There's nothing fun about buying tires, but it's something we all have to do. The key to saving money and keeping the time between replacing your tires to a minimum is making them last. There's a certain science to maximizing the life of tires, but it involves several things. From air pressure to driving habits and many things in between, here are some ways you can extend the life of your tires:
Keep On Top of the Air Pressure
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your tires is by maintaining the proper air pressure. If it's too low, it can decrease your vehicle's handling ability, increase wear and tear, and increase the risk of blowing a tire. Tire pressure is always changing. It can change due to:
- Regular wear and tear.
- Colder temperatures in winter, which can lower the air pressure.
- Warmer temperatures in summer, which can increase the air pressure.
The only way to maintain the right amount of air pressure in your tires is to check it regularly. If you do a quick check each month, you can ensure you always have the correct amount of pressure. Making sure you have the right amount of air in your tires will also increase your fuel economy. Low tire pressure means the car has to work harder and burns more gas.
Rotate, Balance, and Align Your Tires
Since most vehicles only use two tires to drive the car at a time, these two tires will wear faster than the others. Rotating the tires every 5,000 miles will make the tires wear more evenly, and they'll last longer.
If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the front tires will wear faster than the back tires. If you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, the rear tires will wear faster. When a technician rotates the tires, they move them to different positions on the vehicle, giving the driving tires a chance to rest and putting the resting tires to work.
Along with tire rotation, you should also have the tires balanced. Each tire has a heavy spot, and even though it's small, it can cause a vibration. This vibration creates uneven wear and tear. When you have your tires rotated, you should also have them balanced to change the weight. It may cost a little extra, but it's cheaper than new tires.
You should have your alignment checked twice a year, but if you feel pulling or drifting to one side, you should have it checked sooner. A small misalignment can cause uneven and extra wear on your tires.
Take It Easy on the Gas Pedal
If you've ever watched auto racing, you'll see drivers make pit stops several times throughout the race because they need new tires. If you press down on the gas pedal like they do during a race and then slam on the brakes when it's time to stop, you'll need tire changes more frequently too.
Applying even pressure on the gas pedal when accelerating and then preparing for stops so you don't come screeching to a halt will preserve your tire tread and make it last longer. The same goes for abrupt steering changes. Look ahead and plan for what's coming instead of making last-minute sudden movements. Your car and your tires will thank you.
Avoid Road Hazards
It may be easier said than done, but when you can avoid potholes or other hazards in the road, it's always better for your tires. Large potholes can do a number on your alignment, and if you keep driving after you've hit one, you'll notice quicker tire deterioration.
Other things you want to avoid include scraping tires on a curb when parking and gravel roads. Gravel or dirt roads are usually made of crushed quarry rock. This can be sharp and jagged, which will damage your tires if you don't have special off-road tread.
If you have an off-road vehicle with tires that are designed to handle this type of terrain, it's not as much of a concern. If you have regular all-season tires or summer tires on your car when you have to drive on gravel, go slow and stay in the center of the road if possible. If there are existing tire tracks, stay in them.
Store Off-Season Tires Properly
If you live in an area where you change out your tires for winter ones when it starts to snow, it's important to correctly store your off-season tires. Never keep them in the open air or open to the elements. Direct exposure to the sun will harm the rubber, so keeping them inside is your best bet.
Before putting the tires in storage, make sure to clean them. Once they're clean and dry, put them in large plastic bags such as yard or leaf bags. Make sure there's no moisture trapped in the bag before sealing them up, and then remove as much of the air as possible. You can even use your vacuum cleaner to suck out all the extra air.
When choosing where to put them, think cool and dry. A basement or climate-controlled space is best, but if you have a garage, it will work if you have a heat source in it. Avoid spaces that undergo significant temperature changes throughout the seasons.
Consider the Weather
The weather has a large impact on your tires. If they become overinflated in the warm summer months, it can cause uneven wear and tear. This, combined with hot pavement and heavy loads, can cause a blowout. In the winter, underinflated tires are common, and if you don't have winter tires, the rubber can become stiff and brittle.
Visit Us at Sioux Falls Ford
Taking care of your tires might seem like a lot of work, but it really doesn't take much time to get a rotation, balance, or alignment. And these are less expensive than a set of four new tires. If you have tire maintenance questions, contact us at Sioux Falls Ford in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and our service staff will be happy to help.
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