The tires of your car need proper attention and care, just like any other part of the vehicle. What makes them especially vulnerable and prone to wear and tear is the fact that they are the only part of your car that’s in contact with the road.
Lucky for us, tire maintenance is simpler than it seems. Simply following this checklist can help you maximize your tires’ lifespan and enjoy their performance to the fullest.
Air Pressure
Checking the air pressure in all four tires can go a long way! You can use a good tire pressure gauge to check the levels before you head out for a drive. Compare it with your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure. This can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker on the driver-side door. Experts recommend checking the pressure in the morning since it usually gives the most accurate results.
Tire Rotation
Tire rotation is an important exercise in tire maintenance. This activity helps in ensuring even tire tread wear for each wheel. Each vehicle comes with a recommended tire rotation schedule, but most experts recommend a rotation every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Why? Because a worn-out tire can prove to be very dangerous for you and other cars around you.
Tread Depth
The tread depth of your tire determines how well the vehicle grips the road and maintains control. The more the tire grooves wear out, the less your car grips on to the road. The “Quarter Test” helps in determining the tread depth of your tires and if they need changing:
– Find the area with the shallowest tread
– Insert a quarter, headfirst, into the tread
If all of George Washington’s head is visible, your tire tread is at or below 4/32nd of an inch and needs to be replaced
Flat Tires
No matter how well you maintain your tires, a flat is not something you can see coming. It is important for a driver to know how to change a flat using the tools in your vehicle’s kit. If a flat tire isn’t repaired properly, it can lead to blowouts and serious accidents that can endanger your life and many others. Make sure you have a spare tire in the boot at all times.
