The Ultimate Guide to Dodge Tire Care and Maintenance

Image via Snethkamp CDJR.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Healthy tires are vital for safe driving, but they will slowly wear down due to age, environmental factors, and possible issues with mechanical issues. Tire maintenance involves regularly checking your tires for signs of damage, as any issue detected when it starts can prevent tire damage. As your Dodge dealer, we’d like you to know a few signs you need to visit us for new tires.

Inflation Problems

Correctly inflated tires perform better and last longer. Your front and rear tires have specific pressure requirements for optimum performance, and their correct pressure is listed in your car manual. It’s also marked on a plate or sticker on the inside door jamb of the front passenger door. Underinflated tires will suffer increased wear and tear on the tread edges and are more likely to develop leaks.

Overinflated tires, in contrast, show increased wear on the center of the tread as the higher pressure causes the tread edges to lift slightly off the road. An overinflated tire has a greater chance of a blowout as the increased pressure stretches the rubber thinner than it should be. Our technicians can easily correct your tire pressure and replace any damaged tires.

Bald Tires

A bald tire appears almost smooth, like an egg, and it’s extremely dangerous to drive on. The tread allows the tire to correctly grip the surface, making braking easier and faster and allowing you to drive and corner with ease.  As time passes, the tread slowly wears down due to surface friction, and this wear will increase if there are undiscovered tire pressure or alignment issues.

The smooth surface of a bald tire provides no traction with the surface, and it can easily skid on wet, muddy, or icy surfaces. In addition, bald tires are illegal, and you can face a citation. If one or more of your tires appear smoother than they should, visit our service department. We’ll check your tire and can advise if it’s still healthy or needs replacement.

Tread Wear Bars

Tread wear bars are a warning system built into your tires. They appear as horizontal ridges that run perpendicularly through the tire tread. They’re invisible on a new tire but will slowly become visible as the tread wears down. If you feel wear bars and they’re almost level with the tread, your tires are nearing the end of their life.

If the wear bars are worn, your tread is less than the minimum 2/32″ thickness required for legal and safe driving. We’ll examine your tires and replace any that have worn down.

If you have worn or damaged tires, contact us today at Snethkamp CDJR in Redford, MI.

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