Tire Basics for Dummies

We all rely on our tires to get us to and from the places we need to go. Nevertheless, tire care is typically overlooked when it comes to auto maintenance.

Most people are good about checking their oil and other car fluids, but they usually steer clear of the tires unless they have a flat. When we take good care of our tires, we get better fuel efficiency and our car will last longer.

With that said, here are some great tire basics for dummies.

Rotating Your Tires

All auto shops can rotate your car tires. This is a pretty standard part of maintaining your car. Rotating the tires is important because it prevents wear and tear on certain tires and it distributes the weight evenly on the car. This ensures your tires last longer before you need to replace them. Check the manual to your car to see what the recommendations are for tire rotation. If you cannot find it, you can always get the tires rotated when you get your oil changes.

Maintaining Tire Pressure

Having the right tire pressure on your car ensures you have a smoother ride, and it also increases the fuel efficiency of the car. Having your tires inflated correctly can improve gas mileage up to three percent. For every one psi in pressure that the tire is low, it can cost you three percent of your gas mileage. Buy a tire pressure gauge at the auto store and check the pressure yourself. You might not realize it, but having the wrong tire pressure can negatively affect your comfort while driving. The car won’t handle bumps in the road as well as it would with the right tire pressure. Check the tire pressure regularly to ensure your car is getting the best gas mileage and so you are comfortable when driving.

Replace Tires as Needed

From time to time, it is important to replace your tires. This is one of the more expensive parts of tire maintenance, but it is necessary. When the treads on the tire are worn down, they won’t have proper traction. Without proper traction, the car is not as safe as it should be. Always check the tread on your tires. If they are smooth, it’s time to replace them. If you’re not sure, have your auto mechanic check them when you get a tune-up or oil change. They can perform any type of service needed on the tires and put new ones on your vehicle if necessary.

These are just a few tire tips to ensure you are comfortable and safe when driving your car. With the proper tire care, your car and tires will last a lot longer. If this is something that is too time consuming for you, have an auto mechanic perform your tire maintenance.