How To Check Your Tire’s Tread | Swarthmore, PA
Living in Pennsylvania you know that the weather can be a bit crazy at times. And with September coming to a close and October rounding the corner, there’s one thing that we know for sure and that is that winter is coming. Don’t freak out quite yet, there’s no white stuff falling from the sky, but it is time to get our vehicle ready for what is to come. This week we are focusing on your tires and their tread. Below you will find our easy guide on checking your tire’s tread and when it’s time to replace them. Check it out and schedule your next service appointment online today!
You should be monitoring your tread depth closely once it reaches 4/32 inches deep.
- 4/32” or deeper = your tread is still in good shape
- 3/32” = your tread is wearing and you should replace soon
- 2/32” = it’s time to replace your tires as soon as possible
Now, put your tread to the test with these easy-to-follow tests:
The Penny Test
- Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down into the tread facing toward you. If you can see all of the head, your tread depth is less than 2/32” and it is time to replace your tires.
The Quarter Test
- We want to recreate the same test but instead of a penny, we are going to use a quarter. If the tread reaches Washington’s head on the quarter, you have at least 4/32” of tread remaining. This means that your tire’s tread is still in good health!
Don’t have change? We have you covered!
- Take a look at your tread wear indicator bar that is molded into the tread of your tires. Bars are located at the bottom of tread grooves in multiple locations; when these bars are visibly flush with the adjacent ribs, your tire has no more than 2/32” of tread left. This is a visible indication that you need to swap out these tires!
Your Tire Service Starts Here: https://www.nissantireadvantage.com/?uid=BC27D7ED-AE4D-4CF0-BD429C7A33999E63&nomodal=true
Summer is almost gone and it’s starting to feel like fall more than ever before. If you’re an early riser, you know those warm morning walks are a thing of the past. And if you need to hit the road to get to the gym or work, the time to defrost your car is just around the corner. So what does this mean? It means right now is the time to check your tires PSI. Your PSI is something that is normally overlooked but is a huge game-changer when it comes to your safety, handling, and even your fuel economy. When temperatures drop, so does your tire’s pressure, which can lead to issues. And to help avoid any issues down the road, we’ve got all you need to know about getting your PSI right where it needs to be! So go ahead, take a peek below, and if you need help with your PSI or tire replacement, feel free to schedule your appointment with the team here at Loughead Nissan!
Why it’s important to check your tire pressure…
- Your safety
- Longer lasting tires
- Improved handling and control
- Reduced risk of accidents and blowouts
- Better fuel economy
- Reduced carbon footprint
Tips for Checking and Filling Your Tires
- When the temperature drops, we suggest checking your tire pressure.
- Outside temperatures can cause tire pressure to vary by as much as 1 psi per 10 degrees.
What’s the right PSI level?
- The recommended PSI for your vehicle’s tires is determined by the vehicle’s manufacturer and the recommended tire size.
- You can find this information in your owner’s manual or on the placard inside of the door edge, glove box door, or fuel door.
- In most newer vehicles, your vehicle will alert you when your vehicle’s tires fall below the recommended PSI
- Do NOT use the max PSI that is printed on the tire sidewall. The pressure amount on the tire is normally the maximum allowed pressure.
- Over-inflation can lead to poor handling and comfort, overheating, and blowouts.
How to properly inflate your tires.
- If you do not have an air pump at home, most gas stations have an air pump for you to use.
- Remove dust caps from the tires’ valve stems.
- Insert your tire gauge into the tire valve and leave it in for a few seconds
- When you remove it, the gauge will provide a PSI reading
- If the tire gauge’s recorded reading is higher than the manufacturer-recommended rating, press the gauge tip on the valve stem until you hear air leak out. Check the tire pressure again.
- If the reading is lower than recommended, you will need to fill the tire with air.
- When filling the tire, firmly press the air-hose into the valve, as you did with the tire gauge
- When you think you’ve added or let out enough air, check the pressure a few times with the gauge.
- Return the valve dust caps.
