4 Things You Can Do To Extend The Lifespan Of Your Tires
Whether your tires are brand new or they have been on your vehicle for a couple of years, it makes sense to take steps to extend the lifespan of their tread. Tire lifespan in part depends on the brand of the tire. When treated correctly, you can expect most normal tires to last approximately 60,000 miles. Extended wear tires may last up to 70,000 miles.
However, there are a couple of other components that influence the lifespan of your tires: your driving habits and the maintenance you complete on your tires. Check out a few steps you can take to make sure that your tire tread achieves its maximum lifespan.
1. Rotate Your Tires Regularly
Pull out the driver's manual to your vehicle to see how often you should rotate your tires. For most automobiles, tire rotations should occur about every six months. Regular rotations ensure that the tread on your tires wears down evenly. The tires in the front have to work harder than the tires in the back; this means that the tread will also wear down quicker.
Regular tire rotations keep you from having to prematurely replace certain tires on your vehicle because the tread wore out faster than the other tires. This preventive step is also necessary for safety reasons, as regularly rotated tires are less likely to experience a blowout.
2. Promptly Repair Any Cuts or Holes in Your Tires
Some drivers have the misconception that any type of wound to a tire means that the tire needs to be replaced. However, this is not true. Small punctures that are located on the center of the tire tread can usually be repaired.
If you detect a cut or hole in your tire, it is essential to take the tire to a mechanic as soon as possible. Tire punctures can only be repaired if they are minute in size. By leaving the puncture alone, you give it a chance to increase in size.
3. Keep Your Tires at the Recommended Pressure
You should check the pressure in your tires each week to see that your tires are inflated to the proper level. The recommended inflation amount varies based on your vehicle and can be found in your owner's manual. If your tires are over-inflated, this will cause the tread to wear down quicker. Under-inflated tires also have a propensity to wear down quicker than properly inflated tires.
4. Avoid Aggressive Driving
Constantly slamming on your breaks and heavily accelerating are two habits that reduce the lifespan of your tire's tread. Instead, focus on smoothly accelerating and give yourself plenty of time to stop. Keep an out for potholes as well; not only can potholes knock your car out of alignment, but they can damage your tires.