Monthly Archives: December 2020

Make A Resolution to Take Better Care of Your Tires

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Are you making a New Year’s Resolution to take better care of yourself? Consider also making a resolution to take better care of your tires! 

New Year's Resolution 2021

Here are some simple ideas that will help your tires perform better and last longer. Additional benefits you will enjoy include better gas mileage and greater safety on the road.

Check Your Tire Tread 

Follow three simple steps to check your tire tread depth on a regular basis:

  1. Hold a penny so that “In God We Trust” appears across the top. Insert it into five different sections of the tire, taking note of the visibility of Lincoln’s head.
  2. If you can consistently see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are excessively worn, and it is time to go shopping for a new set of tires.
  3. If the top of Lincoln’s head (to about the forehead hairline) is covered throughout the tread grooves, the tread is in good shape and your tires probably do not need replacement.

Keep an Eye on Your Tire Pressure

Check your tire pressure at least once a month.  While it doesn’t take long to do, it could save you big by improving your tire life and gas mileage. Refer to your owner’s manual to confirm the ideal pressure for your vehicle’s tires. Keep in mind that the maximum pressure is not the same as the recommended pressure.

Get Tire Alignment Service

Improper tire alignment will not only decrease the life of your tires due to uneven tread wear, it will also compromise the safety of your vehicle. Have the alignment checked regularly, and also any time you notice problems with your vehicle’s handling.

Have Your Tires Rotated

Having tire rotation done on a regular basis is a tire maintenance service that will significantly extend tire service life. Refer to your owner’s manual to see the specific tire rotation recommendations for your make and model.

Have Tire Balancing Done 

Tire balancing should be part of your regular maintenance routine. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended schedule, but tire balancing is typically done with tire rotation. Tire balancing promotes a smooth ride and even tread wear by correctly adjusting the wheel weight distribution around the vehicle.

Check on Your Spare Tire 

It is important to monitor the condition of your spare tire so you can be confident it will be ready when you need it. Check the pressure of your spare with your other tires. If you do have to use your spare, remember that it is intended for temporary use only, and replace it with a regular tire as soon as you can.

 

Three Ways to Get in Your Car and Give This Season

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It has been a difficult year for everyone. 2020 has had us facing serious crises, both health and economic. Looking back through the challenges and hardships, they have also brought us opportunities to pull together and help one another.

Santa in Car

It is that spirit that inspires this post, and hopefully may inspire with some creative ways to give and serve this holiday season.

1. Help someone by taking their vehicle for maintenance.

In many cases, people are not using their cars as they normally do. This could mean that much needed maintenance is being neglected. People with health conditions that put them at high risk may be reluctant to take their care in for service. A great way to help a friend or family member this season might be to offer to take their vehicle in for them. Many auto service shops are currently offering pick up and delivery of cars for service. You might be able to assist someone with making these arrangements.

2. Help someone by giving them a ride.

In response to the health crisis, businesses and restaurants are now offering “curbside pick-up” or “drive-up” services. Unfortunately, many of the people in our community who rely on public transportation are unable to take advantage of these accommodations. It is challenging for those in this situation to do things ranging from grocery shopping, to getting a COVID test, to picking up a meal at a fast food restaurant. Providing a ride could be a wonderful way to help out.

3. Help someone by delivering a holiday surprise.

Some people are just feeling sad, lonely, and isolated from the world. Many are missing celebrations with family and friends, and not attending traditional events they normally look forward to at the holidays. Think about the people in your circle of friends, family, and acquaintances, and consider surprising them with an unexpected doorstep delivery. Festive food items, a small potted Christmas tree, or a gift bag full of holiday dvds could brighten their season more than you can imagine!

If you are not sure about how to find people in need, try contacting local churches or community organizations to see if they have a volunteer program for helping people with transportation challenges. You can also try connecting with your community by using the free NextDoor app.

Wishing you very happy and healthy holidays!