Tires are an essential part of your car’s ability to operate accurately and safely. Depending on how much you drive in a year, a set of tires will usually last about six years or so. However, with uneven wearing or excess mileage, you might need to replace your tires more frequently. The following tips can help to maintain your tires for optimum use.
Maintain Recommended Tire Pressure
The manufacturers of each tire brand specify the recommended tire pressure needed for optimum road performance. This should be printed on the tire itself, though you can look it up online as well if you’re having trouble reading it. Check your tire pressure every few weeks to ensure that all four tires are inflated to the correct pressure. Your vehicle may have an electronic tire gauge that measures air pressure for you and will flash on if one or more tires have too little air. Driving on deflating tires will damage the tires more quickly than regular road driving at the correct air pressure.
Drive Carefully
Follow the speed limits and other road rules for safe driving. Speeding, emergency braking, and stop-and-go driving can cause your tires to wear out faster. In some cases, a tire can become damaged or blow out when the car is incorrectly maneuvered. Check your tire tread occasionally for signs of uneven wear or pieces of debris, like metal or glass shards, that may have become embedded in the tire.
Avoid Rough Roads
If you have to drive unpaved roads for work or where you live, there is likely no getting around driving on some rough roads. But if you have a choice, avoid rock-strewn roads or highways that are in poor condition. Roads that are not updated and maintained can pose tire hazards that will wear out your tires or lead to punctures and skidding. Be vigilant when driving through construction zones to avoid picking up debris in your tires or bumping into a bordered area that can throw your tires out of alignment. Don’t drive on tires that have sharply reduced tread, as they can easily slide on damp roads and cause an accident.
Get Routine Tire Service
When you suspect or discover a tire problem, have it fixed promptly to prevent a bigger problem or even an accident from occurring. Schedule an appointment with a tire services professional who can address issues that you are aware of. They can also examine your tires for issues you are already aware of. They’ll check your tires’ condition, pressure, and alignment and will look for nails or debris that your tires may have picked up without your knowledge.
While it’s easy to take tires for granted, it’s not a good idea. Take care of your car’s tires along with the rest of your vehicle for sustained quality driving performance and lower maintenance costs.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, CO. She studied at Colorado State University and now enjoys writing about health, business, and family. A mother of two wonderful children, she loves traveling with her family whenever she isn’t writing. She recommends visiting a tire services professional regularly to keep your wheels in good shape. You can find her on Twitter @anitaginsburg.