Your car’s tires are one of the most important components in your vehicle. They are your connection to the road, helping you explore your surroundings with confidence and power. Keep them at peak performance with these four tips.
Check the Tire Pressure Every Month
The easiest way to extend your tire life is by checking the tire pressure from time to time. Wrong tire pressure can result in increased stopping distance, sluggish handling, increased wear and tire, and more chances of tire burnout. Keep in mind that your tire pressure is likely to change every month. This is because tires can lose a pound per square inch of pressure each month. Also, cold weather can decrease air pressure, while warm weather can cause an increase in tire pressure. Checking your tire pressure regularly is not just to save money on a new tire purchase; it’s also for the sake of your safety.
Rotate Your Tires
Most people don’t realize that their tires are wearing unevenly until it’s too late — when they have to replace all four at once. But if you rotate your tires regularly and keep an eye out for uneven wear, you can prolong the life of each tire, saving you money in the long run. Ideally, you’ll want to rotate your tires every 5,000 miles (or more frequently), depending on how often you drive.
Balance Your Tires
A tire’s only job is to keep you safely in control of your car, so it’s important to have the right pressure and balance. If a tire has irregular wear, an out-of-balance condition could be to blame. A tire may also be out of balance because it’s new or has been run on for many miles. A good service professional can help you identify and fix severe imbalances. They may use special balancing equipment or weights to resolve vibration, feathering, or hops caused by an unbalanced condition. Balancing your tire from time to time can help you prolong its life.
Check the Alignment Twice a Year
It’s easy to forget about your alignment, but you can be sure your car is driving safely by checking it twice a year. The easiest way to check for alignment problems? Bump into the curb or parking lot barrier a few times. If your car pulls or drifts one way or another, or if the steering wheel vibrates or shakes after you hit any bump at all, you might need your alignment checked. Your mechanic will be able to adjust your car’s alignment so it drives smoothly again.
