Tires see a lot of wear and tear because they work extra hard to keep up with our driving habits. Nobody likes to shell out extra money on a replacement if we don't have to, especially when it comes to vehicle parts. But you'll be happy to know there are a few ways that you can extend the life of your tires. Here are some tips from our tire service experts to ensure you're getting the most of your tire investment.
Check Your Tire Pressure
The pressure in your tires will fluctuate each time you drive. If you're driving at high speeds for long stretches of road, your tires will expand as the tires get hot. Temperatures, hot or cold, will impact tires, which is why weather changes can cause us to have to air up our tires more often. One of the best ways to make sure that your tires have a longer life is to regularly check to see if the tire pressure is on target with your car manual's suggested PSI reading.
Every vehicle will have a different recommendation, so check to see what yours is and follow the advice. Your tire may be over or under pressure, so be sure to air it up or let the air out until you reach the proper PSI.
Schedule a Wheel Alignment
Proper wheel alignment helps the tires wear more evenly, which will help prolong their life on the road. If you feel your car begin to drift to the left or right, that's a sign that your tires could be knocked out of alignment. Misaligned tires stem from driving on bumpy roads, curbs, potholes, etc., and can lead to other severe car problems later on.
If ignored for too long, the tire alignment can worsen and even become dangerous to drive. However, even a slight case of wheel misalignment can lead to issues like poorer fuel efficiency and can be hard to recognize while driving. You should book an appointment to get your wheels aligned twice a year to make sure that the wheel alignment is in good condition. A little preventative maintenance can help save a lot of money.
Keep Tires Rotated
When you take your vehicle to a repair shop for a tire rotation, a mechanic will swap your front wheel tires with your rear wheel tires. This is because each vehicle has two dominant tires that work harder than the rest. By rotating the tires around, you can be sure that each of your tires is getting an even workout. You should book a tire rotation every 5,000 miles to ensure that you get the most use out of them.
Get Wheels Balanced
Every tire has a unique heavy spot, no matter if it is brand new or used. This causes a slight difference in the vibration of the tires, which leads to uneven wear. Mechanics will balance the tires with small weights that need to be moved every so often to keep up with the tire wear. Balancing your wheels is a quick process that will keep your tires in better condition. It's also much cheaper than having to buy brand new tires!
Form Better Driving Habits
It can be fun doing burnouts, skids, and donuts, but all of that drifting will burn the treading off a whole lot faster. You can save your tires (and your money) by creating better driving habits. We may not realize how aggressive our driving habits can be, but even habits like stomping on the gas and slamming on the brakes will put a lot of strain on tires. Be sure to follow speed limits, slow down when driving around corners, and gradually increase your speed on highways to extend tire life.
Conclusion
We often neglect our tires even when we don't realize it. But the better we take care of our tires, the longer we can drive without needing to get them replaced. And if you follow these tips, you'll be sure to keep them going for years to come.
If you need a wheel alignment or tire rotation, reach out to Naylor's. Our tire service experts can help you get the maximum life out of your tires.