Every season presents a different challenge for your tires. During the summer months, heat and humidity deteriorate them, cause cracks to form and affect the air pressure. Follow these tips to keep your tires going strong as they roll along the hot, Southern California pavement.

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

When you drive with under-inflated tires, you run the risk of reduced vehicle control and tire blowouts. The rubber also wears out faster, and your gas mileage suffers.

To ensure proper tire inflation, first check the vehicle owner's manual to determine the recommended pounds per square inch (psi). Then, use a tire pressure gauge to check the psi of each tire, preferably when you haven't driven your car in several hours. If you find that you continually need to top off a particular tire with air, it could have a slow leak, which you should have repaired as soon as possible.

Clean and Protect Your Tires

Hose down your tires every four to eight weeks, and apply a rubber protectant to help prevent dry rot and cracks caused by high heat and UV rays. This type of product also leaves the tires with a rich, waxy gleam.

Inspect Your Tires Regularly

First, check for cracks, bumps, bubbles and other signs of damage. Then, inspect the tread. Most tires have a tread depth indicator molded into them. These bars sit at a lower level than the rest of the tread. Once the indicators are flush with the adjacent tread, you know it's time to replace your tires.

Drive Smoothly

Help your tires last longer by being gentle on them. Avoid accelerating and braking too quickly. Any activities that make your tires squeal or leave skid marks on the road wear the rubber out faster.

Have Your Tires Balanced and Rotated

Tread wears out differently depending on where the tires are located on the car. Unbalanced tires also wear out faster. To combat these problems, have your tires balanced and rotated every 5,000 miles. The ride will be smoother, and your tires will last longer.

Replace Your Tires as Needed

Several factors affect when you should replace your tires. Worn tread, air leaks, cracks, and other signs of wear and tear signal the need for new tires. Even if your tires look fine on the outside, they could have dry rot on the inside. That's why you should replace your tires after no longer than five to 10 years, even if you don't drive your car very often.

The next time you need a tire balance and rotation or a whole new set of tires, bring your vehicle to INFINITI of Thousand Oaks. Our professional service team will take care of everything while you relax in our comfortable waiting room. If your car needs a little more TLC, use our shuttle service to get where you need to go. We look forward to exceeding your expectations here at INFINITI of Thousand Oaks.