When the summer sun is shining brightly and the temperatures are soaring in Columbus, it is important to keep your Acura ready to withstand the heat which continues into September. While many people concentrate on engine maintenance and air conditioning during this season, it is essential not to overlook the component that connects your vehicle to the road: the tires. Proper summer tire maintenance is essential for both your safety and a smooth, comfortable ride.
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Check Tire Sensors and visually inspect tires
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is essential in all seasons, luckily most Acura’s have a tire pressure sensor to alert you to changes. In the heat, tires can expand due to the humidity, resulting in overinflation. Conversely, if your tires are under inflated, increased friction and heat buildup can make them more susceptible to blowouts. With Acura’s tire pressure sensor, you’ll instantly know if tires are over or under inflated. frequently, ideally once per month and before extended trips, to avoid issues. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for optimal tire pressure, and also inspect your spare tire. You can find the recommended tire pressure on the inside sticker of the driver’s side door.
Examine Tread Depth
The tire tread depth plays a crucial role in ensuring adequate traction on damp roads, especially during Georgia summer rainstorms. Reduced traction and lengthier stopping distances can result from insufficient tread depth, increasing the risk of accidents. Use a penny or a tread depth gauge to determine the depth of your tread. To ensure your safety, you should replace your tires if the tread is too shallow.
Rotate the Tires on Your Acura
Regular tire rotation is necessary for maintaining uniform tread wear, optimizing performance, and extending tire life. The majority of manufacturers advise rotating tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or at least once every six months. This procedure involves repositioning the tires, typically from front to rear or diagonally. Tire rotation ensures balanced handling and prevents premature tire degradation.
Balance & Align your Acura wheels at our Columbus dealership
Wheel alignment and balancing are indispensable for a stable and comfortable driving experience. Potholes and curb edges can easily misalign or unbalance a vehicle's wheels, resulting in unequal tire wear and subpar performance. Schedule a professional wheel alignment and balancing service to ensure that your tires wear evenly and that your vehicle travels smoothly, while also optimizing your fuel economy.
Prevent Overloading your Acura
During the summer, road excursions and family vacations are common. Nevertheless, it is essential not to overburden your Acura. Check your vehicle's cargo capacity ratings to ensure that you are not placing undue stress on the tires. Overloading can generate excessive tire heat, increasing the risk of tire blowouts and premature tire degradation. Consider roof racks or trailers for additional cargo, and organize your cargo to distribute weight evenly as much as possible.
Tires should be shielded from direct sunlight
Long-term exposure to direct sunlight can lead to tire deterioration. UV radiation, heat, and dry conditions can cause tire cracking, sidewall deterioration, and a shortened lifespan. When parking, look for shade or consider wheel covers to shield your tires from the sun's rays if your Acura isn’t garage kept. Regular application of a tire conditioner or protectant will nourish the rubber and help prevent premature break down.
We Are Available When You Need Us for all your Acura car needs in middle Georgia
As the temperature rises, it becomes increasingly important to maintain your tires for your safety and peace of mind on the road. By adhering to these essential summer tire maintenance guidelines, you can ensure that your tires remain in pristine condition during the sweltering summer months. Checking tire pressure and tread depth on a regular basis, rotating tires, maintaining proper wheel alignment and balancing, avoiding overburden, and shielding tires from direct sunlight, when possible, are essential steps for preserving the durability and performance of your tires. During your summer adventures, properly maintained tires will not only keep you secure, but also provide a comfortable driving experience. Come to Acura of Columbus if you have any performance concerns or if you need professional tire care or replacement. Our highly qualified Service Center will be available to assist you.