Check Air Pressure, Rotate Tires This National Tire Safety Week

If you don’t remember the last time you checked your air pressure or rotated or replaced your tires, you aren’t alone. Steve Mucha, the manager of Discount Tire, 6730 N. Mesa St., estimates about half the population realizes the importance of maintaining their tires.

“The most important part of your vehicle is the tire because of the contact with the street and handling of the vehicle,” said Mucha.

He is among many tire experts who are hoping drivers check their wheels this National Tire Safety Week.

Mucha recommends checking the tire’s air pressure every 30 days. The extreme heat of the summer can cause the air in the tires to fluctuate, possibly changing the way the car handles, as well as the fuel efficiency, Mucha added.

Rotate the vehicle’s tires to ensure the tread is wearing properly. The manager of the tire shop recommended doing that every 6,000 to 8,000 miles added to the car. Mucha displayed some tires that were practically bald on one side, but had a fair amount of tread on the other, saying it’s a common problem that occurs when tires aren’t rotated often enough.

Replacing tires should be done every five years. And while cost is an issue — it shouldn’t be the only one.

“You want to make sure you look for, first of all, safety for yourself when you’re looking at tires,” Mucha said. “And you want … a tire that’s basically going to fit your budget and your needs.”

Discount Tire locations in El Paso offer free air pressure checks, tire rotations, inspections and flat insurance for free to all regardless if they are prior customers.