Getting the most out of your vehicle will always be dependent on how you handle maintenance. Vehicle maintenance will have a huge impact on every aspect of your car, and that includes car tire maintenance. In this quick guide, we will explore ways to extend the lifespan of your car tires. Let's get started.

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Not everyone realizes that car tire pressure has a huge impact on a tire's overall lifespan. Each type of car tire has a specified ideal tire pressure that should be maintained. You will find this ideal tire pressure amount somewhere on the tire or in your owner's manual. Tire pressure is measured in psi or pound per square inch. There are many things that can alter the tire pressure in your tires, and one of the most significant factors is climate. During the winter months, your tire pressure can be lowered by dropping temperatures. Likewise, in the summer the tire pressure may increase without your knowing it because of rising temperatures. This is why you must keep a check on tire pressure and adjust it accordingly. It is not enough to check it once and then assume it will stay steady forever.

It is recommended that you check your tire pressure at least once a month to ensure it is staying in an ideal range. If you notice a change in psi, you should add or remove air accordingly.

Rotate Your Tires

Car tire rotation is a critical type of vehicle maintenance that can affect the lifespan of your tires. According to Car and Driver, tires should be rotated about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This is about the same as an oil change, so it's often best to get both done at the same time. This is a good way to ensure you stay on top of this important chore.

A tire rotation changes the position of the tires on the vehicle, and they need to be rotated to ensure that they do not wear down unevenly. When the tires are switched to a different spot, the wear on the tread will be different.

Balance Tires

Sometimes balancing tires and rotating tires gets confused. You should know that these are two separate types of tire maintenance. Tire tread wears down over time, but the tires also get slightly off balance over time as well. Most tires will have one spot that is just a bit heavier. This can cause a vibration when you drive. Most auto shops will have a machine that can balance your tires. It is a good idea whenever you have a tire rotation, to also have your tires balanced as well.

Align Your Tires

Yet another piece of the tire maintenance puzzle is tire alignment. This is also different from tire balancing and tire rotation. As you drive it is possible for your tires to get bumped out of alignment. This can happen if you hit a pothole, hit a curb, or some other large type of barrier or debris while driving. A sign that your tires are out of alignment might include the steering wheel shaking. You might also notice that your vehicle is pulling or drifting to one side. Sometimes tires are out of alignment and there are no visible symptoms of it. Even if you are not visibly seeing symptoms, misaligned tires will still wear out faster. This is why it is a good idea to have your tires inspected and aligned when you have other types of maintenance done.

Choose the Right Tire

The brand and type of car tire you choose also matter. Most people aren't aware that there are different types of tires for different purposes. Tire types include all-season, touring, performance, summer, racetrack, and passenger vehicles. Make sure you are using the type of tire that is recommended for your vehicle to get the best results and the longest lifespan.

Drive Safe

Just in general, good driving can do a lot to help expand the life of your tires. Excessively riding your brakes or pressing hard on the gas both have a negative impact on the longevity of your tires. Both of these types of excesses are considered aggressive driving. Aggressive driving takes a toll on every aspect of your vehicle. When you drive more moderately, you will increase gas mileage and fuel efficiency as well as preserve the life of your tires.

Don't neglect your car tires. If you are in need of car tire services, please contact Tires Plus today.