The tires on your car, truck, or SUV are the only points of contact your vehicle makes with the road. That means properly caring for them helps other components of the vehicle — from the engine to the brakes — stay in proper working order.
With these maintenance tips, you can care for your car tires for many miles to come.
Why Your Tires Are So Important
It all starts with the air pressure. When your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the tires will have the right amount of coverage for the road.
Under- or over-inflated tires can result in a variety of issues over time, including:
- Reduced traction
- Uneven wear
- Reduced fuel-efficiency
- Greater risk of a tire blowout or explosion
- Decreased tire life
Car Tire Maintenance Tips
Check the pressure
Once a month and before every long road trip, you should check the air pressure in your tires. In between checks, if you notice your tires are visibly low or your car’s tire pressure warning light turns on, it’s good to check the tires and add air as needed.
Rotate regularly
Every few thousand miles, the tires on your vehicle should be rotated. As the front and rear tires carry different loads and perform different steering and braking functions, it’s important to move the tires around to ensure even wear.
At the same time, getting your wheels aligned regularly helps your car drive a straight line without pulling or drifting to one side. During alignment, the tires, wheels, and other components are adjusted to reduce wear and tear.
Administer the eye test
Tires aren’t designed to last forever, but with proper inflation and regular alignments and rotations, you can help ensure you get the most life out of them. You should inspect your tires often to make sure the treads are in good condition.
As the tires wear, the tread will get lower until the wear bars become visible. These “bald” tires possess poor traction, which can make traversing through slick conditions difficult and dangerous.
Get Tire Service in Raleigh, NC
When you need your tires rotated, balanced, or replaced, make an appointment at Fred Anderson Toyota of Raleigh. Our Toyota Service Center in Raleigh, North Carolina has the solutions you’re looking for. We also offer Toyota service coupons to help you save some money on your next visit.