Most Popular Tire Maintenance Tips
Do you remember those important lessons about basic tire maintenance in your driver’s education class?
Most of our driving courses cover how to drive properly but not tire maintenance on the vehicle.
As a new driver, there are various things to learn and among them taking care of the vehicle is also important.
This article includes tips and tricks to maintain the only part of the vehicle that directly touches the ground.
Yes, we are talking about tires and tire maintenance!
It is one of the most important part in a vehicle and if not properly maintained can result in road service call, or worse.
With winter driving conditions in full effect, let’s take a look at how you can keep your tires performing at their best.
1- The Right Size
There is no one size fits all approach to car tires. The right size is crucial to the overall driving experience and the durability of the tires, suspension, and axles. Oversize tires sometimes look cool but can ruin the driving experience. They can also hurt the mileage. Similarly, the smaller tires may improve the mileage of your car but can disturb the balance. The smaller tires also dent the overall look of the vehicle.
2- Weight Of The Rims
The material and weight of rims are also important when it comes to the performance and health of your tires. The higher the weight of the rims, the higher will be the mileage. Heavyweight rims are also not that durable. We advise our readers to go for company fitted rims.
3- Follow Manufacturer’s Guideline
Study the manufacturer’s manual carefully and follow the guidelines prescribed by them. These guidelines usually include the correct tire pressure, when to replace the tire, puncture guidelines, etc. Most of these guidelines are also overlooked by the owners. This is the reason why tires get worn out quicker.
4- Air Pressure
The air pressure inside the tires should not be taken lightly, especially if you are traveling on longer routes or on highways. Less pressure means more chances of a puncture. The optimum pressure can be located in the owner’s manual – generally, it should be between 28 PSI to 30 PSI for highways and 30 to 32 PSI on city roads. We recommend our readers to check the air pressure every week.
5- Warranty
Most car owners are unaware of the fact that new tires are under warranty. The warranty period is usually of one year or 40,000 kilometers. If your tire swells up or changes its shape, the manufacturers will usually be liable to change the tire – no questions asked. The warranty, however, doesn’t include blown out tires or damage due to reckless driving.
Conclusion
Tire Maintenance can help enhance the longevity of tires but no tires are built to last forever. No matter how safely you drive or how well maintained you keep them, they are bound to age with time. The natural smoothness will eventually evaporate, resulting in damage and cracks.
The main aim of tire maintenance is to enhance their useful life and keep them fit for different terrains. We advise our readers not to delay replacement if the tires are damaged or become worn out.
Stay Safe & Drive On!
