Of all the important parts of your vehicle—the engine, transmission, exhaust, etc.—people seem to forget that without properly maintained tires, you’re not going to get anywhere very fast! At the end of the day, the four tires your vehicle is supported by are the only things between a couple of tons of steel and the road, making it incredibly important to keep on top of your tires’ health at all times.
Unfortunately, keeping your tires in good standing isn’t as easy as you might think—it takes some keen knowledge of what optimal tire health is and how to go about achieving it before you can truly have peace of mind about the condition of the ones on your vehicle. To that end, we’ve put together a quick list of essential tire care tips that you should always have in mind when considering your tires:
Tire rotations and alignments
You’re probably aware of tire rotations and alignments from your brushes with routine auto maintenance in Madison, TN. Aside from being something on an automotive maintenance checklist, these procedures are going to be your first line of defense against premature tire wear.
An alignment will correct any off-balance angles that your tires might be shifted into, which can cause them to wear against your wheel well during turns. Coupled with this, a tire rotation will swap the tires on your vehicle to create even wear across all four, thereby extending their overall life.
As mentioned above, generally tire rotations and alignments will be included as part of your regular regimen for auto maintenance in Madison, TN, but if for some reason you’re overdue or can’t remember the last time your tires were address in these ways, it’s a good idea to talk to your mechanic.
Proper inflation
Unless you’re riding around on a flat tire or there’s a noticeable lilt to your vehicle, you’re probably not going to be too concerned about the tire pressure of your tires… however it’s worth checking even when nothing is wrong, to stay abreast of any developing issues. All it takes is a tire pressure gauge and about 10 seconds per tire to get a reading—if they’re low, spend a minute filling them back to optimal PSI; if they’re fine, drive away with peace of mind!
Proper inflation will reduce wear, extend the life of your tires, improve your fuel economy and even give you better performance while driving!
Routine inspections
No one wants to experience a flat tire. Taking a few moments to inspect your tires thoroughly every couple of months can dramatically reduce the risk of your experiencing a blowout and, in turn, mitigate any costs you might end up spending on auto maintenance in Madison, TN after a blowout!
Look for debris lodged in your tires, any punctures and check the PSI—if you notice anything unusual, inspect it further and, if need be, consult with a professional about the severity of the damage and whether or not it can be patched. While you’re up close and personal, be sure to inspect the length of the tread as well—if you’re looking a little low or your tires are bald, it’s imperative to replace them as quickly as possible!
Remember, optimal tire care impacts you in a number of ways, from the quality of your driving experience to the money you’ll save by avoiding premature tire wear. Take care of your tires and they’ll take care of you!