Tire Maintenance Checklist

Proper tire care and safety is simple and easy.  If you think you may have a tire problem or are unsure please contact our BMW Service Department in Traverse City MI at 231.668.7233 as soon as possible.
TIRE PRESSURE
It's important to have the proper air pressure in your tires, as under inflation can lead to tire failure. The "right amount" of air for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner's manual.

  1. When you check the air pressure, make sure the tires are cool - meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. (NOTE: If you have to drive a distance to get air, check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.)

  2. Remove the cap from the valve on one tire.

  3. Firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve.

  4. Add air to achieve recommended air pressure.

  5. If you overfill the tire, release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with a fingernail or the tip of a pen. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.

  6. Replace the valve cap.

  7. Repeat with each tire, including the spare. (NOTE: Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure.)

  8. Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole in the tire and cause an air leak.

  9. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities. NOTE: Air pressure in a tire goes up (in warm weather) or down (in cold weather) 1/2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.


TIRE ALIGNMENT
Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread wear and should be corrected.  Front-wheel-drive vehicles, and those with independent rear suspension, require alignment of all four wheels. Have your alignment checked periodically as specified by the vehicle owner's manual or whenever you have an indication of trouble such as "pulling" or vibration.

Also have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear.


TIRE TREAD
Tires must be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch in order to prevent skidding and hydroplaning. An easy test: place a penny into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, you should buy a new tire.

Built-in tread wear indicators, or "wear bars," which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread will appear on the tire when the tread is worn down to one-sixteenth of an inch. When you see these "wear bars," the tire is worn out and should be replaced.

Visually check your tires for signs of uneven wear. You may have irregular tread wear if there are high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Consult your Service Advisor as soon as possible.
Â