Caught with a slowly deflating tire, you might be tempted to buy a new tire to replace it. However, there are cheaper ways of keeping that old tire going. In fact, many of the following tire services are free, and you can get these services just about anywhere.

Free Air

It does not compute that humans breathe air for free, but many gas and service stations charge you to inflate your tires. Nope, nope, nope -- you should be able to put free air in your tires in much the same way that you put free air in your lungs. Thankfully, you can still go to automotive stores and big box stores that have automotive departments and ask to have your tires re-inflated for free.

Free Tire Pressure Check

Those same locations that will re-inflate your deflating tire will also provide you with a free tire pressure check. The only thing you have to do is open your door and check the labels there. The labels will tell you everything you need to know about your tires, including their size and the amount of pressure needed to keep them optimally full. Give the tire pressure number to the technician while he/she uses a pressure gauge tool to check your tire pressure.

Free Tread Depth Check

You can also have the tread depth checked on your tires for free. Any service where you do not have to leave the vehicle in the shop, and the technicians do not have to hoist the vehicle in the air or remove tires and parts, you can request a free service. For a tread depth check, the technician will view all visible parts of the tires, then have you back up about a foot to view what your car was resting on in the previous position. Then they will use a depth gauge tool to make sure the tire wear is universal, noting any bald or balding spots before you can leave.

Brake Sound Check

This sounds like an odd service, but when you are hoping that you do not have to replace your brakes, it is invaluable. You have to roll up to the garage, ask a technician to come out and listen, then back up, drive forward, and press on the brakes. The technician listens for squeaks, rattles, grinding, and hissing. If a tire is slowly deflating, the brakes apply compression to the tire, causing it to hiss. The rest of the noises may definitely signal a brake problem.

For more information, contact a company like East Bay Tire Co.