Tire Tips And Maintenance

Related Topics:
Consumer Tire Ratings
Tire Construction
Wet Traction And Proper Tire Pressure
Tire Safety
Tire Care
How To Buy Tires
Don't Be Oversold For Tires

Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road when you drive. It only takes a couple of minutes of maintenance each month to keep your tires working at their best.

Check Your Air Pressure Once a Month
Incorrect air pressure is the leading cause of tire damage. To avoid tire damage you need to check your tire's air pressure once a month. 

The correct tire pressure can be found in the following places:

• in the car' owner manual gas tank lid
• driver's side door's edge door post

The air pressure listed on the side of your tire is NOT the correct air pressure for your vehicle. That number is the maximum air pressure for the tire. Remember to check the air in your spare tire. 

Don't get stranded or put out costly towing expenses. Check your air pressure on your spare regularly. Note: If you have different rims than came on your vehicle originally, make sure that the bolts on your spare tire are the correct fitting.

Failure to keep your tires properly inflated can increase wear and will have a negative effect on your vehicles handling.

When checking and adjusting tire pressure, the following should be kept in mind:

Check the air pressure when the tire is cold - tires become hot even after driving just a mile. If you must drive to add air, check your air pressure before you leave. Air pressure changes 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change. Air pressure goes up in warm weather and down in cold weather.

Tire pressure must be the same on the tires of each axle, but may be different on the front and rear axle.

If you click on this image you'll see a collection of pretty neat tire gauges.

Click the image to see an assortment of high quality tire pressure gauges.

Valve caps must be tightly closed to protect the valve from dust and dirt and prevent it from leaking.
Replace missing valve caps without delay.
Take this opportunity to inspect your tires to make sure there is nothing stuck in them or they have no deformities.

Tread Depth
To prevent hydroplaning and skidding your tires must have proper tread depth. The minimum tread depth is 1/16th of and inch.

Ask anyone, the easiest way to check your tread depth...the penny test. What is the penny test? Take a penny and place it in the tread of your tire. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread your tires have enough tread. If you can see Lincoln's entire head, you should buy a new tire.

You should also check your tire tread for uneven wear. Irregular wear shortens the life of your tires, if you think you have uneven wear you should take you vehicle to your tire dealer.

Rotation
The best way to prevent uneven wear is to have your tires rotated every 5,000 - 7,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle's owner manual.

Potential Tire Troubles
Curbs can prove to be big trouble to your tires. Approach curbs with care, if you drive over them too fast or at the wrong angle the impact may cause the tire to crack. 

Avoid potholes or debris in the road when possible.

Avoid fast stops and starts.
Be sure to check your owner's manual for your vehicles maximum load. Overloading your vehicle can shorten your tires life.

Replacing Your Tires
You should replace your tires with the same type of tires that came on your vehicle original equipment. This includes tire size, type and speed rating.

Don't Spin Your Tires Excessively
Avoid excessive tire spinning when your vehicle is stuck in snow, ice, mud, or sand.

SAFETY WARNING: The centrifugal forces generated by a free spinning tire/wheel assembly may cause sudden tire explosion resulting in vehicle damage and/or serious personal injury to you or a bystander.

Never exceed 35 mph indicated on your speedometer. Use a gentle backward and forward rocking motion to free your vehicle for continued driving.

Never stand near or behind a tire spinning at high speed, as for example, while attempting to push a vehicle that is stuck or when an on-the-car spin balance machine is in use.

See what tires are available for your vehicle from this well established, reputable source.

article descriptions and images courteousy The Tire Rack

Related Topics:
Consumer Tire Ratings
Tire Construction
Wet Traction And Proper Tire Pressure
Tire Safety
Tire Care
How To Buy Tires
Don't Be Oversold For Tires