5 Basic Things You Need To Know About Tire Care

If you’re a regular commuter, you know how important it is to have good tires. To maximize their lifespan, they need to be properly inflated, aligned and rotated. Tire maintenance is a crucial part of vehicle ownership because it can save you from being stranded on the side of the road in case something goes wrong with one or more tires. If you want long-lasting tires, then there are five basic things that you need to do.

1) Ensure Proper Air Pressure

You need to ensure your tires are properly inflated. If they’re not, it can affect fuel economy and even your safety on the road. Keep an eye on air pressure by using a tire gauge or by checking with your vehicle manufacturer for psi recommendations.

This is the most basic yet common mistake people make with their tires. The recommended air pressure for your vehicle is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual. You can also see it stamped into the sidewall of your tire. You should check pressure levels at least once a month and before long trips.

2) Rotate All Four Tires

The next thing you need to know about tire care is the importance of rotating them regularly. Tire rotation ensures even wear and prolongs tread life, but it also helps maintain your vehicle’s handling and performance by ensuring that the front tires wear down evenly with rear ones, so they share driving duties more equally. Rotating only needs to be done every six months or 6000 miles.

3) Ensure All Tires are Aligned

Tire alignment is important because it enhances the vehicle’s stability, traction and responsiveness. It also helps reduce tire wear, so you don’t have to keep replacing them as often. If your car pulls left or right when driving straight down a road, that could indicate misalignment on either one side or both. Tire alignment should be checked by a professional every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

4) Tires Require Balancing

A tire that’s not balanced can cause excessive vibration while driving, leading to premature wear and tear on the tires and other integral components of the vehicle. You should have your tires balanced every 5000-7000 miles or when you get new ones installed.

5) Stay Away from Potholes

Potholes can cause irreparable damage to your tires, so it’s important to avoid them if at all possible. If you must drive over a pothole, try driving slowly and steadily. If you hit a pothole hard, it can cause your tires to lose air, which will make them more susceptible to damage.

You want your tires to be in good shape. You need a reliable tire service center for your car or truck tires. At Cutter Mazda Waipahu, serving Waipahu, HI, our team is ready and waiting to provide your car with top-notch tire services that will keep your vehicle on the road driving smoothly. Schedule an appointment today.

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