Things You Can Do to Extend the Life of Your Tires
The tires on your vehicle will wear out eventually, but maintaining them to get the most life your can will save you money and ensure your car rides and handles comfortably. Tire maintenance is not complicated; you can take your car to a tire shop for additional help.
Air Pressure
The air pressure in your tires is critical to proper wear of the tread and sidewalls. Underinflated tires can scuff the sidewalls on the road, and the center of the tread will not wear as fast as the outer edges. However, overinflated tires will suffer from treadwear in the center of the tire and very little on the outer edges.
Every vehicle has a recommended tire pressure that will help keep the largest amount of tread on the road surface to maximize the wear and fuel economy of the car. You can find the air pressure listed in the owner's manual of the car or on a sticker that is on the inside of the door frame on the driver's door.
The tire brand you use should not impact the tire air pressure required because the vehicle weight and the size of the tires that it leaves the factory with, determine the air pressure requirement. If you maintain the recommended air pressure, you will get more use from each set of tires you put on.
Wheel Alignments
Protecting the tires on your vehicle from strange wear patterns often means you'll need to occasionally check the wheel alignment. If your vehicle is not aligned correctly, the tires can sit at an odd angle, affecting the way they wear. The most common cause of wheel alignment issues is worn suspension and steering parts, which can not only affect tire wear but can also change the handling of the car.
Alignment issues can present as pulling to one side or the other when driving, shacking in the front end at high speeds, and inconsistent tire wear on the outside or inside edge of the tires. If you are experiencing any of these conditions, take your vehicle to a shop that offers alignments and have it checked. If there are worn or damaged parts in the front suspension or steering, it is essential to replace them to ensure the vehicle is safe and to protect the tires from damage.
Tire Rotation
Rotating the tires on your vehicle regularly can also help balance the wear on your tires. The tires should be rotated every other oil change or around six to ten thousand miles on most cars and trucks. Your owner's manual will specify the mileage interval for rotating the tires and the pattern that should be used on your vehicle.
