How Do I Keep My Car’s Tires Safe?

Every driver dreads having to one day replace the parts under the hood of his or her car. That’s understandable. Replacing the fuel pump, catalytic converter, alternator, or head gasket (among other components) promises a hefty repair bill. However, the “part” that usually receives the least amount of attention is the one that has the most immediate effect on your safety: your tires. Heavily worn rreads can contribute to a traffic accident.

In this article, we’ll provide four easy tips that you can use to not only ensure your tires are safe, but to also prolong their life. All it takes is checking them every now and again. You’ll discover that spending a few minutes on a regular basis can help protect you and your passengers over the long run.

Tip 1 - Keeping Alert for Signs of Wear

Due to the constant friction between your treads and the road, the rubber material wears down. Over tens of thousands of miles, the grooves slowly become more shallow. That prevents moisture from funneling through them properly, causing your tires to lose their grip on the road. In wet conditions, that can lead to hydroplaning.

Wear indicators on modern tires make it easry to identify when they need to be repaired. If you’re unable to see indicator bars, you can buy a tread-depth gauge for a few dollars at any auto supply store. Simply stick the gauge into each of your tires’ grooves every three or four weeks. Once they wear down to 2/32 of an inch, it’s time to replace them. If you drive in inclement weather, you might consider replacing them when they reach 4/32 of an inch.

Tip 2 - Check For The Proper Pressure

Tire failure can be traced to, above all other factors, a lack of proper pressure. A lot of people are unaware that a small amount of pressure seeps from between the membranes of their wheels’ rubber. Over the course of a couple of weeks, the pressure loss in undetectable. Over several months, however, it can be substantial.

Besides lowering the overall fuel efficiency of your vehicle, underinflated wheels can affect your car’s steering response. Moreover, it can impact your safety because a lack of sufficient pressure can eventually cause the treads to separate.

Check the pressure once each month. If it’s low, fill it to the manufacturer’s recommended psi.

Tip 3 - Rotate Them Twice A Year

Routine tire rotations are important in order to prevent excess tread wear from developing on your front wheels. The majority of vehicles today are front-wheel drive. That means that during operation, most of the pressure is place on the front wheels, causing the treads to deteriorate more quickly than those in the rear.

Get into the habit of rotating your tires twice each year. That will help even out the tread wear across your entire set.

Tip 4 - Check The Alignment

Alignment problems can cause excess tread wear over a surprisingly short period of time. The root cause of such problems involves the angles at which your wheels lean. If the camber, caster, or toe are misaligned, you’ll feel your car pulling to one side while you’re driving straight ahead. In front-wheel drive vehicles, your front tires will suffer the majority of the wear.

You should have any noticeable alignment issues resolved as quickly as possible. They may seem benign, but their effect on your treads will impact your safety and that of your passengers.

Often, people inadvertently fail to naotice their tires until the treads are worn down to the point where replacing them becomes unavoidable. Follow the provided maintenance suggestion to prolong their life and monitor their condition. Not only will you ensure your safety, but you’ll improve your vehicle’s response and save a few dollars in the process.