When it comes to maintaining a car, there are a lot of things to do, from changing the oil to performing an intense engine repair. However, far too many people overlook tire maintenance.
Well-maintained tires can help increase how far a single tank of gas gets you, keep your traction on the road even in less-than-ideal conditions, improve the vehicle’s appearance, and so much more. The following covers just a few of the things that should be on the tire portion of your car maintenance checklist and why they’re so important, starting with the treads.
Examine Tread
Checking your tire’s tread is one of the most important tasks that you have to do because the tread is what gives your tires traction on the road and makes controlling your vehicle possible. However, just looking at the tread is rarely enough to tell what the condition of them is since the act of driving slowly wears away at the treads.
Instead, you’ll have to either get a tread depth gauge or a spare coin. Place the coin into the grooves of the tread, making sure the top of the head of the person on the coin is against the tire. If you can not see the top of the head, you’re good to keep using those tires.
Start looking into replacements if you can see the top of his head. For gauges, follow the instructions provided and consider replacement if the measurement falls into the yellow or red zone.
Also, make sure to get measurements from multiple parts of the tread as well to make sure you’re getting the most complete picture of how well your tires are doing as possible. If the tread seems to be worn out in weird, inconsistent ways, take the vehicle to a mechanic as this may be a sign of a deeper issue.
Check Pressure
Checking the pressure of your tires is a vital task especially as the seasons change. Tires that are either over- or underfilled may wear differently and be more susceptible to popping. To check the pressure, first make sure you have a pressure gauge and that the tires are cold (driving makes them hot and has an effect on the pressure).
Once you have one, check your car door or manual for the recommended tire pressure. Then, simply remove the air valve cap, place the gauge on it, and check what it says. If the tire is at the recommended pressure, you just have to replace the cap and move on to the next tire.
If the pressure is too high, then gently use the gauge to press against the air valve and check the pressure again. Replace the cap when it’s where it needs to be. Underinflated tires need to be refilled with an air compressor. Do this slowly and check the pressure often to avoid overinflating the tires.
Rotate Them
Unfortunately, rotating your tires does not mean you should just let them spin. It actually refers to moving the tires on the front of the vehicle to the back and vice versa. Doing this allows them to wear evenly and increases the lifespan of each tire as a result.
Another unsung benefit is that it forces you to pay attention to the tires, which can bring otherwise unseen issues to your attention. While it can be difficult, you only have to do so after you’ve driven for so many miles, with the exact amount varying from 5,000 to 7,500. The car’s manual will tell you how often to do this.
Clean Them
Everyone knows they need to check tire pressure, and seasoned car owners know to rotate and check the tread of their tires.
However, far too many of these people also overlook just how important cleaning your tires is. This process removes dust and debris buildup that could wear away at the tire faster or even poke holes into it if the right kind of stuff is collected. It also gives you the opportunity to check the tires for any signs of damage or extreme wear and tear that need to be addressed.
Luckily, cleaning your tires is pretty easy. Once your tires are cooled down, all you need to do is rinse them with water, apply some soap, scrub really well, and then rinse again before drying. If your tires are excessively dirty, you may need to scrub multiple times to completely remove the grime. Do this for all four of your tires and your car will be looking as good as new!
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