Tips for Extending the Life of Your Tires

Since your tires are the only parts of the vehicle that actually touches the road, you might say they’re the most important. Keeping them in good shape isn’t just vital for your safety, but can also help you save money. As long as you follow a few simple steps and consult your Santa Clara tire repair shop, your tires should last for years.

Make Sure You Have the Appropriate Tires

Not all tires are the same. Some tires are built for the road, others are better for off-roading, and still, others are built for a little bit of everything. When you purchase your next set of tires, be sure to give your tire experts an idea of your driving habits. If you frequently drive on gravel roads, they may recommend a specific type of tire. If your tires can’t keep up with your driving habits, then you’ll likely need to replace them sooner rather than later.

Keep Them Property Inflated

Keeping your tires at the recommended pressure is perhaps the single most important tip for extending the life of your tires. Under-inflated tires are more pliable and thus wear more quickly than fully inflated tires. Invest in a digital pressure gauge and check your tire pressure at least once a month. Most gas stations have on-site air compressors. If you’re not sure how much to inflate your tires, check the instructions in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door jamb.

Rotate Your Tires Regularly

On most vehicles, the front tires wear differently than the rear tires. As such, you’ll need to rotate your tires on a regular basis to ensure that they wear evenly. When you get your tires rotated, your Santa Clara tire experts will simply swap the front and rear tires. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to get your tires rotated once every 8,000 miles or so.