Choosing A New Car Or Fixing An Old One

Posted on: 30 August 2021

Regular tire maintenance does more than prolong the life of your tires. It can also reduce other maintenance needs and provide a much safer, smoother ride. 

1. Inspect Weekly

You should walk around your vehicle and give the tires a thorough once over at least weekly. Check for obvious trouble signs — bulging sidewalls, worn down tread, and damaged rims are a few of the most common. In some cases, tire damage is repairable if you catch it early. Even if it can't be repaired, catching it early can help you avoid a flat tire on the side of the road.

2. Check Inflation Regularly

Tires lose air over time due to normal driving as well as outside temperature and air pressure fluctuations. Underinflated tires can negatively impact gas mileage and are more likely to result in a flat tire. Invest in a handheld tire pressure gauge and learn how to use it. Then, either check tire pressure during your weekly inspection or each time you top off the gas tank. 

3. Make Seasonal Adjustments

Depending on your local climate, you may need to switch out your tires depending on the seasons. For example, in northern climates, snow or winter tires should be used in the winter months for a safer driving experience. Have this done professionally to avoid tire and rim damage. If switching out tires isn't necessary, your tire maintenance service may recommend under-inflating slightly in winter or rainy seasons for improved road traction. 

4. Schedule Rotation and Balancing

Rotating the tires helps ensure even wear and tear over all the tires, which leads to a smoother ride and longer tire life overall. This is especially true for 4-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles, where all tires must be replaced if one suffers damage. Your maintenance service will also balance the tires at the time of rotation, which leads to a smoother ride and longer tire life.

5. Perform Alignment Checks

Poor alignment affects tire life, but it also can put undue stress on other components like the drive train and steering column. It affects the ride, as a car that is out of alignment will vibrate when moving and sometimes pull when braking or accelerating. If the steering wheel drifts when you momentarily release it, then it is time to have the tire alignment checked. 

Contact a tire maintenance service if you need more assistance with regular tire care.