Caring for Your Tires to Make Them Last
Most
drivers tend to only think about their tires when they’re sitting on the side
of the road with a flat, or when they find out that they need to get new tires,
due to wear, tear, and the tread diminishing. That shouldn’t be the case,
though. If you want to get the most out of your tires, you should follow some
of these tips and tricks to extend the life of your tires.
Not only
are these tips easy for you, as a driver, easy to do, but they will definitely
help you get the most out of your tires. After all, tires are an extremely
important aspect of your vehicle. If you don’t treat your tires the right way,
they could leave you sitting on the side of the road with a flat, a hole, or
several flats. And let’s be honest, nobody wants to be stuck on the side of the
road either waiting for a tow or crouched down, putting their car up on the
jack, and changing a flat tire.
Under
Pressure
You should
regularly check the pressure of your tires. If you drive with low tire
pressure, or even if you have too much pressure, you run the risk of tire
blowouts, as well as additional wear and tear, which doesn’t lead to a smooth
ride for you.
Rotate
You should
be sure that you are regularly rotating your tires. Most vehicle manufacturer’s
recommend that you rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles . To be
safe, consult your vehicle manual to be sure. Also, many auto dealers will
offer free tire rotations when you purchase tires.
A Clean
Tire is a Happy Tire
Clean your
tires and your wheels. While driving, you run over all sorts of items, from
dirt and mud to rocks and salt. Clean out all that junk when every time you
wash your car.
Alignment
Check the
tire alignment. When your tire alignment is off, it makes your tires and wheels
work harder, which will, in turn, reduce the life of your tires.
Safe Driving
Some people
are aggressive drivers, others are super conservative, and many are smack-dab
in the middle of the two. Your driving habits will directly impact the life and
shape your tires are in. Also, if you drive on rough terrain, your tires will
see more wear and tear.
Component
Check
You want to
be sure that you are regularly checking the components that work hand-in-hand
with your wheels and tires. Make sure these components—shock absorbers, wheel
bearings, and others—are free from problems. Problems with them can lead to
additional wear and tear on your tires.
We all want
a smooth ride while we’re driving and making sure that your tires in the best
working order will aide you in that. Plus, who doesn’t want to save a little
bit of money by not having to replace their tires as often?
Author Bio:
Paul is a
freelance writer for Rafferty Subaru,
a top Subaru Dealer Philadelphia sharing tips and tricks about the auto industry.