Schedule Your Fall Service Appointment >> https://www.lougheadnissan.com/Service-Appointment-Scheduler.html
September is here and before we know it the leaves will be falling and so will the temperatures. Before that time comes, we suggest getting your Nissan back into top performance mode with some well-needed service! It’s no secret you’ve been out and about this summer, and now is the perfect time to get your ride in shape for the months ahead. We want to help you do just that, and keep your hard-earned money in your pocket! That’s why this week’s blog is dedicated to sharing our new September service incentives that are now available to you! So go ahead, take a peek below and head over to our site to claim your service offer today. Then schedule an appointment and leave the rest to the certified service professionals here at Loughead Nissan!
September Service Specials:
Synthetic Oil Change
- Get for only $47.95* (Was $59.95)
- Plus, multi-point inspection special
Tire Offer
- Buy 3 tires, get one for $1**
*All Specials Expire 9/30/2021. See Our Specials Page For Information.
**Offer Valid August 1 – October 31, 2021
Score Nissan Service Savings Here! >> https://www.lougheadnissan.com/service-parts-specials.html
At Loughead Nissan, we’re all for making things easy for our customers. And that starts right here on our blog where we bring you helpful tips each week to help make the ownership of your vehicle easy as can be. This week we have focused on cleaning up your vehicle for the fall season. We hope you’ll take these tips and put them into use this September. Or if you’re ready to upgrade your vehicle altogether, hurry on in and let our team help you find the perfect new vehicle! We look forward to working with you – see you soon!
Undercarriage Cleaning
- Many car owners always keep the visible parts of their vehicle clean and sparkly. But what about the undercarriage of your vehicle? While your vehicle’s undercarriage is always just inches off the ground, it’s important to clean up and get rid of any road-borne impurities that come in contact with your undercarriage. Especially with slush and road salt quickly approaching in the upcoming winter months. It’s important to clean it well, clean it often.
Exterior Protection
- This is a little easier but still a task that takes a bit of elbow grease to complete and complete right. Impurities that lie hidden in moisture can lead to slowly eating away at your paint job, no matter how good it is. It’s important to ensure your car is waxed periodically and put that protective barrier between your paint and the elements!
Interior Cleaning
- Everything you tread on outside of your vehicle always makes its way inside your car at one point or another. While it may be difficult to get out of the vacuum and get into all the nooks and crannies, it’s extremely important to do so. Apart from the feeling that comes from being in a clean interior, you don’t want to find yourself with upholstery damage because you neglected to clean your ride. Get out that vacuum and make it sparkle. And a pro tip, add a new air freshener to freshen up the interior smell of your vehicle!
Shop With Us Today! >> https://www.lougheadnissan.com/searchnew.aspx
Temperatures are dropping, seasons are changing, and soon leaves will start falling off the trees. But before we get there, it’s important to stop in and have your vehicle serviced for specific fall needs. What might those fall needs be? Check out our list below and let us help you prepare your BMW for all that is to come this fall season. And don’t forget to schedule your appointment online today and grab a service special that works for you! We look forward to working with you and your BMW – see you soon!
Car Battery
- With the changes of seasons coming quickly, it’s a great time to stop in to see our team for diagnostic testing to ensure that your battery is healthy and ready to take on the winter temperatures. Plus, ask to have your cables and terminals checked for corrosion and properly tightened. Winter is known for killing batteries, stop in, and let’s have your battery properly maintenanced before the change of seasons!
Headlights
- As our cars age, our headlights tend to become cloudy or even hazy, especially on vehicles that are continuously parked outside in the elements. While the days get shorter, we will be using our headlights much more these days which means it’s very important to ensure that your headlights are the brightest they could possibly be. Whether it’s headlight conditioning, replacement of the bulbs, or replacing your headlights altogether, our team can assist you with all of your needs.
Tires
- Responsible driving all starts at the tires. Monthly tread inspections can help you stay on top of when it’s time to replace your tires. If you have noticed that your tires are less than ⅛-inch of tread, then it’s time to upgrade. While all-season tires might be a cheaper option upfront, choosing a set for both summer and winter, offers a more well-rounded performance. Stop in to see our team and let us help you choose the right tires for your vehicle!
Wipers
- Did you know that it’s a great option to replace your wipers every six months? Typically, your wipers should be replaced twice a year to ensure top performance. Before the fall season, it’s a great option to upgrade those wipers and choose a pair that are specifically designed for winter weather as we are quickly heading that way. Also, if you’re looking to extend the lifespan of your wipers, we encourage you to clean them with a paper towel and glass cleaner each time you stop to get gas.
