Car Maintenance: 4 Tips to Help You Extend the Lifespan of Your Tires

When it comes to car maintenance, many car owners are primarily focused on maintaining what’s under the hood. This means that their car’s tires are an afterthought—usually until something goes wrong. Fortunately, having tires replaced in Portland is a simple process thanks to auto dealerships, like McLoughlin Chevrolet, that have their own auto service centers.

After you’ve had your tires replaced, you’ll definitely want to make sure that your new set lasts as long as possible. Contrary to what you may initially believe, extending the lifespan of your tires is a relatively simple task, as long as you follow these quick tips:

Helpful Tips to Care for Your Vehicle Tires from Portland Dealership

Road safety should always be your priority when you get behind the wheel. Beyond making sure that everyone on board wears their seatbelts, or that there is sufficient gas in the tank, or that the brakes and all other pedals and gauges are working well, there is the matter of car tire care.

Especially if you are going on a long drive, you must not forget about checking on the condition of the tires. They can literally mean all the difference in ensuring that you arrive safely at your destination. Even if you’re just driving short distances, however, you should also still make the effort to check your tires. Here are some of the more important things you should take note of when doing so:

Check Air Pressure

Your tires should have just the right amount of air pressure; too soft and it can flatten out, leaving your car unable to run. If it gets too filled with air, then it could have a hard time responding to your navigational commands. Ultimately, your tire’s air pressure can have an impact on your vehicle’s handling and braking power. A monthly check-up should be ideal, but if you feel that it could already need some more air pumped into it, don’t hesitate to check it out. Read more from this article: http://www.mcloughlinchevy.com/blog/2018/april/11/helpful-tips-to-care-for-your-vehicle-tires-from-portland-dealership.htm.

Nitrogen vs. Compressed Air: Which One to Use for Your Portland Tires?

An increasing number of car owners are opting to fill up their tires with nitrogen. As an alternative to compressed air, nitrogen tire inflation is gaining popularity across the country not only among high performance car owners, but also among average consumers. Should you follow suit and use nitrogen on your tires the next time you purchase a new set from your trusted Portland tires supplier?

Like all things, nitrogen tire inflation comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Below, we give you a comparison of the areas both nitrogen and compressed air excel in.

Tire Pressure

A steadier pressure inside your tires is arguably the biggest advantage you can get from nitrogen tire inflation. Nitrogen has larger molecules than air that hardly go through the microscopic holes in the rubber of tires. With nitrogen escaping out of your tires at a slower rate than air, you get more constant air pressure in your tires.

Fuel Economy

Constant tire pressure comes with many advantages, the first of which is better fuel economy. Underinflated tires can reduce average fuel consumption by as much as 0.3 percent for every single drop in pounds per square inch (psi). Conversely, nitrogen-filled tires are accompanied by 0.6 to 3 percent improvement in gas mileage.

Tire and Wheel Condition

Nitrogen also allows for lesser wear and tear in both your tires and wheels, and this results in longer lifespan for both. Regular air contains water vapor, which expands and contracts with the change in outside temperature. This causes your tires to underinflate when the weather is cold and overinflate when it’s warm.

Water vapor can also cause rusting in the wheel’s inner portion. It also allows for the retention of moisture inside your tires, which can cause oxidation in the internal tire wall casing. Nitrogen doesn’t contain water, so tire pressure fluctuations and degradation issues are a non-concern.

Cost

Nitrogen tire inflation costs anywhere from $5 to $10, depending on the provider. While there are gas stations that charge a couple of dollars for a pump of air, most just offer them for free.

Practicality vs. Prestige

So there you have it. Hopefully the information here has made it clear which type of inflation is right for you. As you can see, nitrogen does present certain advantages over normal tire inflation. Whether or not these advantages suit you depends on how you use your car. That said, nitrogen is advisable for your car if:

●     You don’t use your car very often and it spends most of its time parked in your garage.

●     You own a handful of cars that you seldom drive at great distances.

●     You have to store your vehicle for a long period of time.

