Statistics show that 273.6 million vehicles were registered in the US in 2018 alone. Therefore, a high number of US residents use cars and have to deal with various car problems. One of the common issues car owners experience is tire damage, such as wear and tear, baldness, and strange tire noises.
Tire damage could affect the integrity of your tires and increase the number of accidents and injuries. Therefore, you need to know how you can keep tires in good condition for your safety. Here are ways to protect your tires.
- Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
You need to check your tire pressure frequently and adjust it. During summer, the temperature of the roads usually rises, expanding the air inside tires. As a result, the pressure of tires will increase, leading to over inflation.
During winter, the temperature will lower, causing pressure to decrease. Underinflated tires increase the amount of rubber in contact with the road. This increases friction, which could lead to overheating, resulting in wear.
Hence, you should always have a tire gauge in your toolbox. Ensure you purchase a quality tire gauge for accuracy and reliability. A quality one will also serve you for a long time.
The appropriate tire pressure is recorded on a tag found inside the driver’s door jamb. If the measured pressure is above or below the stated limit, you should release air from or add air to the tires. You should set a reminder on your smartphone to help you keep track of the tire pressure.
You will get more accurate results if you take the readings when the tires are cool, especially when your car hasn’t been driven for a few hours.
You should also pay attention to the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The system has a sensor light to alert you if the tire air pressure is not within the normal range. Check it frequently, and respond quickly when it blinks.
- Wash the Tires
You need to wash and condition your car tires frequently. During hot seasons, washing will keep them cool and help maintain a stable pressure. It also prevents them from drying out, which is one of the causes of tire wear.
Washing your tires during winter gets rid of snow and road salt, which can cause tire wear. A professional can help coat the tires with a heat or ice protectant to shield the rubber from harsh weather elements.
- Install Seasonal Tires
You might need to install summer tires during hot temperatures. These tires are made differently with an added rubber compound to allow them to grip hot roads effectively. They also have reduced rolling resistance, and thus you will have better control of your car on both wet and dry roads.
In the winter, install winter tires since they have a unique tread design with wider grooves. This design increases traction on ice. They also have a soft rubber to keep the car stable despite the dropping temperatures.
You can opt to purchase all season-tires that you can use during different seasons.
- Get Professional Inspection Monthly
You should take your car for professional inspection every month. The technician will check for any wear signs, cracks, leaks, and bulges. They will also check the tread depth to confirm they are within the acceptable range.
Tire treads give you better control on the road. Hence, they can affect your vehicle’s performance if they wear down. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires whose treads have lowered to 3mm.
You need to protect and maintain your tires to extend their useful life. At Evans Tire & Service Centers, we offer quality automotive services to protect the integrity of your car. Contact us now for more information.
