The excitement is at its peak when the cargo area of your vehicle is packed, and with your sun protection on, you are ready to hit the road. You are about to start your car, but unfortunately, your tire is not ready for it. Always make sure your tires are in tip-top condition, as they are one of the most important parts of your journey. They require regular maintenance because they are more susceptible to wear and tear when they hit the road. However, some tips can help increase the performance, efficiency, and lifespan of your vehicle’s tires.
Keep Tires Properly Inflated
Before driving the vehicle, check the tire air pressure with a gauge once a month. Proper inflation according to the required PSI level is crucial for the efficient functioning of tires. Correct air pressure greatly influences tire lifespan. Over-inflated tires can alter the tire’s contact with the road, forcing the central portion of the tire outward, increasing tread wear and the risk of a tire burst. Under-inflated tires have insufficient air pressure, causing most of the tire’s surface to contact the road, which can damage the sidewall and result in uneven wear.
Tire Swapping and Alignments
It is crucial to rotate your tires routinely. Since rotation circulates, the tread wears equally among the tires. Regularly exchange the front and rear positions of tires to improve their performance. If your vehicle’s tires are misaligned, they will experience uneven wear and become unbalanced. You can trust professional wheel alignments to ensure proper tyres and rim fitting and keep your vehicle in top condition.
Inspect Tire Condition
Take a moment to check the overall condition of your tires for any cuts, cracks, or bruises in the sidewall area before a road trip. The tire body can be damaged by bumps and bulges. A quick visual inspection, like checking for improper inflation, damage, or foreign objects stuck in the tread, can save you from more serious issues on the road. In case of any wear and tear, contact professional tire services to avoid deterioration and tire failure.
Tire Tread Maintenance
For tires, uneven tread is not ideal. A tire should have a minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches to grip the road. You can check the tread depth with a gauge or use a penny test. Put a coin or penny into the tread with the Lincoln head facing downward. If the head is fully visible, the tire is badly worn and needs to be replaced because it will not grip the road. You can then rely on professional tire repair and replacement services. They provide tires for your vehicle and fix tire issues to maintain vehicle control.
Seasonal Tire Usage
Some people use all-season tires for their vehicles. However, if you have summer and winter tires, using them correctly can increase their lifespan. Summer tires should not be used in winter because they stiffen and harden the rubber below 45 degrees. This can reduce traction to a dangerous level. Similarly, winter tires are designed to perform in low temperatures, making your driving safer and more enjoyable.
