Has your car tire pressure sensor started flashing yet? Each Fall in Utah the temperature drops and these sensors become our signal that it is time to make sure we are prepared for the change in season. There are three general guidelines to follow to make sure your car is prepared to ride at its best:

1) Tire Tread – Without the proper tread depth your car is at risk. Take the time to run to your local tire shop and have them measure your tread for you. If you want to do a quick test and have a quarter you are in luck to measure your tire tread. From Washington’s head to the edge of the coin is about 4/32 inch. If it is at this level or any lower you should be looking for new tires.

2) Rotate Your Tires – Check your Owner’s Manual of your vehicle for recommended tire rotation mileage. If you cannot find your manual ask your local shop to check your tires and go off their recommendation. Most local shops will charge you very little to rotate. Typically, most tires need to be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.

3) Tire Pressure – As the temperature drops so does the pressure in a tire. Typically you will find the recommended tire pressures on the driver’s door jam placard. Be sure to review the placard as well as on the side of your tires it will show a recommended psi. Don’t forget to check your spare tire.