Let’s talk about tires. When you think about it, the job that tires do for us is really kind of amazing. These rubber donuts spin on asphalt – among other surfaces – at speeds high and low, in all kinds of weather, for tens of thousands of miles, gripping the road and keeping the crazy contraptions we call automobiles moving safely along, day after day.
With all that tires do for us, it’s really only fair that we take good care of them. But more than that, taking care of your tires will help keep you safe, save you money over time, and help ensure your vehicle’s performance is at its best every day.
Safety First
Because tires play such a critical role in the operation of your vehicle, a tire failure can be a big problem, to say the least. Tire blowouts can result in serious injury, or even death, and, much more commonly, flat tires can present a very serious inconvenience, and a hazard if you wind up stuck on the side of the road [LINK BACK TO FIRST ARTICLE ON VEHICLE BREAKDOWN SAFETY].
In short, fresh tires with good tread on them are your best bet. Tires with tread below 2/32 inches start to become dangerous, to be sure, but you can start to have performance issues before your tread gets that low. It’s better to replace your tires earlier than to run them until the tread is low; you’ll vehicle will drive more smoothly and perform better, especially in hazardous conditions, such as on wet roads.
Money Back In Your Pocket
It is estimated that for every 1 PSI drop below your recommended tire pressure, your MPG drops by .4 percent. Of course, if your tire pressure gets too low, you’ll have even more serious issues, but that drop in MPG should be reason enough to keep your tires properly inflated, especially with the cost of gas being what it is. By taking good care of your tires, checking your tire pressure regularly (at least once a month), and inflating your tires as needed, you’ll save some serious cash at the pump.
Additionally, taking good care of your tires and keeping track of their wear and tear can prevent serious breakdowns and tire blowouts, which can cause serious damage to your vehicle. Preventing those additional costs from ever occurring also puts money back in your pocket.
Keeping Your Car In Tip-Top Shape
Keeping your tires in great shape is good for your vehicle’s performance in general. Tires affect your gas mileage, handling in all kinds of weather conditions, stopping time, grip, and much more. Simply put, if you want to get the most out of your vehicle, you want to make to keep your tires in great shape.
You can start by just checking your tire pressure on a regular basis. Next, check your tread and make sure your tires are safe to drive on. Finally, be sure to rotate your tires when needed to ensure even wear and tear. By following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to taking the pressure out of tire maintenance and enjoying all the benefits that come with properly inflated and maintained tires.