Tires are one of the most forgotten parts of your car maintenance. Sometimes due to neglect, sometimes due to ignorance, and sometimes due to wanting to save a few dollars, the fact is that many tires spend more time than they should on your cars, often in conditions that put safety at risk while driving.
This is a very common mistake among many drivers, but it is not a minor mistake. You must remember that tires are a vital point in the safety of your car, since they are the only point of contact between the ground and the vehicle.
The tread pattern is one of the main indicators that tells you that a tire is reaching the end of its useful life. Although of course, it is not the only one. There are gauges to check the tread depth of tires, but you have simpler ways to do it.
Most current tires have wear indicators, which are small bumps on the main channels of the tread that can be easily found on the shoulders of the tire. The moment these indicators start to come into contact with the asphalt, it means that they are already very worn and you must change them. A change that you must make not only for safety reasons but because from that moment on it is automatically illegal to continue driving with those tires.
How To Extend The Life Of Your Vehicle’s Tire?
The lifespan of tires depends on many factors, starting with their composition. A high-performance tire whose aim is to maximize grip in sporty driving is not the same as another that lasts longer but does not have sporty behavior. Even so, whatever the type of tire, drivers can significantly influence their lifespan. Extending the life of your tires is possible if you follow some tips.
Maintaining the correct pressure
Pressure is one of the key factors that affects tire wear, even causing uneven wear. Excessive pressure will cause greater wear on the central part of the tire, as well as reducing the contact surface with the asphalt and therefore also reducing grip.
The same occurs if you have too low a pressure, which will cause uneven wear (this time on the outer part of the tire) and reduce the contact surface. So, it is advisable to check the pressure from time to time, as leaks are normal. Keeping the valve caps in good condition also helps to keep the tire tight and prevent major leaks.
Modify pressures based on load
Manufacturers have a nominal pressure measurement that you must maintain for proper tire wear. However, this measurement varies slightly depending on whether the car is heavily loaded or not.
It is common to go on a trip and not check the tire pressure. Manufacturers recommend a pressure with little or no load in the vehicle and another with a load, since if you travel with a loaded car without increasing the pressure the result would be similar to if you had the tires with a lack of pressure. It is up to you to adjust the tire pressure to the load level of the car.
Avoid sudden acceleration and braking
Along with tire pressure, driving style is one of the main factors affecting tire life. This type of behavior causes greater wear on the tread by increasing the forces and torques on the tire, which in turn also causes an increase in its temperature and subsequent degradation of the rubber. Therefore, if you are one of those who like to go out burning the tire and brake at the last minute, your tires will notice it.
Avoid strong supports in curves
The way you take turns is another important factor in tire wear. If you take a less forced path when taking turns, you will reduce tire wear, especially on the outside of the tread and outer shoulders. This is especially noticeable in places with many roundabouts, as taking them at high speed can cause the wheels on the right side to suffer greater wear on the outside.
Avoid driving at high speed
This behaviour is not only illegal if you exceed the posted speed limits, it also causes the tire to heat up more and is usually associated with making stronger turns and also with strong acceleration and braking. The end result will be earlier than desired tire wear.
A well-aligned direction
A sharp curb or pothole can cause the steering to become misaligned. If this happens, the wheels will begin to lean out of alignment, which will cause the tires to wear unevenly and prematurely. The same thing happens on the rear axle if there is misalignment or play in the suspension.
Beware of bumps and scrapes on the tires
Avoiding deep potholes or driving over them at low speeds can prevent tire deformations or breaks. It is also important to be careful of curbs when parking, which can cause irreparable damage to the tire.
In addition, this damage may not be visible to the eye and may not appear immediately, but it can become apparent over time. This is especially problematic for cars with low-profile tires, which can get pinched between the curb and the rim.
Beware of chains
With the arrival of winter, many people are forced to use chains to access those areas most affected by snow or ice. If you have to use chains, take it easy and be careful. Avoid high speeds if there is not much snow, as it can be very damaging to the tires.
In addition, you should make sure that they are properly fitted so that they do not cause damage to the tire, and take care to remove them as soon as possible when you leave the snowy section. If you need you can get help from professionals for your vehicle’s tire alignment.
Conclusion
Following these tips will not only extend the life of your tires but will also protect your vehicle’s occupants and surroundings, as well as reduce fuel consumption. Experts recommend checking tires once a month and always before a trip, in order to maximize safety on a path toward a horizon with zero deaths, zero injuries, and zero accidents.