After suffering through ice and snow during the winter, vehicles must get ready for a different kind of challenge over the warmer months. Tires, in particular, feel the force of rising temperatures and drivers should be prepared for possible problems.
Auto service advisors are a great source of advice on how to maintain good tire quality, which will ensure a smoother and safer journey. The summer months could include everything from a general work commute to adventures and road trips, and all these environments pose different challenges. Let’s take a look at some tips you can recommend to your future clients to help them avoid annoying tire problems over the coming months.
Warm Temperatures Have a Big Impact on Tire Pressure
The air in a tire reacts differently to heat, so it’s important to remind your clients to keep a regular eye on PSI throughout the summer. Warm temperatures will increase PSI, thus increasing the risk of a tire blowout. Overinflated tires also wear more quickly and can hamper a vehicle’s braking and handling.
Professionals with service advisor training know that tire pressure should be checked before a journey has begun, when the tires are cold. Tires are warm after a vehicle has taken to the road, and this will give an inaccurate reading of normal PSI levels. The recommended PSI level for tires will vary between vehicles, so it’s important for your clients to follow the advice listed in the owner’s manual.
Uneven Tire Wear Causes Uncomfortable Summer Journeys
Dry summer roads often lead to increased driving speeds, and this could highlight some problems with uneven tire wear. If a customer feels a vibration when accelerating or decelerating, then it might be because their tires may need to be rebalanced. Bald spots on tires are another indication of this problem.
Uneven tread wear on the inside or outside of a tire is often a clear indication that tire alignment is needed. The vehicle usually pulls to one side with this tire problem, creating added danger for drivers when travelling at high speeds. Service advisors therefore recommend that tread wear is checked regularly.
You Could Recommend Summer Tires Once You’re an Automotive Service Advisor
All-season tires are a necessity for most of the year as Canadian drivers deal with a mixture of rain, ice, and snow. Better summer weather opens up the opportunity to use specific summer tires, which are particularly suited to high performance vehicles. These tires have less grooving, and offer more grip on the road. They also perform well in wet conditions, but should be avoided if trickier road surfaces will be encountered in the coming months.
The Spare Tire Should Never Be Forgotten
No matter how well prepared tires are, they are no match for a piece of glass in the middle of the road. Punctures happen although, fortunately, it doesn’t have to ruin a summer road trip. An automotive service advisor knows it’s essential to have a spare tire with good tread depth and adequate inflation, just in case something happens along the road. If a tire or spare malfunctions, it should be replaced as quickly as possible. This way, you can rest assured that your clients won’t be left stranded in the middle of a much-anticipated road trip.
Are you excited about the rewarding work involved in a service advisor career?
Find out more about the courses available at Automotive Training Centres.
