News

Spring is in the air, and chances are you’re still taking your tires for granted. It’s easy to do – until something goes wrong. Your tires probably could use a little spring TLC, though.

• Inflation: Underinflated tires are bad news. Low air pressure means greater rolling resistance, which means poor fuel economy, excessive heat buildup and poor handling. Since air is a gas and gases contract, your tires lose about one PSI of air pressure for every ten-degree drop in temperature. On top of that, air can migrate out of your tires through the valve stem and the rubber in the tire walls, so get a tire pressure gauge and check ‘em! Note: remember to only check pressure while tire are cold.
• Tire rotation: Since no vehicle has 50/50 weight distribution between front and rear, rotations are essential to maximize tire life. Tires should be rotated at about a 6,000 mile interval – and failing to rotate regularly will void a tire warranty.
• Wheel alignment: Winter means potholes and rough roads, and one hard hit on a pothole or curb can be enough to jolt your car’s wheel alignment out of spec. If you’re noticing a persistent pull to one side, uneven tire wear on your front wheels or a steering wheel that doesn’t center itself readily after rounding a corner, you might be in need of a wheel alignment.

We hope you’re enjoying springtime and everything that goes with it! We also hope that you’re checking your tires before the temperatures start climbing and summer sets in. If you’re in need of a wheel alignment, tire maintenance, auto repairs or anything else before summer, we hope you’ll give us a call and make an appointment with us at Master Auto Repair in St. Louis!