Tires are your car’s primary source of contact with the road, which means it is essential to take care of them. Depending on the materials used and how they are manufactured, some tires are more durable than others. However, regardless of this, you can extend your car tires’ lifespans if you take good care of them.
Taking care of your tires means slowing down their wear and tear and keeping their threads intact for as long as possible. This article shares different ways to care for your car tires and extend their lives. Doing this can save you from spending too much on costly tire replacements.
Inspect your car tires regularly
Inspecting your tires for wear and checking if they are inflated to the recommended pressure is essential. Inspect each tire for wear or damage, such as cracks, bulges, or flat spots. Pay special attention to the tread depth.
Rotate your tires regularly
Rotating your car tires will ensure they wear evenly and last longer. This means moving one tire from one position to another.
Switch the rear tires in a cross-pattern manner (i.e., swap the rear-right tire with the front-left and rear-left with the front-right). Check your car’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended rotation intervals.
Inflate your car tires properly
Before driving away, ensure the air pressure is in line with the recommended pressure in your car’s owner’s manual. Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure and inflate or deflate them to the correct pressure.
Under-inflated tires can lead to increased wear and tear on the treads. They are also more susceptible to punctures and blowouts.
Change your driving habits
Driving habits have a significant impact on the lifespan of your car tires. The following are some bad driving habits you should avoid to reduce wear and tear:
- Fast accelerations from a standstill, especially when turning.
- Sudden braking, particularly when travelling downhill or carrying heavy loads.
- Hard cornering or sudden changes in direction (e.g., lane changes).
- Hitting potholes at a high speed.
Store your car tires correctly
Store your tires in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep them away from any chemicals or oils that might damage the rubber. This includes things like petrol, brake fluid, and transmission fluid.
If you plan to park your car for a long time, ensure that the tires are well-inflated and if possible, lifted off the ground to avoid flat spots.
