Cars, are without a doubt, the most popular form of transportation in America. You likely own one yourself and use it daily to commute to work, visit the grocery store, or travel to spend time with family and friends. As a car owner, it’s important to keep your car well maintained, and that includes its wheels and tires. Keep your car in good condition for years to come with these tips for maintaining your car’s tires.
Check Your Tires Frequently
As with any other part of your car, it’s wise to check over your tires frequently, just to ensure there are no issues and they’re still in good condition. Checking your tires will help you to catch any potential or minor issues before they become bigger, more expensive problems. It’s especially important to inspect your tires before taking a long trip with your car—the last thing you want is tire failure on the road.
Rotate Your Tires
When is the last time you had your tires rotated? Rotating your tires is an important part of car maintenance, as it ensures that all of your tires wear equally and therefore gives you a smoother, safer ride. Tire rotations should be performed every 3000-8000 miles or every six months. A good rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated when you bring your car in to have its oil changed.
Maintain the Right Air Pressure
As you drive your car over time, the tires will naturally lose some air pressure. Tires that are over or underinflated can negatively affect your car’s performance and even be a safety hazard. Learn to check your car’s tire pressure and do so at least once a month. If your car tires are over or underinflated, inflate them to the correct pressure.
Replace Worn or Damaged Tires
If, after checking your car’s tires or taking it into the shop, you discover that its tires are worn or damaged, replace them. Although buying new tires can sometimes seem like a hassle, it’s an investment that’s worth making. Following each of these tips for maintaining your car’s tires will help you to extend the life of your tires, improve their performance, and ultimately help you stay safe on the road.
