The most important part of any vehicle, passenger car, minivans, SUV's and pickups, is its tires. Unless you are a NASCAR fan, or a life-long auto mechanic, the tires on your own personal vehicle are probably the most neglected. This article will discuss the care and maintenance of the tires on your car.
The single most important aspect of tire maintenance is tire pressure. Always keep in mind that tires naturally lose air over time. If you hit a pothole, or strike a curb while parking, this can also result in tire pressure loss. Maintaining the correct pressure not only increases gasoline mileage, but helps the car handle and ride better. Correct tire pressure also increases the life of the tire. All tires have the correct tire pressure imprinted on the tire. Although car manufacturers advocate for a lower setting to improve the ride of the vehicle, it may not always be the best thing for your own personal driving style. The information on tire pressure and load limits is almost always posted on a placard on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove-box door, or inside of the trunk lid. You can also find the recommended tire pressure and load limit for your vehicle in the vehicle owner's manual.
It is a wise idea to buy a good tire pressure gauge, and check the pressure at the minimum of once a month - more often if you drive high mileage. These can be purchased at auto parts stores, car dealerships, and retail stores, such as Wal-Mart. You may also wish to consider a portable air compressor that runs off your cars electrical system. A small air compressor in the home garage will also suffice, and are not expensive if bought with maintaining air pressure in mind.
Always check tire pressure when the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours. This is called recommended cold inflation pressure. A tire that is hot will show a much different reading than a tire that is cold, because driving causes a tire to heat up, increasing the tire pressure and giving you an incorrect reading. Following these simple steps can save you from being stranded on the road.
Examine your tires on a regular basis for cuts, nicks, and uneven wear. Inspect the rim to see if it has been damaged in any way. If you live in an area with poor roads filled with potholes, it is essential that you make this a part of your regular checks. Checking your tires visually also can indicate whether or not the tire is under or over inflated. If you see uneven wear on the outer edges of the tire, it is a very good indication that the tires are not carrying the proper tire pressure. If wear is evident in the center of the tire, then it has been continually over inflated. Be aware that this visual check does not apply to radial tires, which have a different ground profile than regular tires.
Tire rotation is another aspect of tire maintenance that should be strictly adhered to. Experts report that the front tires of a vehicle wear the quickest, especially in front wheel drive cars. Each time the steering wheel is turned, the tire receives extra wear. Turning the wheel causes resistance, and the end product is heat, which is a real contributing factor to tire wear. As each individual vehicle is different, refer to your owner's manual for instructions on tire rotation. Although the average do it yourselfer can rotate the tires on their car, the task should be handled in a way that is safe to you. Never rely on tire jacks that come with your vehicle to do this operation. Always use jack stands and never trust the jack.
Front end alignment is also highly recommended to reduce tire wear and handling. Simply put, tire alignment means that the tires are parallel to one another, and that they are perpendicular to the ground. This is not a task for the average mechanic. Sophisticated equipment is used to determine the correct alignment for each vehicle.
All tires have wear indicators built into them. Inspecting these small bumps or nubs gives a good indication as to when the tire needs to be replaced. They are located throughout the tread pattern, and especially on the ridge where tire tread meets the sidewall. If you spot this wear indicator, compare it to the height of the tread surrounding it. If the tread is of equal height as the wear indicator, it is time to purchase new tires.
Following a few simple guidelines will pay for itself in both cost of tire replacement and your own personal safety. Keep tire pressure correct, rotate tires on a regular basis, keep the front end aligned properly, and do a visual check of your vehicle's tires. Doing so can save you a lot of grief down the road.
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