Calling all recent graduates! Have you graduated in the last 6 months? Will you be graduating in the next 6 months? If so, we have some exciting news for you! Thanks to the Nissan College Graduate Program, we can offer you up to $500* off your purchase of a new Nissan! I guess hard work really does pay off!
So if you want to learn more about the program or to see if you qualify, take a peek below! Once you’ve done so, go ahead, treat yourself to a new Nissan from Loughead Nissan! We invite you to browse our available inventory now! Once you’ve found the perfect Nissan for you, be sure to schedule a test drive with us whenever it works best for you!
The Nissan College Graduate Program
How does it work?
- If you’ve graduated within the past 24 months or have written confirmation of upcoming graduation within the next six months, as well as proof of current or future employment that begins within 90 days, you could qualify for a major discount on your very own Nissan
- All you have to do is visit a dealer, choose your vehicle, and drive off for less
Want a discount on the Nissan LEAF?
- Same rules apply for the cashback discount, you must have graduated in the past 24 months, or are graduating within the next 6 months, as well as proof of current or future employment
What you’ll need…
- A valid driver’s license
- Proof of insurance
- Valid college student ID at any of the participating colleges
Save Big On A New Nissan Here! > https://www.lougheadnissan.com/searchnew.aspx
Hello, August! Summer is quickly coming to end, but it isn’t over yet! You still have plenty of time to get behind the wheel of your Nissan to hit the road for some well-deserved fun in the sun! While we’re excited you’re getting out and about, we want you to be smart about adventuring. If your vehicle has been sitting a lot these days, it’s important to have that vehicle serviced and looked over by a trained technician because if we’re being honest, nothing is worse than a breakdown when you’re hitting the road. This week, we want you to check out our service offers and schedule an appointment when your schedule isn’t as busy! We look forward to working with you and when you’re ready claim your service offer on our page. We look forward to working with you and your vehicle this August!
August Service Specials:
Synthetic Oil Change
- Get for only $47.95* (Was $59.95)
- Plus, multi-point inspection special
Tire Offer
- Buy 3 tires, get one for $1**
*All Specials Expire 8/31/2021. See Our Specials Page For Information.
Score Nissan Service Savings Here! >> https://www.lougheadnissan.com/service-parts-specials.html
August is almost here, which means you only have a couple more chances to hit the road before summer is over and the kids head back to school. So if you’ll be packing up the car this week and hitting the road, you’ve come to the right place because we have some helpful information for you! We know packing up the car can be difficult and forgetting things is not unheard of. So this week we want to help you with your packing list, but you won’t find your toothbrush in the list below. In fact, our list for your road trip safety kit so you can have peace of mind when you hit the road, even if you run into issues down the road. So go ahead, take a peek and get your safety kit ready before you hit the road. And if you find your Nissan needs service before you hit the road, leave it to the professionals here at Loughead Nissan and schedule your service appointment online now!
What to Pack in You Kit:
- First aid (For more minor accidents)
- Band-Aids
- Hand sanitizer.
- Antiseptic.
- Antibiotic ointment.
- Bug spray.
- Aspirin (or similar).
- Cotton balls.
- Gauze pads.
- Tweezers.
- Bandana.
- Ace bandage.
*This one might be best kept inside the vehicle in a place like the glove compartment*
- Fire extinguisher (For more serious accidents)
- Choose a smaller one that is easy to store
- Jumper cables.
- Rain ponchos.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Scent-free baby wipes.
- Drinking water and non-perishable snacks.
- Multipurpose tool.
- Cell Phone Charger
Weather based items:
- Ice scraper.
- Cat litter for slick roads.
- Small battery-powered fan.
- Blankets and/or warm clothing.
Fluids to keep in your car:
- Oil
- Antifreeze
- Brake fluids
Sure, owning a vehicle is all fun and games until you realize there could be something wrong with it. For example, if you’re vehicle is starting to smell bad while the engine is running, there could be something wrong with it. But what is it? Luckily for you, there is no reason to freak out because we have a few smells and their cause listed out right here for you! Take a look and if you have questions or would like to set up a service appointment to have your Nissan serviced, give us a call or schedule online today! We look forward to working with you and your Nissan!
