Your tires are one of the most important parts of your car. However, many drivers don’t give tires the attention they deserve when performing maintenance. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you practice good tire care. That way, your tires will last for longer, keeping you safe and saving you money…
Tire Care: Make Them Last
Inflate them properly
One issue with tires is how they will slowly lose pressure over time. Even when not in use, they’ll steadily lose the air they hold. Under-inflated tires are a common cause behind tire-related crashes. However, over-inflated tires can be just as dangerous. That’s why watching tire pressure is an important part of tire care.
It’s helpful to get a tire gauge so you can check your pressure each month. Most cars will have the proper tire pressure either in their manuals, or the tire placard, which can commonly be found in the doorjamb. Remember that the pressure listed on the tire itself is the maximum it can take, not the recommended amount.
Watch the tread
Your tire’s tread is what gives it the ability to grip the road. If your tread is wearing down, then driving will be dangerous. This is especially true on roads slick with rain, snow, or ice. Therefore, as part of your tire care, you need to also be sure to check that the tread is at acceptable levels.
You should have at least 2/32 of an inch deep of tread on your tires. There’s a very easy way to check this, and all you need is a penny. Take a penny, and stick it into the tread. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered, then you’ll know your tires and their treads are in good shape.
Rotate and inspect
Another key part of tire care is to have a mechanic rotate and realign them. This helps to prevent uneven wear between the front and rear tires. It can be very easy for your tires to end up of of alignment. Sometimes, all it takes is hitting a pothole the wrong way for your tires to fall out of their alignment. Be sure to check them for damage as well, in case you need to change them out.