Tires play a vital role in your vehicle’s overall safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Maintaining them properly not only provides a smoother ride but also saves you money over time. Here are ten practical tips to help extend the life of your tires.
1. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure:
Check your tire pressure monthly with a reliable gauge and adjust it as specified in your vehicle’s manual.
2. Regular Tire Rotations:
Refer to your vehicle’s manual or have a professional rotate the tires during your regular service appointments.
3. Wheel Alignment:
Get your wheel alignment checked annually, or whenever you observe uneven tire wear or your vehicle pulling to one side.
4. Balanced Tires:
Get your tires balanced whenever you have them rotated or if you notice vibrations while driving.
5. Inspect Tread Depth:
Use a tread depth gauge or the penny test – insert a penny into the tread groove; if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.
6. Avoid Overloading:
Check your vehicle’s load capacity in the manual and avoid exceeding it.
7. Drive Smoothly:
Adopt smoother driving habits and maintain a steady speed.
8. Avoid Road Hazards:
Exercise caution and avoid road hazards when possible. If unavoidable, slow down to minimize the impact.
9. Store Tires Properly:
Store tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and sources of ozone, like electric motors.
10. Regular Inspections:
Inspect your tires regularly for cuts, punctures, and signs of wear, and address any issues promptly.
