Car tire maintenance has become a major issue for many drivers. As a result of the crisis, many drivers have neglected tire maintenance, skipping check-ups and increasingly opting for second-hand tires, bad habits that increase the risk of having an accident. In fact, you should bear in mind that tires are the only point of contact between the car and the road, so it is essential that they are in good condition.
One of the most important aspects to ensure safe and efficient driving is the proper maintenance and care of your vehicle’s tires. At Dallas Complete Auto in Lancaster Ave, Dallas TX, we care about your safety and that of your loved ones on the road. In this article we will talk about the importance of paying attention to your tires and some recommendations for their correct maintenance.
Safety first
As drivers, we must be aware that tires are the only contact between our vehicle and the road. Therefore, the condition of the wheels and their performance has a direct impact on the stability, grip, and braking of your car. Worn or damaged tires can reduce their effectiveness and therefore make driving more dangerous. To keep your tires in good condition, it is essential to pay attention to three key aspects:
- Pressure
- Wear and
- Alignment.
First, make sure to keep tire pressure within the ranges recommended by the manufacturer. Incorrect pressure can negatively affect tire performance, increase fuel consumption, and decrease tire life.
Secondly, it is important to regularly check the wear of your tires. Worn tires do not offer the same level of grip and traction, which can reduce your safety when braking or cornering. If you notice that the tread depth of your tires is below the legal limit (1.6 mm), it is time to replace them.
Lastly, tire alignment is crucial for even wear and stable driving. If you notice that your vehicle tends to pull to one side or that your tires wear unevenly, you may need an alignment adjustment, as proper alignment can help extend tire life and improve fuel efficiency.
How to extend the life of tires?
Tires have an expiry date, after which the rubber loses grip and tends to crack. However, in most cases, you must change them before they reach this point, either because they have been driven too many kilometers or because you have not sufficiently taken care of them. So, what can you do to extend their useful life and not compromise safety on the road?
Maintain proper air pressure
All tires should always be at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer, which should vary depending on the load of the car. This will prevent uneven wear and, at the same time, save fuel. Remember that if you drive with low pressure, a quick change of direction or a sharp turn can cause you to lose control of the car.
Drive carefully to avoid hitting the tires
Hitting a bump or pothole at high speed can not only damage the car’s steering but also the tires. When a large impact occurs, a bulge may appear on the sidewall, indicating that the carcass cords have broken and therefore a high chance of a tire blowout while driving.
Get your suspension and steering ready
When the tire does not rotate parallel to the direction of travel but at a certain angle, it wears on only one side, which can have negative effects on driving. Also remember that every time you change or remove tires, they must be balanced, thus preventing premature wear and eliminating vibrations.
Check the condition of the valves and caps
Few people worry about this detail, but you should not forget that valves and caps are usually made of rubber and also deteriorate. In fact, when the car travels at high speed, the valve tends to bend due to centrifugal force and deteriorates more quickly. The cap is also essential as it protects the tire from dust and dirt, as well as maintaining its tightness and pressure.
Store them in a suitable place
If you change your tires to winter tires every year, make sure you store the other ones in a ventilated and dry area, away from rain and sun. Ideally, place them on a flat wooden platform, without rims, and in an upright position, turning them from time to time.
Trust the maintenance of your vehicle to Dallas Complete Auto in Lancaster Ave, Dallas TX
At our auto shop in Lancaster Ave, Dallas TX, Dallas Complete Auto offers maintenance and tire inspection services in our workshop to ensure your safety on the road. Leave your car in good hands and trust the most expert professionals in the field.
So if you are from Dallas TX, we await you in our workshop at 300 N Lancaster Ave, Dallas, TX 75203, or you can call us through our telephone numbers: (682) 251-1221. We await you during our business hours from Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 7 PM, and Sunday 9 AM to 5 PM.