Since your tires contact the road, it directly affects your handling, ride, braking and safety. It is important to regularly (usually monthly) check your car’s tires to make sure you and your family are safe.
Pressure
Having properly inflated tires ensures optimal gas mileage and extends the life of your tires. Tire pressure should be regularly checked because tires naturally lose air over time. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual will list what the vehicle’s tire pressure should be.
Use a pressure gauge to check tire pressure, which is measured in pounds per square inch (psi). The three different types of tire gauges are digital, dial and pen/stick.
Tread
The treads are the rubber ridges on wheels that contact the road. Good treads provide grip and traction between the car and the 
road. The more a car is driven, the more worn the treads, which makes the treads flat and smooth. This means that if it is snowing outside and the treads on your tires are worn, the car would slide and not be easily controlled.
To test and see if the treads on your car are good, take a penny and place it in the grooves of the tire. If the tire does not cover Lincoln’s head, then your car has less than 2/32″ of tread, which is below the legal minimum.
Rotation
A tire rotation is when the tires that are in the front of the car are swapped with the ones in the rear. Tire rotations helps maintain even wear on the treads. Also, it helps improve gas mileage, provide a smoother ride and prolong your vehicle’s suspension components by reducing vibrations. It is recommended that the tires are rotated when you take your car in for an oil change, however, make sure to read your vehicle’s owner manual to see what is suggested.
Contact us if you have any questions about tires and cars. Schedule an appointment with the McGrath Service Center to get your tires checked out!
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For over 60 years, the McGrath Family of Dealerships has been proudly providing the Cedar Rapids / Iowa City / Waterloo / Hiawatha Corridor region with high quality vehicles, unmatched prices, and informed, friendly consultants that simplify your car buying experience.