4 Easy Tips to Make Your Tires Last Longer!
Unless you have money to spare at the end of each month, you probably don’t want to be spending your hard-earned money on a new set of tires more than necessary. Routine tire service will help maintain your tires in good condition so that your vehicle drives as safe as possible.
Follow these four inexpensive maintenance tips to make your tires last longer, improve gas mileage, extend the life of your car, and make your drive a safer one.
- Check air pressure monthly: It is important to maintain the correct inflation pressure in your tires. Tires can lose about a pound per square inch each month, one main reason due to changes in temperature. Colder temperatures lower air pressure while warmer temperatures increase air pressure. The correct air pressure improves fuel efficiency while the wrong air pressure can cause sluggish handling, increase stopping distance, increase wear and tear, and heighten the risk of a blowout.
- Have tires rotated every 5,000 miles: Rotating the tires to different wheel positions on the vehicle every 5,000 miles will help them last a lot longer, evening out the wear and tear that occurs just in normal driving conditions.
- Have wheels balanced: Have your wheels balanced at the same time you have the tires rotated. Every tire and wheel (even when brand-new) has a heavy spot in it. The difference is tiny, measured in one-quarter to one-half ounces, and can cause vibration and uneven tire wear. Your mechanic uses a specialized machine and small weights to balance each wheel. The balance may need to be moved periodically as the tire wears.
- Check alignment twice a year: Misalignment may make your tires toed-in (“pigeon-toed”) or toed-out (“duck-footed”). If your car pulls or drifts right or left, or the steering wheel vibrates or shakes, your car may have an alignment problem. The smallest misalignment can reduce fuel efficiency, and increase tread wear.
Remember: A little tire maintenance now can help save a lot of money later. It’s a fast, easy process that costs a lot less than a new tire!
Need to know more about these four tips to make your tires last longer? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about tire service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Unless you have money to spare at the end of each month, you probably don’t want to be spending your hard-earned money on a new set of tires more than necessary. Routine tire service will help maintain your tires in good condition so that your vehicle drives as safe as possible.
Follow these four inexpensive maintenance tips to make your tires last longer, improve gas mileage, extend the life of your car, and make your drive a safer one.
- Check air pressure monthly: It is important to maintain the correct inflation pressure in your tires. Tires can lose about a pound per square inch each month, one main reason due to changes in temperature. Colder temperatures lower air pressure while warmer temperatures increase air pressure. The correct air pressure improves fuel efficiency while the wrong air pressure can cause sluggish handling, increase stopping distance, increase wear and tear, and heighten the risk of a blowout.
- Have tires rotated every 5,000 miles: Rotating the tires to different wheel positions on the vehicle every 5,000 miles will help them last a lot longer, evening out the wear and tear that occurs just in normal driving conditions.
- Have wheels balanced: Have your wheels balanced at the same time you have the tires rotated. Every tire and wheel (even when brand-new) has a heavy spot in it. The difference is tiny, measured in one-quarter to one-half ounces, and can cause vibration and uneven tire wear. Your mechanic uses a specialized machine and small weights to balance each wheel. The balance may need to be moved periodically as the tire wears.
- Check alignment twice a year: Misalignment may make your tires toed-in (“pigeon-toed”) or toed-out (“duck-footed”). If your car pulls or drifts right or left, or the steering wheel vibrates or shakes, your car may have an alignment problem. The smallest misalignment can reduce fuel efficiency, and increase tread wear.
Remember: A little tire maintenance now can help save a lot of money later. It’s a fast, easy process that costs a lot less than a new tire!
Need to know more about these four tips to make your tires last longer? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Auto Service & Repair for more information about tire service and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
