Did you know that The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the average household spends approximately 12.9 percent of their annual income on transportation?
This includes everything from filling up at the gas station to wear and tear items such as brakes, shocks and tires.
Depending on the type of car you drive, tires can be very pricey. Larger trucks such as a Dodge Ram 1500 will need a larger more expensive set of tires compared to a Chrysler 200 sedan.
However, everyone should take advice on how to get the most miles out of your current set of tires and prolong that purchase for as long as possible. Here are some professional tire maintenance tips:
The “Eagle Eye” Approach
When you get into your vehicle, don’t overlook your tires. Inspect them often using a keen eye to make certain you do not notice them looking low on air or appearing to have screws or other punctures in the tire. It is best to notice this before driving your car rather than after due to more wear and tear on the tires that could be prevented.
Tire Pressure
Understanding the importance of driving on tires that are at the proper pressure is vital. In order for tires to operate properly and effectively, they need proper inflation pressure. As soon as you notice your tires are low, put air in them quickly before spending much time on the road with low pressure tires.
Regular Rotation
The quickest way to wear the tread on your tires is failing to rotate them on a regular basis. According to Cars.com, a great time to rotate your tires is when you change the oil, assuming you do that important car chore when you should. They suggest not waiting longer than 7500 miles for a tire rotation.
Alignment
The wheel alignment is the process of checking and adjusting the angles of the wheels relative to each other and to the car body. If your tires do not get aligned when needed, your tires can wear unevenly. There are several indications as to when your tires may need to be aligned, such as if the vehicle pulls to one side, the tires screech when turning, or the vehicle is unable to handle the road properly.
Proper tire maintenance is extremely important in getting the most for your money. If you practice many of these suggestions, your tires should last longer than they would if they are neglected.
