Tips for extending the life of my tires
Taking proper care of your tires is important for a number of reasons. Not only will appropriate maintenance help to extend the lifetime of your tires and save you some cash, but it will also help to keep you safer behind the wheel and improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
Here are some tips for prolonging the lifetime of your tires:
Rotate them
One of the best ways to extend the lifetime of your tires is to rotate them on a consistent basis. Some people recommend rotating them every other oil change to ensure you’re doing it regularly.
Experts recommend having your tires rotated every 5,000-8,000 kilometres.
Check tire pressure
Regularly checking your tire’s pressure can help to avoid uneven wear and ensure you’re getting the most out of your fuel economy. Consult your owner’s manual to determine what the proper pressure should be. Just make sure you don’t overinflate them, as this can create extended wear in the center of the tire.
Drive better
Nothing wears out a tire more than poor driving. Accelerating and braking abruptly will only add to the wear and tear of your tires, and turning sharply can cause them to wear unevenly. To avoid this, pay closer attention when driving, and try your best to leave on time to prevent the need to speed and cut corners.
Get a wheel alignment
To avoid uneven wear, you should try to have your wheels aligned on an annual basis. However, if you’re experiencing poor handling or pulling of your car in one direction, you should take your vehicle in to have it looked at as soon as possible.
Check your tires
The quickest and easiest thing you should be doing is visually monitoring your tires on a weekly basis. Quickly scanning your tires for any problems before leaving for work once a week can go a long way in ensuring a bigger issue won’t arise down the road.
Drive less
It should go without saying, but the more kilometres you put on your vehicle, the quicker your tires will wear. If you want to prolong the lifetime of your tires, you could consider carpooling with a group of colleagues or avoid taking your vehicle for short errands.
Be safe
Don’t avoid replacing your tires just to save a few bucks, as you could be putting both yourself and others in grave danger. If the tread on your tires is worn out, it may have an effect on your ability to break, which could become a huge problem in the winter when the roads are more slippery.
Don’t wait until your tires are completely worn before having them replaced either. It’s recommended to have them swapped every 40,000-60,000 kilometres, but that’s just a rule of thumb. If you’re having trouble gripping the road, you’ll need to have them replaced immediately.