A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study revealed that about 9 percent of motor vehicle collisions are tire-related. Such accidents are preventable with proper tire maintenance. Yet, only 20 percent of drivers do pressure checks on their tires every month, and 85 percent of motorists do not know the proper way to inflate their tires, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Here are a few tips to help you keep your tires in tip-top condition and stay safe on the road.
Check Tire Pressure
At the least, you should check your tire pressure once a month and before and after a long trip. Most automakers recommend a cold tire pressure of around 30 psi, but the recommended pressure may vary from one manufacturer to another. Check your car owner’s manual to find out the recommended pressure for your car. It is important to maintain proper tire inflation because under-inflated tires result in increased rolling resistance, which can cut the fuel-efficiency of your vehicle. The Department of Energy reports that proper inflation can bump up fuel efficiency by 3.3 percent.
Rotate the Tires
According to Michelin, you should rotate your tires once every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Each tire wears differently. If you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, your front wheels wear about two times faster than the rear wheels. In a left-hand-drive country such as the U.S., it is likely that the left tire will wear more rapidly than the right tire. Rotating your tires regularly is an effective way to get more uniform wear, which in turn leads to better performance and longer tire life. You can rotate your tires yourself with a hydraulic floor jack or bring your car to a shop that offers tire services.
Check the Treads on Your Tires
The legal minimum tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. However, Tirerack.com found that greater depth improves safety. In tests, new tires with a 10/32-inch tread depth had a stopping distance of 195.2 feet in the rain, where tires with a 4/32-inch depth recorded 290 feet. Tires with a 2/32-inch depth stopped after 378.8 feet. Check your tires’ tread every month by sticking a quarter into a tread groove. If the tread is flush with the top of George Washington’s head, it is 4/32 inch deep. If you can see any part of Washington’s head, replace your tires immediately.
Align Your Wheels
Misaligned wheels can cause your tires to wear rapidly and unevenly, as well as contribute to steering and tracking problems. You should take your vehicle to an auto service station for a wheel-alignment check at least once a year or every 10,000 miles. If your wheels are improperly aligned, the technicians will adjust the suspension and steering components according to manufacturer specifications, and make sure that the wheels are perfectly parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground.
Keeping the tires of your vehicle in great shape benefits you in many ways. Besides keeping you safe, it also helps you save money on tire purchases and fuel, as well as giving you a better overall driving experience.
Image via Toyota.com
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