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Graham • Your Tire Store Next Door

Tire Repair In Lincoln, Nebraska

Tag: #tirepressure

Tire Maintenance Tips: Taking Better Care of Your Tires

Maintaining your tires is an important part of keeping your car in tip-top shape. Neglecting even a simple tire issue can compromise your road safety when not addressed immediately. Here are some ways to take better care of your tires:

Inspect Tires Regularly

A simple assessment of your tires can reveal a lot about their condition. Inspecting them at least once a month allows you to determine if a certain tire needs to be replaced. You may find cracks, scratches, or even nails or screws embedded in your tires. You could also determine if the treads are worn down, which warrants immediate replacement.

Check the Tire Pressure

You can easily check the tire pressure with air pressure gauges. They can be found in gas station convenience stores, auto parts shop, and the car maintenance section of department stores. Check your vehicle’s manual or the label at the driver’s side doorjamb to determine the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure in psi or pounds per square inch.

On each tire, you’ll find a capped valve stem. Simply remove the cap and place the tire gauge over the stem. Read the numbers found on the line of the gauge to determine how much air pressure psi is in that specific tire. You may then fill each tire with air at any paid or free air pump station up to the car manufacturer’s specified psi.

Rotate Tires

Every 10,000 to 20,000 miles, do consider rotating your tires. This ensures each tire wears evenly. Even treads allow for a safe and smooth driving experience. Allowing other parts of the tires to wear prevents uneven treads, which are known to cause decreased handling and traction. Rotating tires prolongs the life of your tires.

Keep a Spare Tire

Having a spare tire can save you in a pinch. Many cars typically come with a spare and a tire replacement kit. You can check your vehicle’s manufacturer manual to know where to find them. You may also get instructions on how to use the kit in your car’s manual.

When you get a flat tire while driving, activate your hazard lights by hitting your car’s emergency signal button before pulling over to a safe side of the road. And then, replace the flat tire with your spare using your tire replacement tools. Remember that your spare tire should never be a permanent replacement, so make sure to get new tires for your ride as soon as possible.

Graham Tire: Trusted Auto Repair Shop in Lincoln, NE!

With these tire maintenance tips, you can have a smooth ride knowing your tires are in good condition. But in case you need assistance, Graham Tire can help. Reach out to our mechanics today to find out more!

When Should You Check Your Car Fluids and Tire Pressure?

Your car’s engine and transmission oils decrease over time with use. You may have even been advised to have these changed after a specific number of miles. However, there are other essential car fluids to inspect more frequently than others. 

You also need to check your tire pressure to promote safety and improve your vehicle’s miles per gallon (mpg). In this article, you’ll get to know more about how often you should check car fluids and tire pressure.

On Car Fluids

Car fluids are crucial to keeping your car running efficiently. However, some do need to be replaced more frequently than others. Here are the five types of fluids that need regular inspection:

  • Oil – Your car’s engine oil keeps its internal parts from wearing down because of continuous friction. Check your oil level by using a dipstick. This is usually found either in front or behind your engine. You can also check the owner’s manual if you’re not able to locate it. There’s an indicator line towards its tip, and you’ll know that the fluid level is low when residual oil is below this line. You need to check your oil levels every 5000 to 7000 miles.
  • Windshield Wiper Fluid – This fluid is often neglected but is vital for your safety. It keeps your windshield clean and improves visibility. Check and refill this at least every two months.
  • Transmission Fluid – It would be best to check your vehicle’s transmission fluid levels during an oil change. This fluid keeps your gears running smoothly. Otherwise, decreased levels coupled with continuous friction can wear engine gears down. This should be changed after 30,000 miles.
  • Brake Fluid – This should be checked whenever possible or at the very least, once a year. It increases the amount of force your brakes apply to the wheels when braking.
  • Coolant – You must check your vehicle’s coolant levels at least every 3 months and more often during warmer seasons. This fluid is responsible for regulating your engine’s temperature, so when it’s low, you need to replace it immediately to keep your car from overheating.

On Tire Pressure

Other than fluids, your tire pressure is also vital. When overinflated, tires are more susceptible to bursting and lessened traction. It also decreases the number of treads that touch the ground. Meanwhile, underinflated tires take more pressure from the car’s weight. They cause wear and may overheat each tire as well.

Always inspect your tires before you drive. A quick visual check should help you determine if a more thorough assessment is needed. You may also buy a specialized gauge or find one that has a built-in tire pressure pump to learn the exact amount of air you need. Also, be sure to inflate only up to the tire manufacturer’s specifications, which is etched on the side of each tire.

Visit Graham Tire!

If you’re looking for an auto repair shop in Lincoln, NE, Graham Tire has you covered. We can help you check your car fluids and tire pressure for you. Contact us today!

Graham Tire Locations

2121 Cornhusker Highway
Lincoln, Nebraska 68521

6800 O Street
Lincoln, Nebraska 68510

1401 Cushman Drive
Lincoln, Nebraska 68512

6201 Artisan Way
Lincoln, Nebraska 68516