Your car tires are the only parts of the vehicle that make direct contact with the road. And while they’re not designed to last forever, with proper maintenance and care you can extend their life and protect other components from abnormal wear and tear.
Why Is Regular Tire Maintenance Required?
While they may be the only points of contact with the road, your car tires can have a big impact on the vehicle’s performance and safety. Low tread diminishes your vehicle’s ability to grip the road when driving, turning, and coming to a stop, while tires with the incorrect amount of air can deliver a bouncy or hard ride, and cause your car to consume more fuel.
4 Keys to Proper Tire Maintenance
With regular inspections of your tires, you’ll be aware of any issues that could result in damage down the road. You can easily check the tread of your tires with a penny, as a sufficient amount of tread will help your tires grip the road surface better to provide reliable stability and optimal braking power.
Just as important as the tread is the air pressure inside the tires. An over- or under-inflated tire won’t wear evenly and can cause your engine to work harder, which will increase your fuel consumption. It’s good practice to check the air pressure in your tires at least once a month and before any long trips.
As the front and rear of your vehicle carries different loads and performs different functions, it’s important to rotate your tires every few thousand miles to ensure proper wear occurs. Some experts suggest performing a tire rotation between 5,000 and 7,000 miles, but, like with almost every maintenance interval, it’s best to consult the vehicle manual.
Another area that can affect the condition of your tires is the wheel alignment. When your wheels are out of alignment, it can result in uneven tire wear, diminished fuel economy, and affected handling. If your vehicle’s wheels are properly aligned, you should be able to drive a straight stretch of road without it pulling or drifting to one side.
Receive Tire Service in Madison, Wisconsin
Schedule an appointment at any of the Zimbrick Group auto service centers in Madison, WI, when you need a tire replacement, rotation, or alignment.
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