Getting the Most Out of Your Tires

All vehicles have them, and we couldn’t get very far without them, yet you could say they are taken for granted. They are tires. Tires are the only part of the automobile that touch the pavement, and deserve the greatest of care, but they are also the easiest part of the car to neglect. As with the engine, routine and preventative maintenance can increase the life of the tires.

On average, a set of new tires will last approximately 50,000 miles, but certain factors can affect the tread life, such as the age of the tires, or the condition of roads frequently traveled.

Following these simple guidelines can maximize tread life and get you the most out of your tires:

• • Maintaining proper tire pressure – Checking your tire pressure and maintaining the recommended pressure will help to avoid uneven or increased tread wear and damage to the tires. It’s good practice to check the pressure once a month and before long road trips.
  • Avoid potholes – Cracked or broken pavement and potholes are hard on your tires. If you can avoid roads that are deteriorating, it’s best to do so. Screeching your tires will also cause wear the tread.
  • Routine alignments – Aligning or straightening your wheels per your vehicle’s recommendation is very important in keeping your tires ‘healthy’. If you notice pulling to one side, or there’s visible damage to the tire, your wheels most likely need aligned.
  • Tire rotation – Having your tires rotated will keep the tread wear even. Tires should be rotated approximately every 6,000 miles, or as outlined in your owner’s manual.
  • Maintain suspension components – Regular maintenance of your car’s suspension system can prolong the life of your tires. Bad wheel bearings and shocks can cause excessive or irregular tread wear. Replacing such components on a regular schedule, rather than waiting for them to fail will extend the life of your tires.

 

Routine and preventative maintenance are vital in keeping your vehicle on the road. If you need your wheels and tires inspected, Best Auto of Longmont and its team of ASE certified mechanics can provide the proper inspection of your vehicle, perform necessary repairs, and help you get the most out of your tires.