Tires are designed to withstand a certain amount of pressure. If your tires are in decent shape, then you should have no problems driving on good roads. If, however, your car tires are balding, misaligned, or otherwise defective, you are likely to experience a bumpy ride. Bad tires will not only make driving uncomfortable, but they will also increase your risk of having an accident.
Our busy lives make it difficult to take care of our vehicle’s tires. However, monthly maintenance checks are well worth it. The following are five tips for maintaining your tires so that you will not only have no issues while driving but your tires will also last a long time.
Check the Air Pressure in Your Tires
Low tire pressure can lead to cracking, a reduction in gas mileage, and even tire blowouts. Do a quick visual inspection of your tires each time you get in your car, or notice if a low tire pressure light appears once you start the engine. You won’t want to wait too long to fill up your tires after noticing they are low. You can easily do this yourself, at your local gas station with an air pump nearby or your tires, to have it done for you. Also take note that you may have to fill your air with tires after the first temperature drop of the season.
Inspect the Alignment of Your Tires
Your car’s alignment refers to how your tires sit in relation to its steering wheel. You can easily turn the wheels in a certain direction when your car is properly aligned, and you can tell if your tires are out of alignment if they are worn on one side more than the other. Alignments are common car repairs, so you can take your car to almost any mechanic to have this done.
Make Sure That You Always Carry a Good Spare Tire
If you had a flat tire previously but never took it to a shop to be repaired, do that as soon as possible. You never know when you may have a flat. When you get another flat tire when on the road, you could be in for a hefty bill because you had to call a roadside service. Make sure that you have a spare tire in your car at all times in case of an emergency. It will prevent added stress and will help you drive to your nearest tire shop rather than having to be towed.
Decide if It’s Time to Rotate Your Tires
Rotating your tires regularly will improve your traction, handling, and safety. Everytime you take your car in to get an oil change, you might want to get a tire rotation done at the same time so that you stay on top of it.
Ensure Your Car Is Regularly Serviced By an Auto Shop
A 17-point inspection will ensure the best care for your vehicle and help you avoid costly repairs. Don’t ignore servicing your tires. It can be easy to overlook the importance of maintenance, but it will keep you safe on the road.
Your tires protect you and your family when you’re driving around town. Even though scheduling time to do your own routine car maintenance check every month or going to an auto shop for a tire rotation may take time away from your work, school, or other commitments, it’s a smart way to ensure your safety when you’re on traveling at high speed on the freeway or navigating a street corner on a rainy day.