Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road — and they play a vital role in safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Yet, tire maintenance is often one of the most overlooked aspects of vehicle care.
At Chuck Anderson Ford in Excelsior Springs, Missouri, we know that keeping your tires properly maintained not only extends their lifespan but also helps you get the most from your Ford — whether you drive a F-150, Escape, Explorer, or Bronco.
From checking tire pressure to maintaining proper alignment and inspecting your brakes, here’s why routine tire care should be a top priority for every driver.
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.
1. Proper Tire Pressure (PSI): The Foundation of Performance
Maintaining the right tire pressure (PSI) is one of the simplest yet most important ways to keep your Ford performing at its best.
Why Tire Pressure Matters:
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Safety: Underinflated tires can cause poor handling, longer stopping distances, and increased risk of blowouts.
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Fuel Efficiency: Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing your engine to work harder and burn more fuel.
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Tire Longevity: Overinflated or underinflated tires wear unevenly, shortening their lifespan and reducing performance.
Ford engineers design your vehicle’s ideal tire pressure for optimal balance and control. You can find your recommended PSI inside the driver’s door jamb or in your owner’s manual.
Pro Tip: Check your tire pressure at least once a month — especially when temperatures change. Cold weather can reduce PSI by 1–2 pounds per 10-degree drop in temperature.
At Chuck Anderson Ford, we’ll check and adjust your tire pressure every time you visit for service, ensuring your tires always perform safely and efficiently.
2. Tire Rotations: Even Wear for a Longer Life
Tires naturally wear at different rates depending on their position on the vehicle. Rotating them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (or at each oil change) ensures more even wear across all four tires.
Benefits of Tire Rotation:
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Extends overall tire life
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Maintains traction and control
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Prevents uneven tread wear
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Improves ride comfort and handling
During a rotation, our certified Ford technicians also inspect your tread depth, check for punctures, and ensure proper balance — saving you money and keeping you safer on the road.
3. Wheel Alignment: Straight Roads, Smooth Driving
If your Ford pulls to one side or your steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight, it might be time for a wheel alignment.
Alignment ensures your tires make even contact with the road and travel in the correct direction. Misalignment can happen gradually from hitting potholes, curbs, or rough Missouri roads.
Signs You Need an Alignment:
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Uneven tire wear
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Vehicle pulling to the left or right
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Vibrating or off-center steering wheel
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Decreased fuel efficiency
Why Alignment Matters:
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Improves steering precision and control
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Increases tire lifespan
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Reduces suspension and brake wear
At Chuck Anderson Ford, we use state-of-the-art alignment equipment to bring your vehicle back to factory specifications — restoring performance and handling to like-new condition.
4. Brake Inspections: The Perfect Partner to Tire Health
Your brakes and tires work hand in hand to keep you safe. Even with great tires, worn brake pads or rotors can dramatically affect stopping distance and traction.
During every tire service, our technicians inspect your brake pads, rotors, and fluid levels to ensure maximum braking power.
Signs You Might Need Brake Service:
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Squealing or grinding noises
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Vibration during braking
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Soft or spongy brake pedal
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Increased stopping distance
Ignoring brake maintenance can lead to uneven tire wear, excessive heat buildup, and costly repairs — all easily preventable with regular inspections.
5. Tire Balancing: Eliminate Vibration and Improve Comfort
Over time, even small imbalances in your tires can cause vibrations and uneven wear. Tire balancing ensures each wheel and tire assembly spins smoothly at high speeds.
Benefits of Tire Balancing:
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Reduces vibration and noise
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Improves ride comfort
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Extends suspension and steering component life
At Chuck Anderson Ford, we use precision balancing equipment designed for Ford vehicles to keep your ride smooth and your tires in top condition.
6. Seasonal Tire Care: Missouri Weather Tested
Missouri’s changing seasons bring heat, rain, snow, and everything in between — all of which affect your tires.
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Fall & Winter: Cold weather lowers tire pressure, and ice or snow demand deeper tread for grip.
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Spring & Summer: Rising temps increase PSI and can accelerate wear on overinflated tires.
Seasonal Tire Tips:
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Check tread depth before winter (replace tires under 4/32”).
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Switch to all-terrain or winter tires if you regularly drive in snow or ice.
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Always inspect sidewalls for cracks or bulges after extreme temperature swings.
Our team at Chuck Anderson Ford can recommend the right tires for your driving habits and local conditions, ensuring year-round safety and performance.
7. Save Money with Regular Tire Maintenance
Proper tire maintenance doesn’t just keep you safe — it saves you money. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, properly inflated and maintained tires can improve fuel economy by up to 3%, saving hundreds of dollars in fuel over time.
Routine tire care also prevents premature replacement costs, which can easily reach $1,000 or more for a new set of tires on larger Ford models.
A few simple checks and visits to our Ford Service Center can protect your investment and give you peace of mind.
Trust the Experts at Chuck Anderson Ford
At Chuck Anderson Ford, our certified service technicians are trained to maintain your vehicle the right way — using genuine Ford parts, advanced diagnostic tools, and decades of experience.
Whether you need a tire rotation, alignment, balancing, or brake inspection, our team is ready to keep your Ford performing safely and efficiently.
And with our Free Pickup and Delivery Service within 30 miles of our dealership, maintaining your tires has never been more convenient.
Chuck Anderson Ford
1910 W Jesse James Road, Excelsior Springs, MO 64024
816-648-6419
www.chuckandersonford.com
Built on Integrity. Backed by Family.