●     You own high performance vehicle/s.

If you use your car in your daily commute, nitrogen doesn’t really have any practical use for you, and you’re better off using traditional compressed air instead. Regardless of your choice of gas though, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly. Once or twice a month is usually enough. For quality tires, purchase yours from trusted Portland tires suppliers, such as McLoughlin Chevy.

About Mcloughlin Chevrolet Automotive Service: As a GM certified automotive service center, Mcloughlin Chevy is Oregon’s go-to resource for the best automotive car services, new or used vehicles, auto parts, and comprehensive information about the latest Chevy car models. Whether you want to purchase a new or pre-owned unit or simply want to experience our world-class auto repair and maintenance approach, you are welcome to stop by and check us out.

"We will meet or beat any advertised competitors prices on tires, so, come visit us, you will be happy you did! "

- Monty Eby (Service Director) -

Source:    

Is Nitrogen Better than Air in Car Tires?, PopularMechanics.com

Car Maintenance Tips—Tires, Oil, Brake, and Other Areas to Inspect

Regular maintenance will help keep your vehicle looking good and in perfect working order. It is an obligation you should assume as soon as you own a car, simply because it is the only way to keep the vehicle safe for driving. You surely don’t want your passengers and yourself to figure in an accident due to a faulty brake or sudden engine failure. A well-maintained car will perform better on the road than one that has never been checked or tuned up.

Apart from preserving your car’s safety and performance, regular maintenance can also help improve your car’s emission. Most vehicles emit harmful fumes, such as carbon dioxide, and automotive fluids into the air and water. During maintenance, you can determine whether or not your car’s emission is still within the safe range, eventually helping to save the environment. It is an even more practical approach since you can avoid costly and repetitive repair in the long run.

The following are the major areas that need to be carefully inspected when maintaining a car:

Oil

If you’re maintaining a Chevy, you’ll see a popup message on your screen saying “Change Engine Oil Soon” as soon as you reach or exceed 600 miles. Do not ignore this message because it can save or prolong your car’s life. Check the oil for impurities; these are most likely produced by the wear and tear that’s been going on in your engine since you started hitting the road. If the oil is already too thick and cloudy, it’s a sign that it’s due for changing. If you’re not sure what to look for and what to do next, let a professional technician inspect it for you. Not only will they assist you with changing the oil, but they will also help you reset the Engine Oil Life System. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2Gvdk9A

How Regular Maintenance of Your Tires Can Promote Car Safety

Without your tires, your car is nothing. This is simple, but clear and irrefutable fact. It wouldn’t matter if your engine is the latest and strongest out there; without tires, it’s not going anywhere. This is precisely the reason why car owners should be a lot more attentive and discerning when it comes to their tire care.

For some reason, however, this component of the vehicle is easily overlooked. Of course, there’s always the concern that you’ll get a flat tire, but for the most part, you don’t really think much about the state of your tire for as long as the car still successfully gets you from Point A to Point B. There’s still room to be a responsible car owner, though. Here are some tips you can do to ensure your tire is still good for daily use.

Check out your tires

The fastest way to check on the state of your tires is to check it visually. Have you ever heard of that penny trick that you can do with your tires to see if it’s still safe to use? Actually, it’s not just a trick—it actually works. With this test, Abraham Lincoln may just very well be able to save your life. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2Fws7Qm

Three Tire Pressure Misconceptions That Could Be Damaging Your Tires

Keeping your tires in good shape is one of the most important aspects of car maintenance. After all, the slightest inaccuracy with tire pressure can affect safety, handling, and the fuel economy of your vehicle. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.2 percent for every 1 psi drop. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of false information out there about ideal tire inflation, which in turn causes a lot of damage and a tire replacement bill that can cost about $400 annually. Auto service technicians warn you not to fall for these myths to keep safe on the road.

