Lengthen the Life of Your New Tires
Your tires are a big investment. When considering the cost of new tires, mounting and balancing, disposal fees and taxes, it can be pretty expensive. In fact, the cost for a new set of tires can range to several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on your vehicle. Listed below are 4 ways you can lengthen the life of your tires and get the most mileage out of your investment.
1. Check Your Air Pressure New Tires
Checking your tire’s air pressure on a regular basis is extremely important. Under-inflated tires will wear unevenly and reduce your fuel economy because of increased rolling resistance. The increased rolling resistance will create more heat and friction, causing the internal part of your tire to break down more quickly. This, in turn, shortens the life of your tires. If your tires are under-inflated by 5 to 6 pounds it can lessen your tires life expectancy by 25%.
2. Rotate Your Tires
No vehicle has an even weight distribution. The engine puts more weight on the front of your vehicle and therefore, more weight on your front wheels. Additionally, your front tires will wear differently as your vehicle’s weight and momentum shifts to the front while braking. Cornering also causes your front tires to be subjected to different forces versus your back tires.
It is important to rotate your vehicle’s tires regularly in order to shift the position of your tires so they wear more evenly and last longer. Different manufacturers have different different recommendations as to what intervals you should rotate your tires. As a rule of thumb, rotate your tires at every oil change.
3. Check Your Wheel Alignment
A vehicle in need of a wheel alignment can wear your tires out very quickly. Generally, wheel alignment pertains to front wheels only, however, many newer cars with independent suspension or sports suspensions will have alignment adjustments on the rear of the vehicle as well. Wheel alignments refer to a mechanical adjustment on your vehicle’s suspension. Alignment settings that are not within the vehicle manufacturer’s specs can cause, among other things, irregular tire wear and pulling to one side.
4. Drive Sensibly
Lastly, drive sensibly! No fast starts or skidding stops. The faster you start and stop your vehicle, the faster your tires will wear. Also, take turns slowly to prevent quick wear of your tires. Remember to BE SAFE!
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