You Smell: Rotten eggs
What It Is: This could mean that your catalytic converter is having issues. And hydrogen sulfide could be making its way into your exhaust. This could simply be a fuel injection issue, or your cat is failing. Unfortunately, this could end up being a pretty expensive repair and lastly, if you smell the rotten eggs when your vehicle is turned off, that funky smell could just be some old food stuck under your seat or an old gym bag!
You Smell: Hot oil
What It Is: The easiest smell of all to diagnose is hot oil. This happens when oil leaks onto your exhaust manifold which is hot due to your engine running. This smell is not pleasant so you’ll probably notice it right away! Take a look around your engine and vehicle to look for leaks. Also, keep an eye out for any smoke. If you can find the leak, try to stem it, then bring your car to the shop as soon as possible.
You Smell: Sulfur
What It Is: When you smell sulfur in your car, it’s safe to assume that it is gear lubricant leaking from either the manual transmission, transfer case, or differential housing. Sulfur compounds in the oil are used as extreme pressure lubricants for gears and after being in use for a while, these substances can get smelly and gross. Check for those oily puddles under your vehicle and if you notice any, bring your ride in for a check-up!
You Smell: Maple syrup
What It Is: While this one might sound delicious, it’s most definitely toxic! The coolant has ethylene glycol in it, which makes this smell a bit concerning. If you’re smell maple syrup, that means there’s a leak somewhere and you’ll want to stop in for our technicians to take a look! This can be a simple fix but it’s best to have a certified technician treat this. You Smell: A gas station
What It Is: If you’re not sitting next to a gas station, this is an issue. If your car is on the older side (i.e. before 1980) then you could be smelling gas when you turn your vehicle off and have no issue. But, if your vehicle is newer, the smell of gasoline could mean a leak from your fuel injection line or fuel tank vent hose. Either way, it’s best to play this safe and stop in to see our team for a service check-up.
Can you feel the heat consuming you? We sure can! The past few days have been HOT, to say the least. And while we know you still have errands to run, tasks to complete, and places to go, we want to help you keep your vehicle from burning up when you hop inside on a blistering hot day! So, check out those tips below and if you’re ready to upgrade into a cool new Nissan, contact our team today! Let us help you get out of the heat and into a much-needed cooler vehicle!
- Use a sunshade or window visor.
- This is a great go-to method for drivers who are hoping to counteract the hot interior temperatures throughout the summer season. We recommend placing your sunshade or window visor each time you exit your vehicle for more than a few minutes. If you’re looking for a pro tip, put a sunshade on your rear windshield as well!
- Use a dash cover.
- Using a dash cover can make a big difference in making your vehicle’s interior more comfortable during hot temperatures. Dash covers will help you from touching hot vinyl surfaces and will also protect sensitive vinyl from any sun damage which can cause cracking and fading.
- Cover your steering wheel with a hand towel.
- Even when you use a sunshade, your steering wheel can still get very hot. Our recommendation is to place a small towel over your steering wheel. This will help keep your hands from burning when in contact with the steering wheel.
- Park in a shady area.
- When and if possible, park in shady areas. And if you’re going to be outside of your vehicle for an extended period of time, it’s worth a farther walk if you are able to park in the shade. You’ll be much happier that you parked farther away in the shade after your day out!
- Keep your possessions out of the sun.
- Keep any and all possessions, delicate or not, out of direct sunlight. Try storing your items underneath your seat or in a glove box. You can also throw a blanket over your possessions for extra measures. If you can’t find a place in your car that will conceal heat-sensitive goods, consider placing them in the trunk.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- Why Is the 2026 Nissan LEAF Winning Major EV Awards in 2026?
- Explore Loughead Nissan’s Monthly Offers on Popular 2026 Nissan Models
- The 2026 Nissan LEAF and Sentra Are Already Turning Heads, and They Haven’t Even Hit the Awards Stage Yet
- Drive More for Less With Loughead Nissan’s Monthly Offers
- Not All Ears Hear the Same. Now Your Nissan Knows That.