While tires are not the most expensive part of a vehicle to replace, you still don’t want to spend money on them earlier than necessary. In most cases, a set of four tires will cost about $500 and last for at least 30,000 to 40,000 miles. However, they can last even longer when properly maintained.
Make Sure to Rotate Your Tires Regularly
Ideally, you will have the tires rotated each time that the vehicle is inspected. By rotating the tires, they will wear evenly, and it is less likely that they will form bulges or weak spots. When they don’t wear evenly, there is a higher risk of a blowout or that they won’t make uniform contact with the ground. Ultimately, it becomes harder for your tires to get as much air through the tread, which can lead to increased friction and heat as you drive. Over time, it is possible for one or more of them to pop or shred without warning.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Another effective way to increase the useful life of your tires is to keep them properly inflated at all times. Most new cars have gauges in each tire that keeps track of how much air it has. If air levels drop below a certain threshold, a light will appear on the dashboard. In some cases, the dash will actually display a number representing how many pounds per square inch (PSI) it has.
As soon as you see a warning light, be sure to stop at a service station and fill the tires to the level recommended by the manufacturer. If tires are overinflated, be sure to let air out slowly as too much pressure can lead to a blowout.
Use the Right Tires for Road Conditions
While summer tires may be ideal for dry roads and warm temperatures, they are not the best option when driving on snowy roads. Furthermore, you may want to use winter tires as opposed to all-season tires when driving in deep snow or ice as they offer the most traction. By using tires that are designed for the road conditions that you encounter, they will wear out less quickly and offer a safer and smoother ride.
By taking care of your tires, you provide yourself and your family with safe transportation to work and school. Furthermore, proper maintenance increases the odds that you extend their useful life, which means that you save money in the long run.