As winter turns to spring here in Baraboo, it's important to make sure your vehicle is ready for the new season. Proper spring maintenance will help your car or truck run safely and smoothly in the warmer months ahead. Two key areas to pay attention to are your tires and wheel alignment.
Check Your Tires for Wear and Proper Inflation
Tires are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road, so it's critical to make sure they are in good shape. As spring arrives, take a few minutes to visually inspect your tires. Check the tread depth to ensure you have sufficient traction. If the tread is getting low, it may be time for a new set of tires. Many tires have tread wear indicator bars that become visible when it's time to replace them.
Proper tire inflation is also essential. Winter temperature fluctuations can cause tire pressure to drop. Now is a good time to check that your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended PSI. This can be found in your owner's manual or on a placard inside the driver's side door jamb. Driving on underinflated tires reduces fuel economy, tire life, and handling. Overinflation can also cause problems.
If you live or frequently drive through the Wisconsin Dells area, your tires may have experienced extra wear from the tourist season traffic. Keeping tires balanced and rotated helps ensure even wear. Uneven or rapid tire wear can also be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment.
Wheel Alignment for Proper Handling & Tire Wear
Wheel alignment refers to the angle of your tires and their contact with the road. Properly aligned wheels will point straight ahead. Over time or after hitting potholes, curbs or rough roads, your vehicle's alignment can get knocked out of specification. Winter driving around Lake Delton can be especially harsh on wheel alignment.
Misaligned wheels can cause rapid or uneven tire wear, poor handling, and can even impact fuel efficiency. Some signs that you may need an alignment include:
- Vehicle pulls to one side while driving straight
- Steering wheel is off-center when driving straight
- Rapid or uneven tire wear
- Squealing tires
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's best to have your alignment checked by a professional. The certified technicians at Don Larson Chevrolet Buick GMC in Baraboo can inspect your alignment and make necessary adjustments. Wheel alignments are done on an alignment rack with precision equipment to ensure proper tire angles and maximum tire life.
Quality Tire Sales & Service at Don Larson Chevrolet Buick GMC
Whether you need new tires, a wheel alignment, or just a tire inspection, the service center at Don Larson Chevrolet Buick GMC is here to help. Our Baraboo dealership sells and installs a wide selection of quality name-brand tires for cars, SUVs and pickups. We also perform wheel alignments and tire balancing on all makes and models.
Our experienced and certified technicians will advise you on the best tires for your specific vehicle and driving needs. We'll make sure your new tires are mounted, balanced and aligned properly for a smooth ride and long tread life. Stop by our conveniently located tire center at S3801 County HWY BD in Baraboo.
Book Your Service Today
Taking care of your tires and alignment is one of the best things you can do to get your vehicle ready for spring driving. Proper tire maintenance and wheel alignment will provide better handling, safety, longer tire life, and even improve fuel economy. For all your spring tire and alignment needs, trust the professional service at Don Larson Chevrolet Buick GMC in Baraboo.