Over 284 million cars are registered in the US. A vehicle can be your pride and joy, but there is one area of the car people often neglect; the tires. Proper tire care is essential for the longevity of your vehicle and your safety.
There are around 11,000 tire-related crashes each year, and some of them are sadly fatal. The good news is with regular tire maintenance; you can keep your tires in optimum condition. Read on to learn the top tire maintenance mistakes you should avoid.
Jump to:
1. Not Checking Tire Pressure
Multiple factors can cause your tire pressure to decrease, including temperature changes and leaks. However, these levels can become dangerous over time if you do not keep them in check. You will also damage your tires if you drive on the incorrect pressure.
Use a gauge to get an accurate reading of your tire pressure. You can then visit a local garage to get the pressure to its correct level.
2. Ignoring Visual Warning Signs
When was the last time you looked at your tires? Visual tire inspections can help you identify tire problems before they escalate. Common issues you can observe include punctures and worn thread.
Do not ignore warning signs and presume your car's system will tell you when there is an issue. If your tire looks off, it is time to seek advice from a mechanic.
3. Skipping Tire Rotation
Tire rotation helps your tires wear more evenly, prolonging their life and reducing certain tire risks. An experienced mechanic can rotate your tires for you.
It is also an opportunity to prevent tire wear through balance issues. A mechanic can check your tires are balanced without risk of uneven wear.
4. Not Using Protection for Tires
As they say, prevention is better than cure. You can take specific steps to protect your tires, such as using tire protection products.
An example is tire dressing products, which can seal, restore, and add shine to your tires. Tire dressing can also help prevent common problems such as tires hardening, cracking, or their color fading over time.
5. Neglecting the Tire Tread
Worn tire treads are some of the most common tire problems, and usually, it occurs because people think their tire threads will last longer. How long your tire tread lasts depends on several factors, including your driving habits.
Do not presume your tire tread will last for its optimum lifespan. An easy check is to use the penny test to check the tire tread. If the tires fail the test, it is time to replace them.
Avoid Tire Maintenance Mistakes
Avoid these tire maintenance mistakes to keep your tires healthy for longer. Many of these mistakes come from failure to carry out regular tire maintenance.
Regular tire maintenance prevents common tire problems, such as wearing, flat tires, or a tire blowout. It also reduces your risks on the road, so consistent tire maintenance is not only cost-effective but can be life-saving.
Did you find this article helpful? We have more auto articles to help you keep your car in top condition. Cruise over to our other posts to learn more.
