Why Rotate Your Tires?

Rotation of your tires along with checking the air on a regular basis is a very inexpensive way to increase the tread life of your tires. Newer all season radials are made to dissipate water better and give better snow traction while still maintaining a comfortable highway ride by using shoulder slots. This technology works very well, however, when the shoulders are broken up, each individual tread block takes more stress as you drive your car, especially when cornering, as a result your tires are likely to start cupping (bumpy wear in the tread area) or wearing on the outside edge. The idea with rotation is to move the tires to another spot on the car before they can develop that type of wear pattern. We recommend rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles for the best wear. At Salta Tire Co. we offer free lifetime rotation of the tires you purchase from us. If you're lucky, you may get good mileage out of tires that are never rotated, but why take that chance.

Driving Tips for Wet Roads

Driving in the rain can be dangerous; in fact thousands of car accidents each year are caused by wet driving conditions.

1. Routinely Check Your Tires

   It is a good idea to always check your tires before you hit the road. To ensure your tires are working at their best, make sure you do the following routine maintenance:

   • Keep your tires properly inflated.
     The correct air pressure for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owners manual. The number listed on the side of the tire is not the recommended air pressure for your tire--it is the maximum air pressure for the tire. You should check your tire's air pressure at least once a month.

   • Check the tires tread depth..
     Tires should have 1/16 inch tread depth in order to perform the in the way for which they were designed. Proper tread depth will help prevent skids and hydroplaning.

   • Have your tires rotated at least every 6,000 - 7,000 miles.
     This will aid in detecting alignment problems and help prevent irregular wear.

2. Slow Down

   As rain falls, it mixes with grime and oil on the road creating slick conditions perfect for skids. The best way to avoid skidding is to slow down. Driving at a slower pace allows more of the tires tread to make contact with the road, which leads to better traction.

3. Recover From a Skid

   Skids can even happen to the most cautious drivers. If your car does skid, remember not to slam on the brakes, and do not pump the brakes if you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Instead apply pressure to the brakes in a firm manner and steer the car in the direction of the skid.

4. Keep a Safe Distance

   It takes about three times longer to break on wet roads than on dry roads. Since more distance is required to brake, it is important not to tailgate. Keep a little more than two car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you.

5. Recover from Hydroplaning

   When it rains, water creates a barrier between the road and your tires. The liquid film that forms can cause you to loose traction and glide or hydroplane across the waters surface. If this happens, do not hit the brakes. It is better to take your foot off the gas, hold the steering in place, and lightly apply the brakes. If you have a manual transmission, push in the clutch and let the car slow down on its own.

Traveling with Your Car

The following tips are from the Better Business Bureau.

Preparing your car for travel is very important. Make sure your car is ready for the trip by checking all vital fluids such as the oil and coolant, and by visually inspecting your car for anything that looks out of place. It is always a good idea to double-check the coolant hoses and all belts on your car. Failures of these items are among the most common reasons that cars break down; but fortunately, they are inexpensive to replace.

Also, check your car's battery for signs of corrosion or cracks. If the battery is the "self-diagnosing"? type with an indicator, make sure it is fully charged. An older, weak battery may fail without much warning. If your battery has cracks, the fluid could leak from one or more cells, rendering it too weak to start your car. If you are taking an extended trip, or if your car has not been serviced recently, you should have it checked by a reputable mechanic before leaving. A good mechanic can usually spot the problems in advance, and advise you on how long you can delay a repair and what the consequences of not immediately repairing your car may be.