Have you ever considered the fact that the only parts of your car that actually touch the road are your tires? Tire care becomes much more interesting when you think about it from this perspective. Your tires affect the vehicle's handling, braking ability, safety and even the fuel economy. Plus, tires aren't cheap to replace when the treads eventually wear out. Why wouldn't you want to take care of your tires to make them perform better and last longer?
Here are a few helpful automotive maintenance tips from LightHouse Automotive to extend the lifespan of your car's tires:
1. Check the Air Pressure Regularly
You should try to get in the habit of checking your tires' air pressure regularly. If they are inflated too much or too little, it will cause them to wear out quicker. It can also hinder the vehicle's handling and fuel efficiency, while putting more stress on components like the brakes, transmission, wheels, differentials and suspension. Check your air pressure at least once a month, if not every week, and especially before any long road trips.
2. Rotate Your Tires
You should get your tires rotated every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. No matter what kind of vehicle you drive and how you drive it, the treads will naturally wear out differently. Rotating the tires regularly helps even out the tread wear and will keep all four of your tires lasting longer than if you never rotate them. Having your tires rotated along with every oil change is a good way to remember.
3. Check Your Wheel Alignment
When you come in for maintenance services, ask your mechanic to check the wheel alignment. If it is off, your tires will definitely be affected. Even with regular tire rotations, one or two may still wear out more quickly than others if the wheels are misaligned.
4. Measure Your Tire Tread Depth
You can use a penny to measure the tread depth. Just stick it in the middle tread of each tire with Lincoln's head pointed toward the tire. If there is any space between the top of the tread and the top of Abe's head, then your treads are getting dangerously low. They also make simple tread measuring tools you can buy at auto parts shops to give you more precise measurements.
5. Take Care of Your Brakes and Suspension
Of course, other systems will impact the strain put on your tires. If you are taking good care of your brake system, suspension system, transmission and wheels, it will ultimately help your tires last longer.
6. Get Flat Tires and Leaks Repaired Professionally
Flat tires can happen at anytime, and small leaks can also develop when running over nails and common road debris. If you ever notice a tire consistently losing pressure or your tire pressure warning light go on, get your tires looked at by a tire expert. Get any leaks or damage repaired immediately to help prevent further damage. A flat repair is always cheaper than having to buy a new tire!
These are just a few helpful tips for better tire care. If you follow these regular maintenance recommendations, your tires should last a lot longer and your vehicle will be safer to drive. For all your tire care needs in Colorado Springs, call LightHouse Automotive today at (719) 465-0302 or schedule your service appointment online.