Tips To Keeping Your Tires In Shape As You Get Back On The Road | GoGulong

Routine car maintenance is something that many car owners today neglect, but in reality, it’s something you can’t do without. It’s a non-negotiable for all car owners. And although most parts of your car are crucial when it comes to safety and overall performance, this particular component is important in terms of safety, functionality, and comfortability--the tires.

Think about it. Driving is probably one of the most dangerous things you do every single day. You rely on all four tires that make contact with the ground to keep you traveling down the road safely and comfortably. So, keeping your tires in tip-top shape is only essential, especially if your car has been sitting too long at home because of the pandemic. Here are some car maintenance tips to keep your tires in shape as you get back on the road:

Check Your Tire Pressure Every Month

Regularly checking your tire pressure is crucial because tires lose about one pound per square inch (PSI) of air every month, and even more so during the colder months. So, if you keep relying on your tire mechanic to check your tire pressure annually or quarterly, then you’re in for some road risk.

Tires are designed to function at full capacity and their best when pumped with the suggested PSI of air. Now, it’s important to keep in mind that you only need to pump just the right amount because 1) overinflating can cause premature wear and blowouts, and 2) underinflating can give you a hard time steering which will only cause road accidents.

To keep yourself safe and prolong the life of your tires, make sure you check and maintain your tire pressure every month. You can find the ideal PSI for your tires in your driver’s manual or on the sidewall of the driver’s seat.

Inspect Your Tires

You can’t keep going to the tire shop to have your tires checked. As a driver, you have to learn how to properly inspect your own tires so you wouldn’t have to deal with accidents once you get back on the road. Regularly inspect your tires, check whether or not it has started wearing out. Check your tires for damages, cuts, gouges, and if it’s embedded with any debris that can cause blowouts. Using your car with damaged or punctured tires only reduces the car’s capability and shortens tire life.

If you still haven’t heard about it, you can use the one-peso coin trick to check your tires’ tread depth. Insert a one-peso coin into the tire’s groove with Jose Rizal’s head facing upright. If the year at the bottom part--below Rizal’s head--is partially covered, then your tires are still in good condition. But if not, then maybe it’s time to invest in some new rubber.

However, if you have the right tools, you can also use that. A tread wear indicator will help you determine whether or not your tires are still roadworthy. Check if the pointer shows the tire within the threshold, measured just right from the bottom of the tire’s groove. If it’s below this level, then it’s time for you to buy new tires.

Keep Your Tires Aligned

Another thing that needs to be maintained is your car’s tire alignment. For example, your front tires require regular alignment to make sure there’s no excessive amount of difference in the way your tires are pointing, which can eventually cause excessive wear.

To keep your tires aligned, bring your car to your local tire or car maintenance center and have it measured. They should be able to tow in and out of the wheels to make all the necessary adjustments based on your car or tire manufacturer’s recommendations.

Rotate Your Tires Regularly

Most car owners don’t see the significance of rotating tires regularly, but it can actually make a lot of difference. Another way of maintaining an even treadwear is by rotating your tires. It is recommended that you rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Tire rotation forces vary according to where on the vehicle these tires are placed.

Front tires get affected by cornering and wearing out at the edges more quickly than those at the back. On the other hand, tires mounted to the drive wheels are subjected to additional wear under acceleration. Scheduling tire rotations at your local tire shop should be fairly inexpensive, so don’t be intimidated by the price you’ll be paying. After all, this also helps prolong the life of your tires.

Balance Your Tires

It’s also important to have your tires balanced from time to time. A tire technician or professional should place your tires on a machine that will sense weight distribution and allow placement of lead weights on your tire’s rim to achieve an even dispersal. In the long run, this reduces tire vibrations and improves your tire’s overall quality and performance.

Choose Your Tires Wisely

Even from the very beginning, you have to choose your tires wisely enough, so you don't have to worry about driving issues later on. Brand new tires will give you an exceptional driving experience, and you can stay worried-free. However, purchasing cheaper tires and secondhand ones might only lead to more issues and expenses, requiring you to have them replaced sooner than you think. So, if you have to spend more on brand new tires, don't hesitate, because you can rest assured that you're getting the most out of your money.

Drive With Care

Car tire maintenance also comes with driver responsibility. One of the most effective ways to keep your tires in shape is by driving moderately and with care. High-speed driving only heats up your tires, increases friction, and ultimately wears them out more quickly. Unexpected impacts with harmful road debris also increase the likelihood of tire damage, punctures, and blowouts.

Keep A Spare Tire

Always keep a spare tire with you. Check your spare tires' pressure and overall condition and carry them around for extra support, should you need it. Believe us when we say that it’ll save you from all unnecessary tire hassles while on the road.

Consult An Expert

When all else fails, bring your car to the nearest tire technician. Have them checked by an expert, and while you’re at it, you also might want to ask your tire specialist how to check your own tires. In that case, should you be out on the road alone without an expert, you’ll know what to do.

Taking care of your tires is simple but very important. Take the time to learn the language and the overall needs of each of your tires, so you don’t have to worry about bald, worn out, or blowout tires while you’re on the road.