You’re driving down the road minding your own business and enjoying your favorite playlist when out of the blue you feel a tug and your vehicle begins pulling to the right. And that noise! What in the world just took place? Sorry to say, you just got a flat tire and once your brain catches up with your racing heart, you’ll recognize that you’re going to need help and, at some later point, you might even ask yourself, “When was the last time I checked my tires?”
No doubt, tires are a crucial part of your vehicle. They’re the one thing between you and the road. So, stay safe, and save some money too by making certain your tires are properly maintained. Well-maintained tires will keep going longer, boost your fuel efficiency, improve your vehicle’s driving performance and, most importantly, be a factor in your overall road safety.
Okay, that said, we’re going to offer a crash course on what you should know about how to take care of your vehicle’s tires. From how to spot signs of wear to the need for a wheel alignment.
Keep your tires properly inflated
First and foremost, tires need the right amount of air. Air pressure will change based on temperature, so it’s essential to check your tire’s air pressure regularly. Monthly is a must, but it wouldn’t hurt to check them more often. You’ll need to check them when they’re cold, which means doing so before you drive on them. The first thing in the morning is obviously the best time.
Your owner’s manual will disclose the recommended tire pressure, and you’ll need a tire pressure gauge to find this out. Simply remove the valve cover on the tire, place the gauge on the valve and press down until the hissing sound stops. That reveals the tire’s psi. Compare it with the recommended psi number and, if the tire requires air, bring it to your vehicle’s dealership, a tire shop or an air machine at a local service station.
Tread depth
Tread equates to traction – providing your tires a grip on the road, particularly in severe weather. Lose too much tread and you could lose control!
Once your tread wears down to 2/32nds of an inch, it’s the point in time to stop at your local tire shop. Take a few minutes every month to visually examine your tires for irregular wear, high and low spaces, uncommonly smooth areas and further signs of damage.
Did you know that your tires have built-in tread wear indicators, or wear bars? When the tops of these bars are flush with the tire’s tread, the tire must be replaced.
Here’s a speedy road test: Place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you’re good to go. If you can see all of his head, it’s new tire time.
Wheel alignment
Wheel alignment is simply the measurement of the position of the wheels compared to the specifications that the vehicle manufacturers recommend. Each vehicle has precise wheel alignment settings. And if an alignment measurement drops outside the specified range, uneven tire wear can develop, vehicle handling could be affected, and fuel economy can be reduced.
You need to have the wheel alignment checked and adjusted when new tires are installed, and afterwards, at any time when strange steering characteristics are observed. A vehicle’s wheels are correctly aligned when the vehicle will drive down the road in a straight line without drifting or pulling to either side. Keep in mind that routine shocks such as potholes and railroad crossings, over time, can definitely knock your vehicle’s tires out of whack.
A drift or pull can also be caused by problems other than just alignment, so a thorough inspection should be conducted by a qualified shop to discover the precise nature of the problem before an alignment is performed.
Tire rotation
Regularly rotating your tires is another significant part of tire maintenance. In the course of rotation, technicians remove each wheel and place it in another position on the vehicle to ensure even tire tread wear.
It’s important to follow the tire rotation timetable in your owner’s manual. Largely, vehicles should get a tire rotation every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or every other oil change.
A qualified tire specialist should inspect the condition of each tire during rotation. Catching and correcting the source(s) of uneven tire wear early can prevent your tires from wearing out too soon. Accelerated wear is not just costly, but it can also be hazardous.
Tire balancing
Properly balanced tires also help reduce uneven wear and prolong their life. When tires are properly balanced, small weights are affixed to the wheels to curb vibration of the tire and wheels as they turn. Of course, newly installed tires should be balanced and thereafter at any time a vibration is detected. Balancing is also necessary when a tire is removed from the wheel, for example, to fix a puncture.
Don’t mix tires
So, you have a flat tire – only one – that simply cannot be repaired. The other 3 tires are still in good shape. You just need one tire to replace the damaged one, right?
Wrong.
In many instances, you’ll be advised to replace two or four tires at a time. Wait, what? Suddenly, the quick fix to replace one bad tire turned into a pricey repair! We are often asked if you can replace just one tire. Really, the answer hinges on the situation. There are a few variables in reaching the decision to replace just one or two tires, or if all four have to be replaced.
Replacing just one tire is normally not advised, however in some circumstances, you can get away with it. It usually rests on the condition of the other three tires, the type of tires now on your vehicle and the type of vehicle you have. Your tire dealer can help you out with this.
Bottom line: If you want good traction, optimum vehicle handling and ride comfort, it’s usually recommended to replace all four tires at the same time.
Store spare tires the right way
Be sure the tires are clean, free of gasoline, oil or any matter that could weaken the rubber. If you’re storing tires indoors, make sure it’s in a clean, cool location clear of direct sunlight or other heat sources. If outdoors, make certain the tires are elevated off the ground and utilize a waterproof covering with holes to avoid moisture build-up.
Okay, spending just a few minutes each month on maintenance can make all the difference in your tires’ safety, life and performance. You don’t need an expert mechanic. Just stick to the essentials mentioned above.