, replace the valve cap, which will prevent dirt and moisture from getting onto the nipple.