Back to School Tire Tips

The new school year has begun, and with a full-class schedule, the last thing you want to deal with is tires that aren’t up to the commute. That’s why Tire Outlet has compiled a list of what to look out for to keep you rolling all year long.

Tread Depth

Tires play a major role in keeping you safe when you're behind the wheel, and they need to be able to maintain adequate traction. If your vehicle's tires are worn or damaged, it will make it more difficult for you to control the vehicle when you're driving. It's important to keep an eye out for wear and tear and change your tires when necessary.

To check your tire tread, you can use the Penny Test! Using a penny, slide Lincoln's head scalp-first into your tire's groove. If all of Lincoln's head remains visible, your tires should be replaced immediately.

Tire Pressure

Tire pressure is important to the well-being of your car, and you. Not only is it crucial to safety, but tire pressure affects the lifespan of your tires and gas mileage. One way to keep track of your car's tire pressure is via a tire pressure monitoring system or a tire gauge.

To use a tire pressure gauge, follow these steps:

• Locate the valve cap on your car's tire and unscrew it.

• Place the pressure gauge on the stem of the valve. You'll hear air hissing.

• Depress the gauge firmly until the hissing sound disappears. At this point, the gauge should provide you with a reading. With a standard gauge, the reading will be seen on a small bar with the measurement units etched into it. With a digital gauge, the reading will be displayed on a screen.

Once the psi is shown, you can go to your local gas station or Tire Outlet to fill your tires with the correct air pressure.

Tire Rotation

Tire rotation is the process of moving tires from one position on your car to another. Typically, during a tire rotation, the front tires are moved to the back of the car, and the back tires are put on the front. It’s important to keep up with tire rotation because it helps with tire wear and tire lifespan.

Oil Changes

After driving to and from school, you are sure to accrue lots of mileage. When this happens, your car's engine oil will decrease. Engine oil is essential to your car, as proper lubrication reduces the amount of heat produced by the engine. That being said, between every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, your car should get an oil change.

To check your engine oil, follow the steps below:

1. Make sure your engine is off.

2. Open your hood and find the dipstick.

3. Pull out the dipstick and wipe off the oil.

4. Reinsert the dipstick all the way into its tube.

5. Pull the dipstick out again and check the oil level, looking at both sides. If the top of the oil streak is between the upper/lower, it’s good to go. If the oil is below the minimum mark, it’s time to add some oil.

6. Additionally, pay attention to the color of your oil. If your oil is yellow-colored, it is good to go. If your oil is brown or black, it needs to be changed.

What Tire Outlet Can Do For You

Tire Outlet is dedicated to ensuring that you and your car are taken care of throughout the school year. This includes our year-long Student and Teacher 10 percent off discount for all services.

To learn about our full-automotive repair services or flagship tire brands, visit one of our 14 locations today or schedule an appointment online.