Tires can make the difference between life and death on the road. To keep your four wheels in good shape, you must care for and maintain them properly. Listed below are six expert-approved tips to help you accomplish that.
Check Your Tire Pressure Each Month
A tire can lose about one pound of air pressure per month and even more in cold weather. If you rely solely on your mechanic to check your tire pressure at oil changes or tire rotations, your safety could be at stake.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that under-inflated tires are responsible for most tire-related crashes. They negatively impact a vehicle’s handling, gas mileage, and tread life. They may also lead to blowouts. To lengthen the life of your tires, make sure to check their pressure regularly.
Check Your Tires Before Any Long Road Trip
When you’re cleaning your car or checking the pressure of your tires, take a good look at your tires. Look for any cracks, bulges, or punctures in your tire. These are signs of damage that need to be addressed immediately.
If you get a flat tire while traveling, pull over to the side of the road and call a tire professional who can help you change or replace it.
Rotate, Rotate and Rotate
Smart drivers rotate their tires about every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to maintain even tread wear. If you buy new tires at your local tire store, they may do the job of rotating them for you for free.
Don’t Overstuff Your Car
If you overload a vehicle, it can cause tire failure. The placard on your door frame contains information about the maximum weight your vehicle can safely handle.
Don’t Wait until Your Tires Are in Dire Need of Replacement
Tires are expensive, but they’re well worth the cost. Driving on worn-out tires is dangerous and puts your family in harm’s way.
Tires often have a tread wear indicator bar between the treads. You need new tires if your tread depth is at or below this bar. Another easy way to tell if your tires need replacing: Place a penny upside down so that Lincoln’s head is between the tread. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires.
Don’t Install Mismatched Tires on Your Car
Having mismatched tires can negatively impact your car’s handling and cause unusual wear and tear on other components of your vehicle. One rule of thumb when tire shopping is to buy at least two and put them on the rear of your car. If your rear tires are in bad shape, you could spin out when it’s raining.
