When you think about vehicle maintenance, do your tires come to mind? The truth is, tires can be expensive to repair and do need to be serviced regularly to last their full lifetime. Good tire maintenance will save you hundreds of tires throughout the years and will also ensure your safety on the road.
When you drive with bad or worn-out tires, your safety is at stake. Think about the job of the tires – they are the only thing sitting between your vehicle and the road, and the traction they create with the terrain allows you to control your vehicle accurately. When your tires are worn, they don’t create the proper traction, and this is when your vehicle may not be controlled accurately. Plus, you put yourself at risk for a tire blowout. Ever seen those tires on the highway that look like they exploded? That is a tire a blowout. It is very dangerous when it happens on a freeway and severely damages your wheels, rims, and suspension system.
So, what are some of the ways that you can better maintain and care for your tires?
- Always ensure that they are filled with the proper air pressure. Over and under-inflated tires wear them out quicker, unevenly, and decrease your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
- Make sure your wheels are always properly aligned. A quick inspection can confirm this, and you’ll notice if your wheels are out of alignment if your vehicle drifts to one side while traveling straight. Misaligned wheels can wear out your tires unevenly and fast.
- Drive safer and avoid slamming on the brakes or accelerator. The more aggressive you drive, the more you are wearing out your tires.
- Have your suspension components inspected regularly. Bad shocks and struts can lead to excessive tire wear, and this is a common repair needed for vehicles over 60,000 miles.
- When you do buy new tires, make sure that they are of good quality. While it may be tempting to buy the cheapest option, they won’t last very long. You don’t have to buy the most expensive option either. An expert here at our shop can help you find the best quality tires that still fit your budget.
- Have your tires regularly rotated and balanced. Balanced tires are key to avoid one tire wearing out fast than another. Rotations also help your tires wear down evenly so that you can replace them as a set rather than as needed.
These are just some ways to maintain your tires better and ensure that they last longer. If you are due for a tire service, we invite you to the experts here at Family Auto Service today!