Just like how it happens in our normal lives, you can rarely expect to be treated well if YOU don’t treat others well. It happens just the same in the world of tires. Maintaining your car tires is a crucial part of your well-being on the road. Your smooth driving depends on it, and taking good care of your tires helps them last longer and keeps you safe on your journeys.

That’s why we have prepared some car tire maintenance tips for you, which you can apply to your ride’s shoes. Your tires will be grateful and will serve you well.

Is it necessary? Understanding the need for maintenance.

Imagine it like this: if you don’t maintain your favorite shoes by cleaning them, protecting their sole, applying special products that will extend their life, etc., you will probably end with this in a short time:

That’s why it is crucial to protect and treat your car tires as they act like the shoes of your car. We, as humans, may be able to walk on barefoot, though not advisable, but it’s not the same for cars. Without their shoes, they are unable to move around. Good maintenance will save you a lot of money, as changing worn-out tires often due to bad maintenance may become an expensive sport.

I’m not saying that once you put some good tires and maintain them well they won’t wear out – far from this thought. Tires are consumable, and like every consumable, they should be changed. It’s the cycle of life. But the thing we can do for sure is extending their life.

The Tire Doctor – Making The Diagnosis.

Tire inspection is the key to the whole tire maintenance. Before receiving the treatment, we get examined first, right? Alright, so visual inspections should be made at least once a month. It’s also advisable to check your tires every time before a long trip.

There are a few factors you are looking for:

– Wear

• Tread Depth – New tires usually come with a tread depth of 8-9mm, but as the tire wears over time, the depth becomes shallower and shallower. The legal minimum is 1.6mm, but it is recommended to change the tire when it reaches 2.5mm. The easiest way to measure the tread depth is using a ruler. There are other methods using coins, but they differ depending on the country’s currency and coin’s length.

• Uneven Wear – If you encounter uneven wear patterns, for example when the tire is wearing only on one side, it may indicate that the air pressure in the tire is either high or low. Driving with over-inflated or under-inflated tires makes the pattern wear unevenly. If the air pressure is not the issue, that may indicate that your car has other mechanical problems that lead to uneven wearing, and at this point, it is advisable to consult with an expert. They will check your car and detect what is causing the problem.

– Damage

• Cracks, Cuts, Bulges – Check the tire for visual damage on the tread or the sidewall. Bulges and cracks usually mean that there is a weakness on this point and it is dangerous to drive with those tires. There is also the possibility of a blowout.

• Objects – There may be embedded nails, glass, stones, which will lead to leaks.

– Tire Pressure 

Like I mentioned above, driving with the wrong air pressure may lead to uneven wearing. That’s why you should always check the tires and correct the pressure if needed. Check it when the tires are cold. Even when the tire is healthy, it can still lose air. Usually, the number is between 1 and 3 PSI per month. That’s because of the “Osmosis,” which is the ability of the air to pass through the rubber structure.

Usually, there is a sticker inside the driver’s door with the recommended tire air pressure rates for your car. You can also find that information in the Owner’s manual.

Rotating The Tires – A Simple Trick

Tires wear differently. The front tires are responsible for steering and absorbing the majority of the forces during cornering and braking, thus making them wear faster than the rear tires. If we don’t do anything about that, we will end up with uneven wear. That’s why regular tire rotations are a simple yet effective way to assure even wear on all tires.

There are some tips:

• Regular Rotation: Rotate your tires every 5000 to 8000 miles or 8000 to 13000 kilometers.

• Follow a Pattern: Always consult your owner’s manual for the recommended tire rotation pattern. But for most cases, the rotation method is the “Cross” pattern. It involves moving the front tires directly at the back, while moving the rear tires diagonally to the opposite site at the front. This is the most common method for front-wheel drive vehicles.

• Alignment and Balance: With each tire rotation, check the balance and the alignment as correcting them will improve your handling and will prevent uneven tire wear. I personally recommend you seek a qualified mechanic for those.

Maintaining your tires during the different seasons.

Each seasonal tire has its differences and abilities. Some tires work better when it’s hot and dry, but some work better when it’s cold and wet. The same is applied to durability. For example, when you drive in the summer using a winter tire, it will make the tire wear faster than if it’s used only in the winter. That’s because its tread pattern and rubber compound are optimized for colder weather.

There are some tips on how to treat your tires during the different seasons, thus making your journeys safer.

Winter:

• Air Pressure: Check the tire pressure of your tires regularly, as colder temperatures cause the air pressure to drop.

• Inspect the Tread: Always make sure that the tread depth of your tires is adequate for the road conditions during the winter. Driving with a tread depth that cannot maintain traction on slippery surfaces is dangerous and may cause you to lose control easily. Just experience, believe me.

• Invest in Winter Tires: If the winters in your country or region are harsh, don’t just rely on your tread depth. Instead, invest in some good winter tires that are specially designed for snow and ice. It will improve your traction and handling when driving in such conditions.

Summer:

• Air Pressure: Again, monitor the air pressure regularly. In the summer, the air pressure in the tires rises.

• Overheating: Try to avoid overheating, as it will not only make the tire wear faster, but there is also the risk of a blowout, especially if the tire is damaged or already worn. To prevent overheating, try not to overload your car and always drive responsibly.

• Invest in Summer Tires: Always use the appropriate tires for when the weather is hot and dry. Driving with winter tires in the summer will just not do it, as they are intended for colder conditions and will wear way faster than some good summer tires.

Shoes and Tires.

Just like I mentioned above, what shoes are for us, the same (and even more) are the tires for the car. If we wear a good pair of shoes and treat them well, it will be comfy for our toes.

Investing in some good tires that are adequate for their respective season is always a good idea, but maintaining them will increase their lifespan and will save you a lot of money later. That’s why it is wise to always maintain them and act on time when they need you.

If you have any questions, we are here for you! Drop a comment below, and I’m more than happy to help you!