4 Simple Steps to Make Your Tires Last Longer
Most drivers average anywhere from 12,000 to 15,000 miles a year. At this rate, a good set of tires will last between three to five years.
But did you know you can significantly shorten or extend the life of your tires with your driving and vehicle service habits? No matter the model of your vehicle, there are several steps you can take to get the most out of every mile.
Let’s explain some maintenance steps to help make your tires last longer. Read on to learn more, and contact Repair One in Woodland, TX for tire maintenance services.
1. Regularly Check Your Tire Pressure.
Your tire pressure is directly related to your tires’ safety, performance, and longevity. In fact, maintaining the correct tire pressure is one of the easiest and surest ways to extend the life of your tires. If you drive around with the wrong air pressure, it can:- Expedite wear and tear on your tires
- Increase the likelihood of a blowout
- Increase stopping distance
- Reduce your ability to handle and maneuver your vehicle.
You shouldn’t take a set-it-and-forget-it approach to managing your tire pressure. This is because your tires will naturally lose about one pound-per-square inch (PSI) of tire pressure a month. In addition, your tire pressure can fluctuate with the temperature. Colder conditions can cause your tire pressure to decrease, while warmer weather can cause your tire pressure to increase. The best practice: perform a tire pressure check at least once a month. If you notice your tires are low or higher than the suggested PSI, you should take corrective action.
2. Schedule a Tire Rotation Every 5,000 Miles.
Most vehicles only use one or two sets of tires when moving. And this can lead to uneven tire wear. For instance, the front tires of front-wheel drive vehicles will wear faster, while the back tires of a rear-wheel drive vehicle will wear faster. Even all-wheel-drive vehicles experience uneven tire wear because most alternate the drive from one wheel to the next. The only way to even promote wear is to have a tire rotation. It’s important to have a tire rotation every 5,000 miles or with every oil change. During the tire rotation, our technicians at Repair One will rotate your tires in an ideal pattern according to the manufacturer’s suggestions. This simple but effective service can help promote safety and maximize the life of your tires.3. Schedule Tire Balancing.
No tire is perfect. Even brand-new wheels and tires will have a heavy spot on them. These heavy spots and differences are minuscule, such as 0.25 to 0.5 ounces. However, this seemingly small and unnoticeable difference can lead to uneven tire wear and noticeable vibration, especially at high speeds. To prevent this from happening, Repair One offers a tire balancing service. We utilize specialized machines and weights to measure and redistribute the tire’s weight to perfection. It’s a critical process for maximizing the life of your tires.4. Have a Wheel Alignment Performed.
Contrary to the name, a wheel alignment is more about adjusting the suspension. It impacts the angles at which your tires contact the road. When your tires are out of alignment, it can lead to:- Faster tire wear
- Uneven tire wear
- Reduced fuel efficiency
- Increased automotive repairs
- Reduced handling and steering
The best solution is to have regular wheel alignments as the manufacturer suggests. The following signs will also say if your vehicle needs a wheel alignment.
- Excessive wear and tear on your tires
- Excessive vibration
- Steering wheel not centered even if wheels are straight
