How To Maintain Your Tires: 3 Tips For Optimum Car Performance

Cars are not cheap and they cost a lot to maintain and repair. Regular car servicing and maintenance reduces the possibility of breakdowns and avoids expenses with enhanced fuel consumption making them necessary. Moreover, you car will be able to perform at optimum levels with reduced risks of road accidents. The simplest maintenance your car needs is tire maintenance since the wheels are the in the front line of driving and they experience the most wear and tear over time. There are three ways to maintain your car’s tires and it is crucial that they are performed regularly.

1. Proper Inflation

Tires contribute to your car’s performance. Tires that are poorly inflated will wear off fast, thus affecting function and fuel economy. Tire pressure must be checked each month and before making a long trip. The pressure can be checked when the car has not been used and the tires are cold, because checking the pressure after driving short distances will only heat up the tires and raise pounds per square.

tires

It is important to note that the pressure must never go below or above what is indicated on the tire sidewall. Tires that are under inflated will wear on the outer shoulders while over inflated tires will have tread wear in the center. Sticking to the pounds per square or PSI recommended by your car’s manufacturer is essential to avoid problems especially when on the road.

2. Wheel Alignment

Wheel alignment or adjustment is performed to get the tires flat or even on the ground and properly aligned to point straight ahead. This is applied every twelve to eighteen months and whenever new tires are fitted on the car. Whenever you have your tires aligned, look out for three angles during the alignment process – toe, camber and caster.

3. Rotation

In order to get the best tread life with your tires, always refer to your car owner’s manual and perform regular tire rotation or after every 5000 to 7000 miles. You can stick to your manual’s recommended tire rotation pattern for follow other patterns. In certain situations, tire sizes may prevent you from rotating the tires front to rear. Side to side tire rotation is best done when your car has different tire sizes fitted on the front and rear. You might also have different pounds per square indicated on your front and rear tires. These must be strictly followed so adjustments are necessary during rotation, alignment and when inflating.

Example of rotation patterns 

Cross rear to front and front straight back for front wheel drives and cross fronts to back with rears straightforward for rear and 4-wheel drives. Other cars use fronts straight back and rears straight forward patterns.

When tires are properly maintained, better car performance in all aspects is experienced. You will also be able to enjoy longer tire life which prevents you from having to replace them constantly. If you are uncertain about how to maintain your tires on your own, visiting a professional garage will make things easier for you. Many garages offer professional maintenance and repair services and taking advantage of regular tire or overall maintenance checks with them will ensure optimum car performance.