After our last car died, my husband and I decided to do a little research before buying a new car. We bought the previous car without a lot of thought, and it showed. Instead of lasting the length of the loan, the car started having problems right around the time the warranty ran out. We decided that it would be smart to invest a little time into research, so that we could avoid making a similar mistake in the future. This blog is a collection of articles about cars and automotive accessories, so that you can do a lot of research without making a lot of effort.
Your oil and brakes aren't the only things that you need to check and service on your vehicle regularly. Even if you know to replace your tires when the tread wears down, they still need some routine inspections and maintenance along the way. Adding your tires to your car's maintenance routine can allow you to avoid catastrophic failures while also helping your tires to last longer.
Keeping up with this simple maintenance doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. Below you will find three straightforward steps to maximize the lifespan of your tires.
1. Check Condition and Pressure Often
A great way to guarantee that your tires fail prematurely is to ignore them as long as nothing seems to be wrong. Driving on an underinflated or damaged tire can reduce your fuel economy, make your vehicle harder to control, and ultimately wear out your tread much more quickly. Fortunately, you can avoid this situation with a little care and attention.
An excellent general rule is to check your tire pressure with every other fill-up. If your vehicle doesn't have a tire-pressure monitoring system, then invest in a cheap tire pressure gauge. Be sure to get an air pressure reading for all four tires. While you're at it, inspect the sidewall and tread for signs of damage such as scratches, tears, or bubbling.
2. Rotate, Rotate, Rotate
You can (and should) rotate your tires no matter what drive configuration your vehicle uses. Although front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive vehicles require different rotation patterns, each can benefit from this simple service. You should have your tires rotated with every oil change or about twice per year, whichever is more frequent.
Failing to rotate your tires can lead to uneven wear, ultimately causing your tires to fail much sooner. Rotations also allow tire shop technicians the opportunity to examine your whole tire for unusual wear patterns. Excessive wear along the top or inner edges of a tire can be hard to spot with the wheels on, so frequent rotations also serve as more thorough inspections.
3. Monitor Treadlife
Finally, don't neglect to monitor your tire's tread life. If you follow along with a regular rotation schedule, then your tire shop should be able to provide you with a rough estimate of your remaining tread life. If you want to check for yourself, conducting a penny test every few months is always a good idea.
Remember that your tires aren't just about looks or handling; they are a critical safety component. Ensuring proper tire maintenance along with prompt replacement when needed helps to keep you and your vehicle's passengers safe at all times. Contact a company like King George Truck & Tire Center for more information.
Share25 August 2020
