Tires
Today is passenger vehicles have a lot of safety features, from seat belts to anti lock brakes and airbags. But one of the most important safety features on your car is something that you might not think about very much your tires. In many ways, tires are the foundation of auto safety. They not only cushion the ride, they also play a key role in your ability to control, maneuver and stop your car. But to do all that, your tires have to be in good shape which means that you shouldn’t take them for granted. By taking proper care of your tires, you can do your part to help your tires keep you and your family safe.
Follow these helpful hints:
Use the recommended size tire for your vehicle. Undersized tires can lose 10% of their life and waste gas.
Keep tires inflated at the recommended pressure listed in your vehicle owner manual. Check and adjust pressure when the tire is cool (tire pressure increases as the tire heats up with use).
Start and stop your vehicle slowly when possible and decelerate before corners. Fast stops and starts and tire squealing wear more rubber off your tires and take miles off their operating life.
Drive the speed limit. Higher speeds increase tire temperature and cause extra wear.
Keep tires balanced and rotate every 6,000- 8,000 miles (or as recommended by your tire manufacturer) to save hundreds of miles in wear.
Radial tires improve gas mileage. Steel-belted tires are generally the most efficient.
Slow down on rough roads and avoid potholes. Damage to your tires will decrease their useful life.
Finally, Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touches the road when you drive. It only takes a couple of minutes of maintenance each month to keep your tires working at their best.
Check Your Air Pressure Once a Month
Check the air pressure when the tire is cold tires become hot even after driving just a mile. If you must drive to add air, check your air pressure before you leave. Air pressure changes 1-2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change. Air pressure goes up in warm weather and down in cold weather.
Tire pressure must be the same on the tires of each axle, but may be different on the front and rear axle.
Valve caps must be tightly closed to protect the valve from dust and dirt and prevent it from leaking.
Replace missing valve caps without delay.
Rotation
The best way to prevent uneven wear is to have your tires rotated every 5,000 - 7,000 miles or as specified in your vehicle's owner manual.
Replacing Your Tires
You should replace your tires with the same type of tires that came on your vehicle original equipment. This includes tire size, type and speed rating.
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