Tires are a big investment; it makes sense that you should take good care of them. This includes getting the most out of them that you can. Stretching your dollar further while still staying safe is key. Tires are not cheap – even if you go the rock bottom price route, you could still end up paying $400 between tires, mounting, balancing, taxes and disposal fees. Get the most miles possible out of them with these tips on long tire life:
Check Tire Pressure
It’s important to regularly check your tire pressure. This is for your safety just as much as it is for the lifespan of your tires. Underinflated tires tend to wear unevenly, reducing your fuel economy because of the increased rolling resistance. That resistance also translates to more heat, which breaks down the tires’ internal structure and shortens their lives. All it takes to shorten your tire’s life by 25% is for it to be underinflated by just five to six pounds.
Rotate Tires
This is another important regular task. Because no car features even weight distribution from front to rear, your tires need to be rotated on a regular basis. A good time to get this done is when you get an oil change, or about every 6,000 miles. Uneven wear happens due to the engine putting more weight on the front wheels, making them wear differently as your car’s weight and momentum shifts to the front when you brake.
In addition, your front tires are impacted by the effects of different forces while cornering. Rotating the tires will shift their positions on the vehicle to even out that wear, making sure they all wear at the same rate.
Check the Wheel Alignment
A car or truck in need of a wheel alignment wears the front tires unevenly. This is due to the out-of-spec wheel attempting to drag the vehicle in a different direction. This is also what causes that tell-tale pull to one side when you are trying to drive in a straight line. Be aware of the signs of poor wheel alignment, and make sure you get a wheel alignment when necessary.
Drive Responsibly
Obey the speed limit and don’t try anything crazy, such as hard cornering or wheel spins when taking off. This will preserve your car’s tires and help them last their intended lifespan. This will only serve to save you money and hassle later.
Contact I&I Tires
If you are experiencing any of the above problems with your tires, schedule an appointment with us today online or call us at 404-857-0840.