Inflation Can Be Helpful…On Tires!
Here are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to the health of your vehicle’s tires.
- Most tires don’t make it to 50,000 miles. Remember, tires don’t last forever. Tires that are not properly installed age very fast.
- Tires need good tread to have traction, so you can stop without sliding.
- Tires need to be properly inflated. Check the number listed on the inside of your car door (not the tire).
- Have your tires rotated every 5,000 – 6,000 miles.
What causes tires to wear out? Tires wear unevenly even when they are properly aligned. Irregularities in the road and of the car can lessen tread and tire life.
Can a tire’s life be increased? Certainly. By having your tires rotated and balanced regularly you can increase a tire’s life expectancy by nearly 50%.
Why does a car need alignment? Even if your tires’ tread looks normal, rough roads and repeated encounters with curbs will make your vehicle’s tires suffer. Having your car put on an alignment rack once a year will keep the tires healthy. Incorrect alignment makes tires follow their own paths and causes scrubbing action against the road surface. In addition to excessive wear, this friction causes the steering wheel to fight the driver, requiring additional efforts to keep the vehicle on the road. A wheel alignment service should include careful examination of steering and suspension components. Even the best equipment and technicians cannot align a vehicle with worn or damaged parts.
What is the big deal about proper inflation of tires? Under-inflated tires cause your tires to wear along the sides, while over-inflated tires cause your tires to wear down the middle of the tread. Radial tires always look a little soft, but don’t be fooled and assume inflation is correct. Buy a tire gauge and use it monthly to keep your tires properly inflated. It saves your tires and saves on fuel too!
What else should you keep in mind? Don’t overload your vehicle as this excessive weight rests right on your tires.
What should you look out for? Potholes and uneven pavement!
What is the best thing you can do for your tires? Always make sure tires are “cool” when checking for proper inflation as “hot tires” have a higher reading than “cool tires.” Take your vehicle to a certified service repair facility quarterly so they can make sure you are driving on the safest and most comfortable tires possible. They have the proper equipment to test your tires. You and your passengers depend on your vehicle’s tires.