Tire maintenance is important but too often, is neglected. Did you know that according to the Rubber Association of Canada, 95% of your vehicle’s weight is supported by your tire’s air pressure, with the tire itself only supporting 5%? That’s why tire inflation and maintenance is a critical part of your vehicle’s ability to perform optimally and for you to drive safely.
Well maintaining your tires will almost guarantee that they will last longer, increase fuel efficiency, and improve your vehicle’s performance. Because tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road, it means that its traction, and therefore control, derives entirely from the tires. Have you ever tried skating with unsharpened blades? Or skiing with dull edges? It can prove quite difficult and ultimately, dangerous! That is why we have compiled a list of our top 5 tips to longer lasting tires and a safer time on the road.
1.Keep your tires properly inflated
As stated in this article’s introduction, the vast majority of your vehicle’s weight is supported by air within the tires. It is recommended that you check your car’s tire pressure about once a month. If you’re traveling a lot consecutively, then you may want to inspect the pressure sooner. You can do this with a small tire pressure gauge. These can be found for well under $20. We recommend keeping one in your glovebox so that it is never too far out of reach. It is best to check when the tires are colder rather than warmer as the air inside will have expanded with the heat and will most likely give you a less accurate reading. If you need some air, you can find an air pump at your nearest gas station or simply use a bike pump for a quick fix.
If you’re wondering what pressure your tires require, the recommended PSI can be found on a sticker inside of the driver’s side door jam. It can also be found on each tire.
2. Rotate and Balance Your Tires
Rotating your tires is much easier than you think. It simply means to take off your tires and move them all to new positions on your car. This is because rear tires wear differently than front tires, depending on whether your vehicle is front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive. The weight distribution of your vehicle can also have an impact. When changing your tires during the season change, take the opportunity to rotate them. As a tip, when putting your tires away, use some chalk to mark each of them with the last position they occupied on the car. For instance, you can write “FL” for “Front-Left”, so that next year, you know to put that tire on the “Rear-Right” of your vehicle so that the wear and tear eventually evens out.
When getting your tires changed, feel free to get them aligned as rough driving, potholes, etc. can affect how straight your wheels are. Let the mechanic know, but this is typically part of their tire maintenance packages.
3. Use the right tires for the season
If you live anywhere with snow like we do here in Canada, it is imperative that you use tires appropriate for the climate. Even though, in Ontario, winter tires are not legally required, we recommend that you equip your vehicle with winter tires rather than all-seasons. Although the snowy season means that you need an extra set of tires, it also means that you will extend the life of all of your tires by reducing their mileage by half. It is important however that you drive your winter tires during the winter season only and vice versa as the mismatch in climate can wear your tires faster.
4. Store your spare tires immediately
After changing your tires, be sure to store them in a cool, dark place like your garage or basement. If you are storing them outside, make sure that they are out of direct sunlight and raised off the ground, away from excessive moisture. Most tires come with bags in which they can be wrapped before storage. The key takeaway here is to avoid the rubber from deteriorating or drying when not on the road. Like all other tips on the list, this will mean not having to replace them as often.
5. Take it easy on the gas
Lastly but not leastly, go easy on the accelerator and brakes when driving. Being an overly aggressive driver is the fastest way to prematurely wear your tires. Avoid having them spin out or skid while on the road. Your tires and vehicle will thank you in the long run!
Despite this list, note that tires do have a shelf life, no matter how well they were maintained and cared for. Most experts recommend changing them every 6 years or so. And for the unfortunate times you need assistance while on the road, remember to call Oshawa Towing at 289-312-1833. Visit our website to learn more about our services.