Taking care of your tires and wheels is one of the smartest things you can do as a car owner. Properly maintained tires and wheels help keep you safe on the road and can save you money in the long run. Here’s how to get car smart by protecting your tires and wheels.
Check Tire Pressure Frequently
Under-inflated tires are a hazard. They wear out more quickly, hurt fuel economy, and reduce traction and control. Check tire pressure at least once a month and before any long trip. Use a quality gauge for accuracy. Inflate tires to the pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, not the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall.
Inspect Tires Regularly
Closely examine tires for signs of damage or excessive wear. Look for bulges, blisters, cracks, cuts, embedded objects, and irregular tread wear. Uneven wear indicates alignment or suspension problems. Rotate tires every 5,000-8,000 miles to promote more even wear. Replace any tire showing cords, belts, or other internal damage.
Rotate Tires Regularly
Rotating tires between positions helps them wear more evenly. This extends tire life, improves vehicle handling, and provides more uniform braking. Rotate tires every 5,000-8,000 miles. Follow a front-to-back rotation pattern for front-wheel drive vehicles and a crisscross pattern for rear-wheel drive.
Balance and Align as Needed
Out-of-balance tires cause vibration and uneven tread wear. Have tires dynamically balanced whenever rotated or replaced. Signs of alignment problems include pulling, wheel shudder, and uneven tire wear. Have a professional alignment done if needed.
Choose All-Season or Winter Tires
All-season tires provide decent traction in most conditions but excel in neither winter nor summer conditions. Winter tires greatly outperform all-seasons on snow and ice. Equip your vehicle appropriately for your climate.
Maintain Proper Wheel Alignment
Misaligned wheels strain suspension components and cause uneven tire wear. If your vehicle pulls to one side or has uneven tread wear, have a professional alignment done. Alignment should also be checked after new tires or suspension work.
Wash Wheels Regularly
Brake dust, road grime, and road salt all corrode wheels. Use a separate mitt or sponge to clean wheels. Avoid harsh chemical cleaners. Coat wheels with a protectant after washing. Inspect closely for any damage during washing.
Choose Quality Wheels
Wheels take a lot of abuse from potholes, curbs, and gravel. Quality aftermarket wheels made of aluminum, carbon fiber, or steel provide strength and style upgrades. Ensure any custom wheels fit properly and do not interfere with brakes or suspension.
Use Caution with Potholes and Curbs
Hitting potholes or scraping wheels on curbs damages tires and wheels and throws off alignment. Slow down and avoid potholes when possible. Take sharper turns to avoid curbing wheels. If you do hit something, inspect tires and wheels for damage.
Store Tires Properly When Not in Use
Storing tires properly when not being used, such as seasonal tires, extends their life. Clean tires before storing. Keep tires covered and out of direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Inflate stored tires to their maximum pressure rating.
Know When to Replace Tires
Tires wear out over time, even if they have plenty of tread left. The small cracks you see indicate dry rot. Most tires should be replaced after 6-10 years, regardless of wear. Heat and sun damage increase with age. Don’t take chances with old tires.
FAQs About Protecting Tires and Wheels
How often should I rotate my tires?
You should rotate your tires every 5,000-8,000 miles. This helps promote even tread wear.
What is the proper tire pressure for my vehicle?
Check the sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb or owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressures. Do not inflate to the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall.
How do I know if my tires need replacement?
Replace any tire with visible damage such as bulges, cracks, cuts, or cord showing. Tires with less than 2/32″ of tread depth or that are over 6 years old should also be replaced.
Why does wheel alignment matter?
Proper alignment reduces tire wear and improves vehicle handling and control. Signs of misalignment include pulling, wheel vibration, and uneven tread wear.
Should I get all-season or winter tires?
Winter tires provide much better traction and control in snow and ice than all-seasons. Equip your vehicle appropriately for your climate.
What is the best way to clean wheels?
Use a dedicated wheel cleaner or mild soap and water to clean wheels. Avoid harsh chemicals. Rinse completely and follow up with a wheel protectant.
How often should I have my wheels balanced?
Have your wheels dynamically balanced whenever new tires are installed or wheels are rotated, usually every 5,000-8,000 miles.
Conclusion
Properly maintaining your tires and wheels pays big dividends in safety, performance, and savings. Check inflation frequently, inspect for damage, rotate, balance and align as needed, choose quality tires and wheels, drive carefully, and know when to replace worn components. Following these tips will keep you rolling safely and confidently down the road. Protecting your tires and wheels is one of the smartest things you can do as a car owner.
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