A roadworthy vehicle is what a traveler needs. Traveling for miles daily accumulates significant amounts of wear and tear, especially for older automobiles. If your car does not have a set of well maintained tires, you may be up for a tire change soon, which is quite costly. You should know how to maximize your tires’ useful life. Make your car tires last longer through proper maintenance and having your shock absorbers and wheel alignment checked after a long trip.
Check Tire Pressure Regularly
car tiresIn the morning, before you leave for work or school, grab your tire gauge and check the air pressure of your tires. It’s not too tedious, considering you only need to insert the device in your tires’ insertion points. You can then pump air until the ideal pressure is reached. If you don’t know how much air to pump, just check the tire’s body. The amount is indicated there. Do this procedure at least once in two weeks to ensure the performance of your tires. (Learn how to check your tire pressure)
Apply Tire Black and Cleaning Chemicals
After running on a rough muddy road, your tires will be covered with dust and mud. These things look unflattering and contribute to wear and tear. Protect your radials by applying tire black and cleaning chemicals. They are formulated to restore your tires’ original appearance, covering them with dark colored paint, which acts as a protective layer. By applying the cleaning solutions, your won’t easily capture dirt and dust, even after long drives. (More tips on Car tire and wheel cleaning)
Have Your Wheel Alignment Checked
A set of misaligned wheels can quickly wear out the tires. Since the vehicle’s weight isn’t evenly distributed, given the misalignment, portions of the tires will have faded grooves. They will have limited traction, which is dangerous when running on slippery roads. You should have your wheel alignment checked every couple of months or after a long and bumpy drive.
Have the Car’s Suspension Checked
car tiresA damaged suspension can cause the misalignment of wheels and added tire wear, not to mention a pretty uncomfortable ride. The suspension coils gradually wear out, so you should have them checked at least twice a year. If you begin to feel even the tiniest grooves on the road, don’t hesitate to bring your car to the repair shop. It may save you the hassle of frequently purchasing and changing tires. Best of all, the checkup can prevent accidents from happening.
As you can see, maintaining your car’s tires is pretty simple. You should just be aware of their needs during the most appropriate times.