You just invested a decent amount of money into buying new tires, now what? Every tire has an expected lifespan – that is, if you take steps for proper tire care. Often times, though, car owners are driving around on tires that are under-inflated, over-inflated, out-of-balance or misaligned. None of that bodes well for the lastingness of a good set of tires. This article will address how to properly care for your new car tires so you get the full life out of them.
The tires on your vehicle are a very important safety feature. If you’re driving around with tires that are bald, show signs of excessive or uneven wear, or are improperly inflated, you and others are at risk. Under-inflated tires can overheat, leading to premature wear, tread separation and blowouts. Equally dangerous are tires that are inflated too much. Like every other part in your vehicle, proper tire care is necessary so they last their expected lifetime.
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- Make sure your car tires are properly inflated. One of the leading causes of tire failure happens when tires are under-inflated. Don’t rely on the Tire Pressure Monitoring System to tell you when the car tires need air. Be proactive by checking the air pressure in the tires once a month. While you are checking the pressure, take a look to make sure the tires are wearing evenly. Not only are properly inflated tires safer to drive on, but they will last longer and you will save on gasoline.
- Have the tires rotated regularly. The weight on the axle in the front of your vehicle is different than that on the back axle. If you don’t rotate the tires, you will begin to notice uneven wear. When tires wear evenly, you’ll get the full life out of them.
- Wheel alignments are important for tire wear. You should have one performed when you purchase new tires and then on a regular schedule. If you hit a large pothole or a curb, you will want to have the wheels re-aligned. The cost for periodic alignments sure beats the cost of having to replace tires before expected because of uneven wear.
If you’re in the market for new tires and you’re not sure what to buy, check out our recent post on tire buying. We are also happy to answer any questions you may have about tire care and the best tires for your vehicle. Our auto repair shop in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, carries a number of different tire brands and models from which to choose. Click here to buy new tires and/or have your tires rotated or wheels aligned.