Tires: they’re not exactly the sexiest topic in the world of auto repair and maintenance. But we’d argue that they are one of the most important.
For your car to be safe and reliable on the road, it needs great tires that can grip the road and distribute the weight of your vehicle. In this blog, we’ll discuss a few of the top ways to extend the life of your tires, and care for them between replacements.
Let’s dive in.
5 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Tires
Whether you just purchased new tires or yours are a few years old, these tips will help them last as long as possible:
1. Keep your tire pressure in the right range
Tire pressure is one of the biggest indicators of tire function and lifespan. Because of this, we recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month, and before and after any long trips you plan to take.
The maximum and minimum tire pressure amounts for your specific tires will be printed on the tire’s sidewall, and in your automotive owner’s manual. As you adjust your tire pressure, be sure that you are not filling it to the maximum amount indicated on the tire, as this will put undue pressure on the sidewall.
2. Have your tires rotated
Your tires don’t all wear evenly. Over time, this can lead to “cupping” and bare spots. To combat this, have your tires rotated every 6,000-8,000 miles. This is a simple process that helps your tires wear evenly and allows you to get as much life as possible out of them.
3. Align your wheels
In addition to having your tires rotated, you’ll also want to have your wheels aligned regularly. When your wheels aren’t properly aligned (which can happen due to a big pothole or normal wear-and-tear) it causes uneven wear and poor vehicle handling.
During a wheel alignment, an auto repair technician adjusts the suspension and steering components of your vehicle. This will make sure all four wheels are perfectly perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another.
4. Keep an eye on your tread
For the best handling and safest driving, tires should have at least 2/32 inch of tread. In cold, icy, or snowy areas, though, greater depth is better.
To check your tire tread depth, stick a quarter into the tire tread, with Washington’s head facing down. If any portion of the ex-president’s head is exposed, you have at least 4/32 inch of tread, which is adequate for most climates.
5. Always use matching tires
Mixing and matching tires on your vehicle is a big no-no. While you may think it will save you some money in the short run. It will actually decrease your car’s handling, increase premature and uneven tire wear, and make your daily drives less safe.
DeBroux Automotive: Your Pensacola Auto Repair Specialist
Is it time for a new set of tires, or just some maintenance on your existing tires? Our team is here for you. We’re your trusted team of Pensacola auto and tire repair specialists! We provide all the services you need to keep your vehicle on the road – safely and reliably. Contact us today to schedule your tire sales or service appointment.