Your Tire Care Cheat Sheet
Unless you are a mechanic, you might not feel totally sure about how to care for your car’s tires and keep them in the best condition. Vehicle terminology appear confusing unless you work with it on a daily basis, so this guide will give you the basics of everything you should know regarding tire care.
Check Air Pressure
Above all, air pressure can determine the longevity of your tires. PSI, our pounds per square inch, is the unit of measurement applied to the air pressure in your tires. While overinflated tires ride harshly and are easily damaged by road irregularities, under inflated tires hurt gas mileage and lead to loss of steering and cornering stability.
The correct air pressure is critical, so read your owner’s manual for the optimal PSI level and check tire air pressure once per month. Just be sure to check that pressure once your vehicle is “cold” and hasn’t been driven in at least three hours.
Alignment and Balance
Alignment refers to the suspension of your front and rear tires. Since alignment determines the way your vehicle handles, poor alignment can cause major problems like irregular tire wear and crooked driving trajectory. Misalignment is most likely to occur after an accident or hitting a big pothole, so have it checked after any type of strong impact.
While alignment deals with suspension, balance relates to the way the tires are mounted. If one area is heavier or lighter than the rest, then the tire is off-balance and mounted incorrectly. It’s important to check for balance any time a tire is replaced or alignment is corrected, since poor balance can place too much stress on the tires and cause premature wear and tear.
Rotation and Tread
Think about the strain the road places on your car tires every single time you drive. This pressure leads to tire wear, which is unavoidable. Rotation can extend the life of your tires by moving tires into different positions to help the tread wear evenly and thus keep the tire alive longer. Experts recommend rotation every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
By staying current on this type of tire maintenance, you’ll save yourself a great deal of hassle and money.
