Increase Life Tires

Tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, and affect everything from vehicle handling to your car’s ability to stop. Therefore, tires that are in good condition are an essential component to keeping you safe on the road.

Taking proper care of your tires can:

• extend their life;
• improve vehicle handling;
• improve fuel economy;
• help avoid breakdowns; and
• avoid tire blowouts.

For tips on how you can increase the life of your tires, refer to the following.

Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Proper tire pressure is one of the most important parts of maintaining safe tires. Because tire pressure is incredibly difficult to assess through eyesight alone, it’s important that you check the pressure of all of your tires using a proper tire pressure gauge.

Additionally, make sure that you locate your tires’ recommended pressure, typically located:

• on the sides of the tires;
• within the doorframe; or
• in the vehicle owner’s manual.

After checking the tire pressure in each of your tires, slowly release air from the tires by applying pressure to the valve stem if your tires are overinflated. If your tire pressure is too low, add air at a service or gas station.

Get Your Tires Rotated

Regular tire rotation is another important element in increasing the life of your tires. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should have information in it regarding how often you should get your tires rotated.

If you don’t have your owner’s manual, an auto or tire shop can usually provide you with information about rotation frequency. Regular tire rotation will reduce the tread wear on your tires by allowing wear to occur evenly on all parts of the tire.

Check Wheel Alignment

An oft overlooked cause of tire damage is a misaligned wheel.

Tires can be damaged by improper alignment because it causes:

• vibration;
• shaking; and
• imbalance to a vehicle.

A misaligned wheel may cause:

• uneven tread;
• under-inflation; or
• tire bulges.

Proper wheel alignment will evenly distribute weight over all four of your vehicle’s tires, therefore improving your tires’ longevity.

Signs of Wear on Your Tires

In addition to performing routine maintenance of your tires by maintaining proper air pressure, getting your tires rotated, and checking your wheel alignment, it’s also important to check your tires regularly for signs of wear and tear. Worn or defective tires can lead to accidents on the road.

It may be time to replace your tires if you notice:

• bulges or blisters in your tires;
• consistent under-inflation;
• excessive vibration while driving;
• cracks in the siding; or
• uneven or excessive tread wear.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that a tire issue is present in nine percent of accidents in the United States.

As such, in order to keep tires performing at optimal levels, the NHTSA recommends:

• keeping tires inflated;
• following the speed limit; and
• replacing your tires when you notice wear.

Unfortunately, even good tire maintenance isn’t always enough to ensure your safety. If you’ve been in an accident that was the result of defective tires, the attorneys at Chalik & Chalik can help you file a claim against the tire manufacturer. Call us today at 855-529-0269 or fill out our contact form.