Air pressure checks
The easiest way to increase tire life is my checking air pressure every month. If your tires are under-inflated, the car will handle sluggishly, fuel-efficiency will be reduced, and tire wear will increase. If the tires are over-inflated, ride quality will suffer, tires will be susceptible to damage, road noise will increase, and the tire will wear out faster. Always inflate tires to the recommended pressure.
Rotate tires
Most cars have two-wheel drive. This causes uneven tire wear. The driven tires wear out faster than the others. So, every 5,000 miles, you should rotate your car’s tires. There’s a set pattern to follow, and your mechanic knows it. This will even out tire wear and make the entire set last longer.
Balance the wheels
When you rotate your tires, balance the wheels too. Every tire and wheel has a heavy spot. This can cause vibrations and uneven tire wear. And the balance changes with use. So, ask your mechanic to balance the wheels when they rotate your tires. They’ll add a tiny weight to the wheel, and it won’t cost much or take much time. Today, most garages have a laser-assisted automatic wheel balancing machine that spins the wheel with the tire mounted and figures out the spot for the weight to be added with pinpoint accuracy.
Check the alignment
Observe if your car is actively drifting in one direction or if the steering wheel vibrates or shakes while driving. If so, you may have an alignment issue. Sometimes, misalignment doesn’t even have any symptoms. The smallest misalignment can cause tires to wear out faster and reduce fuel efficiency. So it’s always a good idea to check alignment twice a year or even if you think something is wrong. A little maintenance can save you a lot of money over time.
These simple tire maintenance tips will ensure that your tires last for as long as their manufacturer intended. They’ll also maximize fuel-efficiency while ensuring that your car performs as expected. It will reduce vibrations, strain on parts, and extend the life of your car. Tires in good condition also mean that you’re safer on the road.
