5 Ways to Lengthen the Life of Your Tires
The average set of all-season tires will last between three and five years before replacement is necessary. By taking a proactive approach to tire maintenance, you can ensure you’re getting every mile out of your current set while saving thousands of dollars throughout your life as a driver.
No matter what type of tires you have or which vehicles you’re driving, these five tips help you lengthen the life of your tires and stay safe out on the road.
1. Regular Rotation
There are endless factors that contribute to the wear pattern of your tires. However, one thing is almost universal: tires wear unevenly.
The telltale signs of tires that need rotating include a “pulling” sensation to one side of the road or the other when driving in a straight line, vibration when driving at higher speeds, and one tire deflating quicker than the others. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms of uneven wear, stop into one of the 43 Dobbs Tire & Auto Center locations, and our expert and certified service technicians can perform a fast and affordable rotation and balance.
2. Get Aligned
Misaligned wheels are one of the biggest causes of uneven tire wear. Over time, contact with bumps in the road, potholes, and curbs can throw off your wheels just enough to put undue stress on parts of your tires.
Most drivers recognize that drifting and a shaking steering wheel are signs that an alignment is needed, but even if you aren’t noticing these symptoms, it’s still important to have this service once a year – at a minimum. Our advice? Schedule your rotation and alignment services at the same time, and you’ll save yourself an extra trip!
3. Inflation (The Good Kind)
There’s been a lot of talk about inflation over the past couple years – most of it is not positive. However, when it comes to your tires, proper inflation is crucial to reducing tire wear for several reasons. First and foremost, it ensures that the tire’s contact patch, or the area of the tire in contact with the road, is evenly distributed, helping tires wear evenly.
Additionally, proper inflation helps to maintain the tire’s shape, which can help it to grip the road better and provide better handling and braking performance. Finally, underinflated tires can generate excess heat, which can cause them to wear more quickly and even lead to a blowout.
If you want to keep your tires in top shape and stay safe on the road, check your tire pressure regularly, and when the light comes on your dashboard, take care of the issue as quickly as possible.
4. Watch Your Driving Habits
Driving habits can significantly impact the wear and tear of your tires. For example, aggressively accelerating and braking can cause the tires to wear down faster while taking turns too quickly can cause uneven wear.
In addition, keep an eye out for curbs when turning corners or parallel parking. Hitting them a few times won’t cause significant or immediate damage, but if you regularly rub your tires against curbs, the tire walls will break down much quicker than they would otherwise. Finally, remember that the driving habits that keep your tires in good condition are the same ones that keep you safe on the road, which is always the top priority!
5. Park Strategically
Many vehicle owners don’t have access to parking in a dry, shaded garage, but that doesn’t mean you should disregard your parking situation altogether. If possible, keep your vehicle out of direct sunlight, as UV light can prematurely age your tires.
If you have no other option, don’t worry – your tires are resilient and built to withstand the elements. However, if you can choose between a sunny parking spot or a shaded spot, your tires (not to mention your paint) will thank you for choosing the latter.
Tire Care Starts at Dobbs Tire & Auto Centers
We know a thing or two about tires and want to help keep your current set in good condition for as long as possible. We’ll not only help you maintain your existing tires, but we can also help you find the right replacement set when your wheels wear down.
Contact us to schedule an appointment and let our expert and certified service technicians at our 43 Dobbs Tire & Auto Center locations help keep your engine running better and longer.