The TPMS Is All You Need to Maintain Pressure

While the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a helpful feature, it is not the fool proof tool you’re hoping it to be. The TPMS is designed to electronically track and display pressure on the gauge and warn drivers if the tires are underinflated. This has unfortunately lulled a lot of non “tire smart” drivers into a false sense of security. However, the system will only signal you if the tires reach a dangerously low tire pressure or lose about 25 percent of their inflation pressure. Driving on underinflated tires significantly reduces maneuverability and cornering ability. It also causes unnecessary wear and gallons of wasted fuel.

Recommended Tire Pressure Is Found on the Tire

It’s important to know what the correct tire pressure is for a particular vehicle for proper inflation. Unfortunately, many drivers think that the tire sidewall is where to find that crucial detail. In truth, those digits you find there only tell you what size and type of tire it is, as well as the maximum cold inflation PSI rate of the car. To find the recommended tire pressure, it’s best to consult your car’s owner manual. Alternatively, you can look at the inside of the driver side door. There should be a label there that lists the correct pressure.

Overinflated Tires Improve Vehicle Performance

Some drivers think that keeping tires inflated above the recommended pressure will improve the car’s performance and fuel consumption. In truth, overinflating your tires is just as dangerous as underinflating them, if not more so. Running on tires that have been inflated above the ideal pressure results in reduced handling and an overall bumpier ride. There is also a risk that the tire could burst. Both scenarios put you and your passengers at great peril. Worse still, overinflating hardly ever affects how much you spend on gas.

The best way to care for your tires is by using a digital tire gauge and filling them up to specification every month. Replacing your tires once they no longer function properly is also a good habit to get into.

About McLoughlin Chevrolet

Serving the Portland area, McLoughlin Chevrolet is a renowned car dealership based in Milwaukie, OR. We have an extensive inventory of both new and pre-owned cars that have gone through the most comprehensive inspections. Our qualified and highly trained technicians are also available to service vehicles and provide the best value for parts or accessories.

Sources:

How To Check Your Car's Tire Pressure and Inflate Tires, Edmunds.com

Top 5 Tire Myths Debunked, Geico.com

5 Warning Signs Your Car Tires Exhibit That You Should Never Ignore

When it comes to car maintenance, many car owners tend to focus on the condition and performance of their engines and brakes. Although those two factors are incredibly important in terms of performance and safety, one aspect that is often overlooked are car tires. It is also important to maintain your tires regularly, however, as they also play a large role in the performance and safety of your car.

Fortunately, it’s rather simple to detect any issues with your tires, provided that you know what warning signs you should be on the lookout for. With that in mind, be sure to inspect your tires every few weeks. If you notice any of the following signs, make sure you visit a trusted service center in Portland to have your car outfitted with replacement tires. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2kraSe1

Simple but Important Tips on Maintaining Your Car Tires for Better Road Safety

Tires are obvious essentials to cars. Without it, there’s no chance of you moving an inch, no matter how strong the horsepower is. Aside from getting you from Point A to Point B, it also affects how comfortable the ride is going to be. Add to that, it also plays a crucial role in car safety.

If only for this, it should be safe to assume that car owners will prioritize the care and maintenance of their tires. More often than not, however, it is overlooked and neglected. As it gets battered and worn from everyday wear and tear, its quality diminishes and with it, its performance.

It’s time that car owners recognize their tires as investments all on their own. Here are some helpful tips to help prolong their quality. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2zsXAEk

Steps That Can Improve Safety and Prolong the Life of Your Vehicle’s Tires

No matter how busy you get throughout the week, you should never overlook tire maintenance. Performing a simple check will improve fuel economy and give you more control behind the wheel. These simple steps are just a few ways you can prolong the useful life of your tires while keeping everyone safe in the process.

Check Each Tire’s Pressure

Your tire’s air pressure can decrease for many reasons, ranging from outside temperatures to leaks. That’s why it’s important to check each tire’s pressure every week, since failing to do so could affect gas mileage, tread life, and stopping time. Tire pressure checks also help you identify any hidden damage that could be costly in the future. Read more from this blog. http://bit.ly/2sakH2R