Taking care of your car’s tires is one of the absolute smartest things you can do in terms of automobile safety. Tires are the only contact your car has with the road so it only makes sense to keep them in tip-top condition. Well maintained tires also help to extend the life of the car and keep maintenance costs down.
Buying the right type of tires for your vehicle is the first step toward keeping you and your passengers safe on the road. Purchase tires based on factors such as the correct size for the vehicle, loading recommendations, and driving habits. If you live in an area subject to extreme weather conditions you may also want to consider buying specialty tires rather than the all-season variety.
Proper Tire Inflation
Under-inflated tires are one of the biggest dangers when it comes to tire safety as it can lead to complete tire failure. Driving on under-inflated tires also increases fuel consumption. Overinflated tires should be avoided as well as they can cause other issues including uneven wear, problems with handling, and even difficulty stopping.
It’s recommended to check your tire’s pressure at least once a month when the tires are cold. Keep a tire gauge in the car and get in the habit of checking the pressure on a regular basis. If you are unsure as to how much air your tires need, follow the manufacturer’s recommendation written on the sticker on the inside of the door or the listing in the owner’s manual.
Also check spare tires periodically. They should be maintained and inspected as often as the rest of the vehicle’s tires. The last thing you want to happen is to experience a blow-out and be left without a spare as a replacement.
Visual Inspections
A simple visual inspection of your tires can often mean the difference between catching a problem early enough and having a serious accident that was caused by tire failure.
Are the tires wearing evenly? Are there any bulges, cracks, gouges, punctures, or any other noticeable damage to the tire’s sidewalls? Replace any damaged or worn tires as soon as you notice the problem.
Also check the depth of the tire’s tread. Insert a penny upside down into a few of the tire’s grooves. If you can see all of the president’s head then it is probably time to buy replacements.
Basic Tire Care
Tire rotation and balance are an imperative part of keeping tires functioning properly and it also allows for maximum tread life. Tires that are unbalanced will result in uneven wear. Your tires should be rotated and balanced according to the recommendations in your owner’s manual. On average, tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles.
An alignment may also be necessary especially if you notice the car pulling to one side or the other while driving.
Taking good care of your tires ensures they will perform as intended and is an essential part of vehicle ownership you won’t want to take for granted.
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