Wheel Guide - 4 Important Facts About Tire Care
Tires are a major part of your car. They provide traction on wet and dry surfaces, allow you to stop quickly, and protect the body from damage in a collision. Maintaining them can be tricky if you don't know what you're doing. Here are five easy tire care tips that will keep your tires happy so they last longer.
1) Check Air Pressure
Tire pressure is one of the essential parts of tire care. The correct air pressure can help maintain proper handling, braking, and fuel efficiency by ensuring enough contact between the rubber treads and the road surface. This reduces rolling resistance, leading to longer durability because it allows the tires to absorb shocks more effectively.
Checking the air pressure should be done at least once a month. The car's proper tire pressure can usually be found on a sticker inside the driver's side door or in their owner's manual. To improve your fuel economy, it is best to check your tires to ensure they are properly inflated.
2) Don't Buy Mismatched Tires
If you need to replace one of your tires, be sure to purchase the exact brand and model as the other tires installed on the car. This is because if it isn't an identical match, there can be performance or safety issues. Plus, purchasing a different type of tire could alter how well the car handles when it is in motion.
If you install different types of tires on your car's front and back axle, it is called "mixing." Mixing tires can cause problems. For example, if you have a low-profile tire on the front and a high-profile tire on the back, this will result in poor steering response and braking distance.
3) Rotate the Tires
Regularly rotating the tires is another important way to keep them in good condition and improve their lifespan. Rotating the tires means moving them from one side of the car to the other, and doing this every few months will help even out the wear pattern. When you have a new set of tires installed on your car, be sure to rotate them immediately. It's an easy process and will help keep your tires in good condition for longer.
4) All Tires Must be Aligned Properly
Even if you rotate your tires as recommended, if they're not aligned properly, then you won't get the full benefit of doing so. Proper alignment is important for several reasons. For one, it ensures that your car handles correctly and doesn't pull to one side or the other. It also extends the life of your tires by preventing uneven wear.
If you're noticing that your car is pulling to one side when you drive, then it's time for an alignment. The good news is that this is a relatively inexpensive service to have done. Most car dealerships offer alignment services.