Tires are essential components of a vehicle for safety and functional reasons. But many car owners take them for granted until a blowout leaves them stranded on the side of the road.
Maintaining your tires can reduce the risks of catastrophic failure. It’s worth the effort given that the only thing connecting your vehicle to the road are the tires.
Here are 16 costly errors you might be making that are shortening the longevity of your tires.
Failing to Monitor Tire Pressure
You should check your tires at least once monthly — when they’re cold — to ensure they’re properly inflated. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, around three in 10 light vehicles on the roads operate with at least one underinflated tire. When properly inflated, your vehicle tires will perform their best and keep you safe.
Overinflating Them
If you overinflate your tires, the overall traction level will go down. That means your stopping distance can increase and your ability to make evasive maneuvers will drop. You’ll also get uneven tread wear, experience steering issues, and have a more uncomfortable ride. Worst of all, however, is you’ll increase the risks of a blowout.
Underinflating Them
Underinflating tires is another no-no. Doing so can generate excessive heat, erode the structural integrity of the tires, and cause catastrophic failure. Other negative underinflation issues include premature tread wear, lower fuel economy, and less a comfortable ride.
Failing to Rotate Tires
Tire rotation will extend the longevity of your tires. You should rotate them every 5,000 miles or at whatever interval the manufacturer stipulates. Rotating tires regularly will give you a smoother ride, even out tread wear, offer better fuel efficiency, and extend the life of your tires. Some people rotate their tires when they go in for an oil change.
Neglecting Wheel Alignments
Some sources suggest getting your wheels aligned every two to three years. Proper wheel alignment will prevent unnecessary wear and tear on your tires, brakes, suspension, and steering. You’ll also enjoy better handling performance.
Failing to Inspect Tires
It’s a good idea to visually inspect your tires routinely. You might be surprised at what you see. If you notice uneven tread wear, bulges, cracks, or other signs of concern, don’t ignore them.
Failing to Balance Tires
Whenever you get new tires, rotate your existing tires, or change your tires from all-season tires to winter tires or vice-versa, get the tires balanced. Unbalanced tires will cause premature wear, steering issues, and vibration problems.
Mixing and Matching Tires
Another mistake to avoid is mixing and matching tires. Most drivers grimace at having to change all their tires simultaneously. But changing them one or a couple at a time will compromise performance, contribute to uneven tread wear, and negatively impact ride quality.
Opting Not To Swap Tires Seasonally
If you live somewhere in the country that gets snow or reasonably cold during the winter, invest in a dedicated set of winter tires. Using all-season tires after the temperature consistently dips below 45°F will leave you with limited traction when you need it most.
When spring rolls around and it gets warmer, you should swap the winter tires for the all-seasons. Winter tires are thinner than all-seasons and will wear faster in the spring and summer.
Storing Tires Improperly
Storing your tires properly is also essential, It’s best to store them indoors, such as in a garage. The space should be dark, cool, and away from heat sources or direct sunlight.
Repairing Punctures Improperly
A tire puncture isn’t necessarily the end of the tire. You can get tires repaired by a mechanic or buy a kit to do the job independently. But if the puncture is too close to the sidewall, the tire is toast. If the goal is to repair a tire, ensure the puncture is 6 mm in diameter or less.
Buying Low-Quality Tires
When buying tires for your car, it doesn’t pay to go cheap. You don’t have to buy the most expensive ones but neither should you buy the bargain-basement variety. Cheap tires won’t last as long as premium brands. Low-quality tires won’t last that long. You’ll have to replace them sooner rather than later.
Getting Used Tires
Some people buy used tires for the cost savings. Once in a while, you might find a barely used set of tires for a too-good-to-be-true price. But more often than not, used tires aren’t worth the risk. You never know what problems the used tires might have. So, it’s best to buy new ones.
Driving Recklessly
Another mistake that can reduce the lifespan of your tires is driving like a maniac. If you brake aggressively, corner without caution, or accelerate like a racecar driver, your tires will experience more wear and tear.
Driving on Challenging Road Surfaces
Driving on challenging road surfaces can dramatically reduce the lifespan of your tires. Potholes and objects on the road won’t do your tires any favors. While avoiding potholes and objects on the road, you should also stay away from curbs.
Lending Your Car to the Wrong Person
Even if you’re mindful of points one through 15, it’ll be all for nothing if you lend your car to the wrong person. The person you lend your vehicle to might not be as mindful as you. So, be careful about who you hand the keys to so they don’t do things that jeopardize your tires.
Avoid These Costly Mistakes at All Costs
Be mindful of these 16 points. A good set of tires will cost you something. It’s in your best interests to ensure they last as long as possible so you maximize your investment.
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