In this article, we will talk about 6 points you need to keep in mind for you to maximize your tires’ life and avoid any tire issues along the way.
- Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
If you’re not sure about how to check the tire pressure, it’s pretty simple! You just need a tire pressure gauge, either a standard gauge or a digital one. Before you attempt your first inspection, make sure that your tires are cold. Verify the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for your tires. Check each tire for pressure and fill them with the approved air pressure level.
If you don’t have an air compressor, you can either visit a gas station or give your mechanic a call to help you out. Keep in mind to check your tire pressure monthly.
- Never Drive with Mismatched Tires
Don’t even think about using mismatched tires, it’s just not safe. As a rule of thumb, in case 1 tire needs replacement and you don’t have enough money to buy a complete set, at least buy two tires and place them in the rear.
If you only replace that one tire that got punctured, you’re at a lot of risks. You’re going to have to deal with abnormal wear and tear.
- Rotate Your Tires for a Smoother Ride
To maximize the life on your tires and for even tread wear, rotate your tires on a regular basis. It is recommended to have your tires rotated at least every 6000 miles. Tire rotation will maintain proper stability and efficient traction on the road.
There are four ways to properly rotate your tires, and this depends on the type of car you drive.
- Forward Cross
This type of rotation is most common in front-wheel drive vehicles. What you need to do is to directly switch the front tire to the back while staying on the same side. For the rear tires, cross them when switching it to the front making an X-pattern on the changeover.
- Rearward Cross
A rearward cross pattern is when you do the exact opposite of the forward cross pattern. You will directly move the rear tires to the front while staying on the same side. The front tires should cross when it reaches the back for rear replacement. This means that the then right front tire goes to the left-back tire. This type of rotation will best suit rear-wheel drive, 4-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive vehicles.
- X-Pattern
An X-Pattern is great for front-wheel drive vehicles. This means that you need to switch all four tires in an x-pattern crossing them diagonally. This is to give even tread wear.
- Directional Switch
For directional switch, you just need to bring the front tires to the back and vice versa keeping them on the same side. Directional tires have a unique tread pattern to work particularly on the right or left side of the car.
- A Bald Head Might Be Sexy, But A Bald Tire Isn’t
Don’t wait for your tires to be on their deathbed before you plan on changing them. I know tires can be costly but choosing to drive with bald tires life will cost you your life. Bald tires are one of the primary cause of road accidents. If your tires don’t have any tread pattern left, this can cause blowouts, improper traction, and too much heat buildup.
- Make Sure Your Wheels Are Aligned Properly
Why is it important to have your wheels properly aligned and what does it have to do with the tires? When your wheels are not aligned properly, you will notice unusual wear which is smooth on one side and sharp on the other, also known as “feathered” tires.
- Remove Unnecessary Weight
Different vehicles have different maximum weights that they can safely handle. Overloading your car will cause your tires to fail or worse, blowout. It causes a lot of strain on your car and makes it impossible for you to drive properly. Aside from having tire problems, you will be consuming more fuel because your car will need to produce more energy to go forward when there is too much weight.