Tires are an important part of your vehicle. They’re the only thing between you and the road. Ensuring your tires are properly maintained will keep you safe and save you money.
Easy Tire Maintenance Tips
The following simple tips not only extend the life of your tires, but also help increase fuel efficiency, driving performance and most important, your safety on the road.
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- Keep tires properly inflated. Over or under-inflated tires may not accelerate, brake or steer correctly. Check tire pressure monthly when the tires are still cold, like before you head out for a drive. Note: The vehicle information sticker, often located on the driver side front door lists the necessary tire pressures. If you’re unable to find it, refer to your owner’s manual, do not simply inflate to the max pressure listed on the sidewall of the tire.
- Inspect your tires monthly. Be aware of cracks or bulges, objects lodged in the tire, punctures and uneven tread wear. Get any issues you find repaired immediately by a certified shop.
- Rotate your tires regularly. This extends the life of your tires and improve performance. It’s recommended you rotate your tires once every 10,000 km’s or every 6 months.
- Get a wheel alignment. Getting an alignment annually, or every 25,000 km’s helps mitigate uneven tread wear. Regular impacts by potholes, railroad crossings or curbs, or more severe circumstances like accidents, will knock your vehicle out of alignment.
- Keep your tires balanced. Having unbalanced tires leads to rapid tire tread wear. Balance tires whenever you change, rotate or buy new tires.
- Replace your tires when needed. Pay close attention to the tire tread for indication on when to replace your tires. Note: There are depth gauges in the tread you can use to see if the tread is getting low, or you can perform a Coin Test.
- Don’t mix and match tires. While it may be more economical to replace only one or two tires, mismatched tires can lead to increased and uneven tread wear, or even mechanical issues.
- Change your tires according to the season. In Canada, it’s recommended that you have a set of summer tires and winter tires. Each type is designed differently to match the temperature and road conditions. Using winter tires in the summer wears those tires faster, and summer tires in winter don’t grip as effectively especially when driving in snow or slush.
- Store spare tires properly. Ensure your tires are free from gasoline, grease, or any other rubber deteriorating substances. If you store your tires indoors, make sure the area is clean, cool and away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Storing them outdoors requires that tires are raised off of the ground, and should be draped with a water proof covering with vent holes to prevent moisture build-up.
Proper tire maintenance will extend the life of your tires, save you money and keep you safe on the road. If you are not sure how much life is left in your tires, call DC Autocare (519) 736-5757 to book an inspection.
