Tires are a worthwhile investment in vehicles, yet it is expensive to replace once damaged. It moves us from A to B and back, adjusts to varying road and terrain, and pushes through ice, snow, and rain. Help tires last longer by doing four things.
Rotate Tires
On a vehicle, the front tires or the back tires work harder than the remaining two. Every 5,000 to 8,000 miles (8,000 to 13,000 kilometers), go to a trusted auto repair shop and let a licensed auto mechanic rotate tires. The rotation spreads wear and tear to all tires. Specifically, the hardworking tires can get a rest while the resting tires can go to the hardworking positions. Without tire rotation, the tires’ lifespan will shorten. A dealership already has tire-rotated pre-owned cars, so there’s no need to worry about rotation for a while if you purchase a car there.
Maintain Manufacturer’s Tire Pressure Limit
Every 3,000 miles or 5,000 kilometers, check the tire pressure on each tire. If the tire pressure decreases from the last time it’s checked, it needs more air inside it. Pump air in the tire at the gas station or at the auto repair shop. Follow the owner’s manual and vehicle door placard’s recommendations for best tire pressure. Be sure to check tire pressure as seasons change, especially summer and winter. The air in tires automatically expands or contracts during those months. Without tire pressure, accelerated wear and tear, tire failure, structure damage, and poor gas mileage.
Check the Alignment
If the car drives to the left or right instead of driving normally, drive to a trusted auto repair shop and let a licensed auto mechanic examine the tires’ wheel alignment. The mechanic will adjust the wheels back to its normal position. The pulling to the left or right comes from tires aligning too far inward or too far outward. Misaligned tires increase wear and tear and affect fuel efficiency.
Check Tire Balance
While you’re at the shop, let a licensed auto mechanic examine the tire’s balance. A trusted auto repair shop understands that tires have a heavy spot, and those heavy spots can cause vibration while driving. Balancing also reduces uneven wear and tear. Let the professional add weight or remove weight on tires so all tires weigh the same.
No matter how fast or slow, the tires need to keep up with the driver’s demands. Unless money is abundant, it’s best to maintain the tires included with the car, whether they be Nissan tires or those from another brand. Proactive strategies like the tips above will keep tires running in peak performance for years to come.
