If there is one thing which is common to us all, it is our vehicles. It is hard to find someone in these modern times who does not have a car. Do you know anyone who is car-less? Another thing which is common to almost all vehicle owners is forgetting to do anything about our tires.
Vehicle tires need to be swapped out when they wear down. No one wants to do it, and it is often put off but checking your tires regularly and changing them when needed will not only make your driving experiences safer but can actually save you money.
I am here to share some tips with you which will help you to be safe and prolong the life of your tires.
In This Article
How Long Do Tires Last?
There is no definitive answer to this question, but a lot depends on:
- The quality of the tires.
- The driving style of the driver.
- The weight of the vehicle.
- Tire maintenance.
- Age of tires.
- Correct balancing.
According to Consumer Reports, a set of new tires should last anywhere from three to ten years or at least 25.000 miles. A quality tire, regularly maintained and carefully driven can last 50.000 miles or more.
It is recommended that you should inspect your tires after five years, and then inspect them every year after. If you manage to use your tires for ten years, then it is recommended that you replace them.
There are many things which you can do to prolong the life of your tires, and that starts with buying high-quality ones.
Are Expensive Tires Worth It?
Expensive tires may not be worth it, but high-quality ones definitely are. Just because you are spending a lot, it does not mean that you are getting a long lasting tire, so be prepared to shop around a bit.
It is a simple fact that durable tires will last longer than regular tires, and you will have to spend a little more than the average to get the durable ones. It all comes down to how much you spend in the long run, though, and a set of high-quality tires will save you money by you not having to replace them as quickly.
Consumer Reports has an in-depth guide on how to buy long-lasting tires and which models are the most durable.
How to Make Your Tires Last Longer?
So, now that you have high-quality tires, how can you ensure that they last as long as possible?
1. Drive Calmly And Drive Safely
It is tempting to drive like a race driver, but you have to face the fact that you are not a race driver. When it comes to wearing down your tires, accelerating and braking are two of the main culprits. Driving safely and calmly may not sound like much fun but saving money is.
The slower and more consistently you can drive, the better it is for your tires. Now, I am not saying that you should drive slow, but you should stay within the speed limit and stay at a consistent speed. Try not to slow down or speed up too quickly, and your tires will last longer.
2. Check The Tire Pressure
It is a simple thing but keeping your tires inflated to the correct pressure will also lengthen the life of them. If tires are under-inflated, not only will it help to wear the tread more but it will also cause you to use more gas for every mile, costing you even more money.
Related:
- Putting Air In Your Tires At A Gas Station: The Ultimate Guide
- 5 Best Portable Air Compressors for Truck Tires
Under-inflated tires are also more at risk of suffering a blowout. If your tire explodes, then you have no option but to replace it. They also serve to reduce your performance, especially when the road is slick.
Check your optimum tire pressure in your owner’s manual, and check the tires regularly. Most gas stations have free air, so it does not cost you anything to keep your tires inflated to the correct levels.
3. Rotate Your Tires
Not all driving conditions are created equal, and this means that your tires do not wear out at the same speed. In a perfect world, they would all wear evenly, and you could replace them all at the same time, but that is not the case. If you let them wear unevenly, and replace them one at a time, or when some do not need to be replaced, then you are going to be spending money which you do not need to.
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The solution to this is to rotate your tires. You can do this yourself but, even if you pay someone to do it, you are going to be saving money in the long run. It is also recommended that you swap the front and the back tires every 5.000 miles (8.000 kilometers). A quick rotation will give you longer-lasting tires.
4. Store The Tires Correctly
If you live in an area where the weather changes a lot between summer and winter, then you may want to think about using two sets of tires. If you are driving in the snow, then summer tires are going to wear down quicker, and the same is true for using winter tires in the summer. Even using all-season tires year-round is not the best option. I recommend using two sets of tires and storing them when not in use.
Now, the storage of your tires is also an issue. If you are not careful, then you can damage and wear down your tires even when they are not in use. Store your tires in a cool, dry place, and out of the sun, as UV rays can damage the rubber. The same goes for parking your car. The more you can keep your tires out of the sun, the better.
5. Balance The Wheels
When we think about the balance of your car, we are talking about two things: the balancing of the wheels, and the center of gravity. Over time, the alignment of your wheels is going to change, and you may notice a slight wobble when you drive. If your wheels are not realigned, not only can it be dangerous but your tires will wear down quicker. Thankfully, it is easy to get done. It may cost you a little money, but you will have a safer driving experience, and it will save you money in the long run.
You should also think about the balance of your car, and how you are packing your car. Keeping the center of gravity low is better for the car overall, and for the tread of your tires. Try to avoid putting a lot of heavy stuff on the roof of your car and keep the heavy stuff as close to the ground as possible and as close to the center of your vehicle.
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Taking care of the tread on your tires costs you money, there is no doubt about it, but that money is saved by lengthening the life of your tires. It costs a lot to replace a set of tires, and I always recommend replacing all four at the same time, so the less frequently you can do it, the better.
The best thing about maintaining your tires, along with the saved money, is that you are going to be driving safer. Money can be replaced but a life or your health cannot. Take care of your tires, save some money, and possibly save a life too.
