No one likes it when they have to pull the car over on the way to work or while running errands because of a tire problem. You can prevent common problems on the road by keeping up with tire maintenance.
Why do I need to maintain my tires?
You keep your family safer on the road by maintaining your tires. Tires that are in bad condition can interfere with braking and handling. Other important aspects of safe tires are having the proper tread depth, balance and air pressure. Tire rotation and alignment isn't often thought about but is a critical factor. Your wheels need to be aligned for you to have good handling.
How do I maintain my tires?
You can prevent more expensive auto repair needs by inspecting the tires monthly. Let's say you ran over a nail on the road. The sooner you find the nail in your tire, the faster you can fix the problem. If you live in a cold climate, regularly drive on roads in poor condition or drive long distances, it's better to check the tires more than once a month. When it comes time for replacing your tires, don't delay. We offer affordable tire replacement services that you can rely on.
When you inspect your tires, check the tread wear and air pressure. Tread wear that's only on one side of the tire is a sign your wheels are misaligned. Erratic tread wear is another red flag in tire care. The wheels might be unbalanced, or the suspension components or shock absorbers need to be replaced. If part of the tread has become raised, a belt within the tire carcass may have become loose. It's important to fix these auto issues as soon as you notice them to keep you and your family safe.
A tread depth gauge is an inexpensive tool you can use to measure your tire's tread depth. It's more accurate than quarter and penny tests you may have heard about. Measure the inside, outer edge and center of your tread to determine if it has worn away too much. The treads are important to check during your monthly tire maintenance because the amount of time it takes you to stop the vehicle becomes longer when the tread is worn away. Every millisecond makes a difference while driving.
You probably already know to check tire pressure. Both overinflation and underinflation are a problem. The air pressure must be just right to drive safely and reduce the wear and tear on your tires. When you check your tire pressure, remember to check the spare tire. You want it to be in good shape if you ever need to use it.
How do I know when to replace my tires?
Your tires need to be replaced every six years. If your tread has fallen below 2/32 of an inch, then the tire needs immediate replacement. It's neither safe nor legal to drive on tires that have become this worn. We recommend setting aside money for tire replacement once the tread falls below 4/32 of an inch to avoid feeling stressed about tire replacement cost. Check BJ's Wholesale Club for great deals on your new tires. You can even have them installed at BJ's Tire Center.
Standard all-season tires cost $50–$200 each, and SUV and pickup truck tires cost $50–$350 each. Tire replacement cost is affected by size and brand. Some brands spend more time on R&D (research and development) to produce higher quality tires. Thus, these tires come at a higher price. Low-cost tires are often made with lower quality rubber than tires with a higher cost.
Tire maintenance is an easy task once you know what to do and have done it a few times. When it comes time for tire replacement, order your new tires from BJ's Tire Center, and have them conveniently installed at a time that works for you. We include maintenance for the lifespan of your tires when you have them installed at our tire center. Enjoy the peace of mind that you're keeping your family as safe as possible on the road.