Hold the Road: 4 Tips to Make Your Tires Last


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While tires are much more durable than they used to be, they still take an incredible amount of punishment. In order to extend the life of your tires, make sure that you carry out all of the proper maintenance well before any major problems occur.

Keep Them Properly Inflated

One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your vehicle’s tires is to keep them properly inflated at all times. If you don’t know what the recommended tire pressure is, look for a small sticker on the inside of the driver’s door. You can also check the owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure or head to the manufacturer’s website to download a digital copy of that manual.

Rotate the Tires Every Few Months

Even if you have a relatively new vehicle, it won’t remain perfectly aligned. Over the course of a few months, one or two of the tires will probably begin to wear out faster than the others, which is why you need to have your tires rotated at least once every few months. By rotating the tires, you can make sure that they all wear evenly. Many mechanics recommend that drivers rotate their tires whenever they change their oil.

Regularly Align the Wheels

In addition to rotating the tires and checking the tire pressure, you must also have your wheels aligned. The driveshaft puts a tremendous amount of force on the wheels, and they will eventually become skewed. While every vehicle is slightly different, you should probably have your wheels aligned at least twice a year. When your wheels aren’t aligned, your vehicle will slowly drift to one side or the other on a straight road.

Listen for Unusual Noises When Turning

If your vehicle is making any unusual noises when you turn, head to a mechanic who offers driveline repair services as soon as you can. Those noises are sometimes the result of an issue in the suspension system, and that could result in unnecessary wear on the tires. You should also head to a mechanic if feel like you don’t have full control over the vehicle when you turn.

If you think that your tires might be nearing the end of their lifespan, have them replaced right away. Driving on bald or damaged tires is incredibly dangerous, and you could be putting your life and the lives of others in danger every time you hit the road.

Addy Reeds is a freelance writer from Eugene, Oregon. She discovered her passion for journalism while attending the University of Oregon. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @addyreeds1; https://www.facebook.com/addy.reeds