It's a scary thought to think that your tires are the only thing between the road and your vehicle (and you) as you drive. Your heavy car or truck is moving at high speeds, cornering, braking and accelerating. So much depends on your tires actively gripping the asphalt and getting you safely wherever you need to travel.
With that in mind, you want to keep your tires performing well and lasting as long as possible. They can be expensive to replace and tire damage is a major cause of vehicular accidents. Here are X tips from Fairbanks' own Simard Automotive for keeping your tires in great shape:
1. Rotate Your Tires Regularly
You'll typically want to rotate your tires every 5,000-6,000 miles or in conjunction with each oil change. Each tire on your vehicle will wear out a little differently based on various factors. Rotating them periodically helps even out the tread wear and keep the tires lasting longer.
2. Check Your Tread Depth
Though this won't necessarily extend the lifespan of your tires, it will tell you when you need to replace them. If your treads are low and your tires are going bald, you'll want to put new tires on before something bad happens like a blowout or uncontrollable skid on a tight corner.
3. Maintain Proper Air Pressure
Review your vehicle owner's manual or check the sticker that's usually located in one of the front door jambs. It will tell you the recommended tire pressure. Check your tire pressure with an accurate gauge every so often and refill the air in the tires if they are too low. If the pressure is too high, that can also cause problems, so let a little air out if you need to. Tire pressure can affect everything from the vehicle's handling to the fuel economy, so it's a good practice to check the air regularly.
4. Get Your Wheel Alignment Checked
Wheel alignment will have a significant effect on tire tread wear and overall tire life. If your treads are really uneven, it might be because your wheels are out of alignment. Getting periodic wheel alignment checks and adjustments is one more way to keep your tires lasting longer.
5. Keep Your Brakes in Good Shape
The brake system can also impact your tires. If your brakes aren't working properly, it will put more strain on the wheels and tires.
6. Keep Your Suspension System in Good Shape
Like your brake system, your suspension system can have a dramatic affect on the tires if something is out of alignment or damaged. A healthy suspension will make the vehicle handle better while also helping protect the wheels and tires from unnecessary damage.
7. Get Any Flat Tires Repaired Properly
Between spray cans full of goo to rubber patch kits, there are a lot of different ways to fix a flat tire. Some work better than others and not all will last. If you have a flat tire that is fixable, you will want to get it professionally repaired as soon as possible to minimize the damage and prevent future blowouts.
These are just a few ways to keep your tires lasting longer. For all your Fairbanks wheel, tire, brake and suspension repair needs, turn to Simard Automotive today. We have two locations to serve you, so you can call us at (855) 690-0889 (Aeronca Ave.—Airport Shop) or (855) 639-5001 (Gaffney Rd.—Chevron Shop). You can also book your service appointment online.