A normal set of tyres should last you at least 50,000 miles. Generally speaking, that gives them a lifespan of about five years!
Certain things, however, can cause them to wear down more quickly. For example, it can happen if you take turns too quickly or jam on the brakes.
In some cases, it can even cause you to lose control of your vehicle. That’s why proper tyre maintenance is so important.
Did you recently get new tyres? Looking for some car tyre maintenance tips? If so, you’re at the right place.
Keep reading to learn more!
1. Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated
Make sure that your tyres are properly inflated. For most cars, the pressure should be between 30 to 32 psi. Or if you want, you can check the sticker inside the driver’s door—it should tell you the ideal tyre pressure for your vehicle.
You don’t want your tyres to be under-inflated as that’ll increase friction, which can cause them to overheat. Not only will that cause the treads to separate, but it can lead to blowouts.
Similarly, you don’t want them to be over-inflated; that’ll cause the center to wear out faster than the outer edges. It can also cause loss of traction, which can be dangerous, especially when you’re making turns.
2. Check the Tyre Tread Depth
Tread depth is the vertical distance between the top of the rubber and the lowest groove. It depends on the tyre, but most come with an average tread depth of 8-9 millimeters.
As you drive, however, it’ll wear down. As a general rule, anything below 1.6 millimeters will need to be replaced. In fact, it’s the legal minimum depth in most states.
To check your tyre tread depth, use the ‘penny test.’ Insert a penny into the tyre’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing you. If his entire head is visible, your tread depth is less than 1.6mm and will have to be replaced (it’ll no longer provide effective traction on the road).
3. Rotate Your Tyres Periodically
Tyre rotation should be part of your car tyre care plan; it involves swapping the position of all four tyres on your vehicle so that they’ll wear out more evenly.
Ideally, you want to rotate them every six months or every 10,000 kilometers. However, there are exceptions. For example, the number can change depending on where, how, and what you drive. When in doubt, refer to your owner’s manual.
Tip: You can simplify things by getting your tyres rotated every time you get an oil change.
The Importance of Car Tyre Maintenance
Car tyre maintenance is important if you want them to last. Not only that, but it’ll also protect your safety. The last thing that you want is to be driving around with worn-out tires!
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