Something as simple as a penny can save you hundreds of dollars when it comes to keeping your car running smoothly. Keeping your tires in their best shape is a job that you can do hand-in-hand with your local Milex technician.

Following these easy steps will ensure you get the most life out of your tires and your car. It will also help you get the most out of every gallon of gas. That’s right, your tires affect your gas mileage! If you are driving around on under-inflated tires, you are using more gas than you need. Not to mention, poorly maintained tires will wear out earlier than if you take proper care of them. You can get as much as an extra year of life out of your tires if you just know the best way to maintain them.

Tire Pressure

Once a month, check the pressure of all five of your tires. That’s right. Five! You should include the spare when doing the job. When it’s cold outside, check the pressure every few weeks. You can find out what the pressure should be by looking one of two places. It’s listed on a sticker on the door jamb on the driver’s side of your car as well as the owner’s manual. Look closely, as the rear tires and front tires may have different requirements.

Tread

Check the tread on your tires for uneven wear. All you need for this job is a penny. Hold the penny so that Lincoln is upside down, and lower it between the treads on your tire. Abe should disappear between the ribs of the tread. If he doesn’t and you can see Lincoln, your tread is worn out and it’s time to replace the tire. You should repeat this test on several spots on each tire. If any area of a tire is worn, that tire needs to be replaced. While you are examining your tread, you should also look closely to make sure there are no cuts or bruises on the sidewalls of the tires. If you notice that the tread seems to be wearing unevenly, it can be a sign that your car is out of alignment.

Alignment

Your Milex technician should check your car’s alignment at least once a year. Uneven wear is one sign of an alignment problem. Another is if your car shakes or pulls to one side when you are driving. If you notice any of these things, take it to your Milex Complete Auto Care Center to be checked out. Properly aligned tires last longer and saves you money.

Rotation

Another important way to make sure your tires wear evenly is to have the tires rotated. If your car has a full-size spare, it should be included in the rotation as well. A good rule of thumb is to have this done every other time you have your oil changed, or every 6,000 miles. Your owner’s manual may have a different recommendation. If you aren’t sure how often your car needs its tires rotated, ask your Milex technician.

Balance

If you notice your steering wheel is vibrating, especially when you are driving on the highway or interstate, you may have a tire that is out of balance. A tire can get out of balance due to normal wear. If you let it go, it can cause rapid wear of your shock absorbers and struts. If you think you have a tire that’s out of balance, be sure to make a visit to your local Milex.

You may not have realized how many other parts of your car are affected by your tires!

So when the rubber hits the road, be sure you are driving on a safe set of tires.