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Get a Professional Opinion
A tire professional, such as an expert at Belle Tire, can help determine what tire meets your needs – or if you need new tires at all. But be prepared to answer questions about how the vehicle is driven, its primary purpose, and any future driving plans such as upcoming vacations or increased commutes back and forth to work.

All four of a vehicle’s tires don’t always need to be replaced at one time, but typically all must be the same size and grade. Some high-performance cars feature front tires of a size different from the rear, but that is the sole exception. For optimum performance, all four tires also must have the correct air pressure, tread depth, and balance, and the vehicle’s wheels must be properly aligned.

Another important measure is the load index rating. Ranging from 0 to 279, this index indicates the maximum load a tire can carry at the speed indicated by the speed rating – or the range of speeds (from A to Z) at which the tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index. Before you start scratching your head, consult your owner’s manual. It will list the recommended speed rating for your vehicle’s tires. Better yet, consult a Belle Tire professional. Finding answers is what they are trained to do.

Making Tires Last
Three things help maximize tire life. The first is proper air pressure. Consider filling your tires with nitrogen; it prolongs the life of a tire. This service is available at any Toledo-area Belle Tire location. The second is regular tire rotation. It’s usually a good idea to rotate tires every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. The third is wheel alignment. Bad roads and even normal everyday driving can throw things out of whack. Have your alignment checked every twelve months or 12,000 miles; sooner if you notice your car pulling to the left or right, if your car vibrates at high speeds, or if you notice uneven tire wear. Belle Tire uses state-of-the-art alignment equipment designed for today’s sophisticated suspension systems to detect problems and correct them accordingly. When your tires are correctly aligned, it adds up to a more comfortable and safer ride. Plus you’ll increase gas mileage and decrease tire wear.

Inspecting Your Tires
The experts at Belle Tire recommend that consumers inspect their tires periodically. Start by checking the air pressure once a month. At that time, look carefully at each tire’s tread and sidewall for signs of wear. Check, too, for road debris that may have penetrated the tire. Here are some quick inspection tips:

Tread wear
Tires depend on good tread to maintain traction, the tire’s ability to stop on wet roads. So treads should be checked regularly for excessive or uneven wear. There is an easy test you can perform at home using a coin from your pocket – but not the one you may have performed in the past. Remember the penny measurement? If you inserted that coin in the tread of your tires and could see the top of Lincoln’s head, there was only 2/32 of an inch of tread left and it was time for new tires. Well, new research indicates 2/32nd of an inch isn’t enough to ensure safety. The new recommendation is 4/32 of an inch. So keep that penny in your pocket and switch to a quarter. If you can see the top of Washington’s wig, then by George, it’s time to get new tires.

Sidewalls
Check the sidewalls of your tires for cracks and bulges. These are critical signs that tires should be replaced immediately.

Inflation
A visual inspection can quickly tell if your pressure is low, but using a tire gauge when the tires are cold is the best way to measure tire pressure.

Spare Tire
Many people forget their vehicle has a fifth tire: the spare tire. Check the condition of your spare regularly to ensure that the pressure is at the recommended level so you will be prepared in case of a blow out. Also make sure your spare is the correct size as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. Don’t know? Consult your owner’s handbook, the tire sticker, or one of the knowledgeable professionals at Belle Tire.

The Road to Safety
The next time you hit the road, take a moment to consider the four things that will help get you to your destination safely: your tires. Then remember Belle Tire’s trained specialists. They are right down the road, with the right tire for your driving style and vehicle.

Belle Tire has over 80 locations in Ohio and Michigan. For more information go to belletire.com, or visit one of four Toledo-area locations: in Oregon on Navarre, in Rossford/Perrysburg on Freemont Pike (US 20), in Sylvania on West Central, and in Toledo on Secor. Or call 1-888-GO-BELLE for the location nearest you.

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