Your tires suffer more wear and tear than any other part of your car. If you don’t keep up with routine tire maintenance, you could be putting yourself and others at risk.
The tires on your car are as essential as the engine. They are an integral part of your vehicle’s performance. They affect stopping distance, handling, and braking. Improperly maintained tires can lead to accidents —sometimes fatal ones.
To ensure your car handles well, rides smoothly, and stops quickly, you must keep your tires in the best possible condition. Use this checklist to help you get started.
Tire Rotation
Front and rear tires on a vehicle wear differently because they perform different functions, like steering and braking. Rotating your tires helps them wear evenly and last longer. Most tire rotations are performed between 5,000 and 7,000 miles. Follow your car’s owner’s manual for mileage recommendations on when to rotate.
Tire Balancing
To prolong the life of your tires, they should be balanced when you first install them, then again when they begin to vibrate. Also, if a tire is removed from the wheel to repair a puncture, it should be rebalanced upon reinstallation.
Wheel Alignment
When you replace your tires, you should have the wheel alignment checked and adjusted.That way, you can prevent uneven tire wear and problems in vehicle handling and fuel efficiency. This must be repeated any time you notice any unusual steering behavior.
Air Pressure
We recommend you check the air pressure in your tires at least once a month. Failing to do so can shorten their lifespan. Driving with underinflated tires (under 10psi of the manufacturer’s recommendation) can reduce fuel economy by 3% and tire life by up to 45%.
Treads
Tires require proper tread depth to maintain traction on wet, slippery roads. If a tire loses too much of its tread, you could be seriously injured in an accident or lose control of the vehicle. If your tires’ treads have worn down to 4/32 of an inch, it is time to start shopping for new tires.
To measure tread depth, you could use a simple tread depth gauge available at any parts store. But the traditional quarter or penny test works just as well.
Why Should You Schedule Professional Tire Maintenance Services?
Tires play a major role in your car’s safety and performance, so keeping them in good shape is essential. The best way to do this is by having a professional regularly perform the services mentioned above.