Tips to Make Your Tires Last

Of the many routine maintenance services we perform on our vehicles—oil changes, lights, filters, fluids, belts, hoses, etc.—tires are frequently overlooked. Many auto repair shops in Madison, TN will check the air pressure and inflate to the proper level, but that’s about it unless you’re specifically coming in for tire service.

For many drivers, it’s up to them to keep up on tire maintenance services. Doing so will help ensure your tires rack up the mileage without falling victim to poor treads, holes, blowouts and other catastrophic failures.

Not sure how to tend to your tires? Let’s take a look at a few tips and what you can do to make sure your tires are getting the attention they deserve:

• Check your tire pressure monthly. Yes, monthly! Tire pressure fluctuates based on the temperature outside, so pressure can vary wildly as hot or cold fronts move in. Tires also lose about a pound of pressure per month from routine wear. Check the pressure monthly and make sure to inflate if the PSI deviates more than 3 to 4 lbs from the standard.
• Balance your wheels every 10k miles or whenever you have your tires rotated. Balancing your wheels can prevent uneven tread wear and alignment issues that may put strain on your tires.
• Rotate your tires with every other oil change. This might seem excessive, but it’s actually one of the best things you can do—especially in a two-wheel drive car. For these vehicles, two wheels (front or back) actually “drive” the vehicle. These tires need to be swapped with the other two routinely to even out the tread wear. Rotating your tires could extend the tread life by years.
• If you notice your vehicle is tracking right or left when it should be going straight, it’s a sign your alignment is off. Get it fixed right away to protect your tires against excess wear. It’s a smart idea to have your alignment checked and adjusted once a year anyway, to prevent misalignments from developing.
• Get down on your hands and knees every month and visually inspect your tires. If you notice rocks lodged in the treads or tar stuck to the sidewall, take the time to pick these things off. You’ll preserve the integrity of your tires and help them perform at their best. It’s also a good opportunity for you to catch nails or other punctures that may be slowly leaking air.
• Make sure you’re buying the right treads for your vehicle. Having the right treads to support your driving habits will ensure you’re getting the most out of the tire.

Your vehicle’s tires are the only thing between you and the ground, and they’re responsible for giving you a smooth, safe ride. Make sure you’re giving them their due attention! Schedule an appointment at your local auto repair shop in Madison, TN for balancing, alignment or rotation services. You’ll notice an immediate improvement in your ride and you’ll thank yourself down the line when your treads are still performing.

Categorised in: Auto Repair Shop

This post was written by Writer