Poorly maintained tires will eat into the efficiency and performance of your car and can also become a serious safety hazard. Heat can build up. Your tires could puncture and blow, causing you to lose control of the steering and have an accident. They may not grip well on wet surfaces and cause you to skid across them. Air could leak from them, lowering the tires` air pressure, and affect your car`s steering, braking and fuel economy. All of this means keeping the wheels of your automobile in good condition is essential. Below is a look at some of the factors that influence the useful life of your tires, plus some tips on how to get more out of your tires.
What causes your tires to wear out or last longer?
How long a tire lasts will depend on several factors. Here are some of the main ones:
- The quality of the tire
- The road conditions on which you`re using your vehicle
- The care you devote to your tires (both in terms of maintenance and how carefully you drive)
Ideally, you should ask a professional to check your tires once a year. If you`re still using the same ones after 10 years, you should replace them, just as a precaution.
You should be able to get at least 20,000 miles or more out of your front tires. The back ones should give you double this. In both cases, the number of miles will depend on the factors above.
Getting the most out of your tires
As you`ve seen above, the amount of time your tires will last isn`t a foregone conclusion. You have a say in how long your tires serve you before it`s time to make replacements, but how do you get the most out of your tires?
Check the tire pressure
If your tires are under-inflated, they`re more likely to blow out. When a tire`s pressure is too low, the shoulder of the tire carries a disproportionate amount of the automobile`s load. When the pressure is too high, the center section of the tire experiences accelerated wear. The correct tire pressure will distribute the load of the vehicle evenly across the tire tread and the tread will wear evenly.
Consult the sticker placed on the door, or read your vehicle`s manual, to find out the correct tire pressure for your vehicle. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before long journeys.
Observe and adapt your driving style
You should not only keep an eye on your tires but also on your driving style. Avoid driving too fast, braking heavily and cornering abruptly. This will serve your tires better in the long run. Keeping calm behind the wheel and always driving smoothly will hold off the need for a replacement for longer.
Rebalance your tires
Sometimes you might feel your tires wobble a little when you hit more than 40 or 50 mph. This and the combination of some wear and tear on your tires is a sign you need to rebalance your wheels. It`s a simple fix, but you`ll have to take your car to a tire specialist so you can prevent further deterioration of your tires.
Rotate your tires
Different wheels handle different burdens when the vehicle is in motion. This makes it worthwhile rotating your tires between the front and the back so each tire experiences the same amount of wear and tear. Some professionals recommend you do this every 7,500 miles, depending on which tire is done first. If you`re not sure, consult a professional about whether you need to rotate your tires or not.
Looking after your tires is important for the performance and efficiency of your vehicle, and for your own safety. Take the steps above to keep your tires in good condition. If you have any doubts about the suitability of your tires for the road, consult a professional.