Saving Money on Your Car Tires |
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Michelle Hopkins
SubmitYOURArticle.com
September 17, 2011
Tires are one of the important aspects of your car, if not the most important. They are the single part of your car that touch the ground and hit the rough pavement at full force. If you don't take good care of your tires, it could result in an extremely costly venture or worse, a tragic accident. However, there is good news. It only takes a few minutes each month to keep tires in tiptop shape. And those few minutes could mean the difference between a well-working machine and a roadside junker.
• Tire Air Pressure: Inaccurate air pressure is the most widespread source of tire damage. To steer clear of this all too common problem, make sure to test your tire's air pressure every month. Your car's accurate tire pressure will be listed on your vehicle placard and can also be found within the car manual, on the edge of the driver's side door, on the gas tank lid and also on the door hinge. It's important that you take note of this number, as it will differ from car to car.
It's also imperative to note that the air pressure stated on the surface of your tire is not the accurate air pressure for the car; it is actually the highest air pressure that your tire can withstand. And don't forget about the spare tire, as it too will need checking up on. When you're ready to check and/or adjust your tire pressure, make sure you remember the following:
• Tire pressure must be the same on tires of each axle, but they can be different on the front and rear axles.
• Check air pressure when tires are cold, as tires can become hot just by driving down the road for a minute or two. If you need to drive somewhere to insert air pressure, check it prior to leaving. As it is, pressure changes one to two pounds for 10 degrees of temperature alteration and goes up with humidity and down in cool weather.
• Valve caps need to be closed extra tight to ensure valve protection from dust, debris, and leakage. Remember to instantaneously substitute missing valve caps.
• Tire Rotation: One of the most effective ways to prevent against wear and tear is to have tires rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or as stated in your car's manual. It's always important to check with your manual before making assumptions about your car's needs, but you should also consult with your mechanic about setting up a maintenance schedule.
• Tread Depth: The bare minimum tread depth is 1/16th of an inch, and this prevents hydroplaning and skidding tires. The easiest and most common way to ensure correct tire depth is to obtain a penny and place it in the tread. If part of Lincoln's head is enclosed by the tread, then your tires are okay. If you're viewing Lincoln's entire head, it's probably time for some new tires.
If you've found that it is time to purchase new tires, stay in line with the same type of tires that were original to your car. Match up tire type, size and speed rating. Also, don't forget to avoid curbs, potholes and fast starts and stops with your new tires, as this will just cause them to wear faster.
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