Three Simple Ways To Extend The Life Of Your Tires
Visiting a tire shop to buy new tires for your vehicle is an important way to stay safe on the road, given that old, worn tires can affect your ability to stop in a timely manner and control your vehicle in general. While buying new tires is a necessary expense for everyone who owns a vehicle, there are a number of ways that you can extend the life of your current tires to get the most out of them. The following three tips are simple steps you can take to help your tires last as long as possible.
Ensure Proper Inflation
Failing to keep the vehicle's tires properly inflated is an oversight that many drivers make. Properly inflated tires won't just last longer; they'll also improve your ability to safely control your vehicle and even give you better gas mileage. Invest in a tire pressure gauge and keep it in your glove compartment. Check your tire pressure at least once per month by pressing the tip of the gauge into the tire valve after you've removed the cap. The correct pressure for your tires is identified in your owner's manual. If even one tire is below the proper inflation, visit a gas station or tire shop to air it up.
Obey The Speed Limit
Every driver is tempted to speed from time to time, especially while running late. However, consistently driving faster than the speed limit does more than put you at risk of getting a ticket – speeding can also cause premature wear to the treads of your tires. Drivers who average about 68 miles per hour, for example, will wear their tires out 25 percent faster than drivers who average a more moderate pace of around 55 miles per hour. Keeping within the speed limit also means that you'll have to slam on your brakes less frequently, which is ideal because rapid braking will wear down your treads more quickly than slow, steady braking.
Rotate Your Tires
Whether you typically change your own tires or you prefer visiting an auto center to get the work done by a professional, it's important to rotate your tires regularly. For most drivers, this means doing so about every time you get your oil changed. Rotating your tires with this frequency means that they'll wear more evenly, which will reduce your risk of one or more tires wearing along the outer edge, for example, and needing to be replaced prematurely.
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