TAKE CARE OF YOUR TireS EVERY DAY!

Maintaining proper Tire pressure is one of the most critical aspects of Tire care.

If your Tires are under-inflated, they will wear out faster, reduce fuel efficiency, and compromise handling, especially during cornering or braking. On the other hand, over-inflated Tires can lead to reduced contact with the road, making the Tires more vulnerable to damage and causing an uncomfortable ride.

Check the pressure regularly, especially when the weather changes, as temperature fluctuations can affect Tire pressure. The ideal Tire pressure for your vehicle can usually be found in the owner’s manual or on the Tire placard located on the driver’s side doorjamb.

The best way to tell when your Tires need replacing is by regularly checking the tread depth and looking for signs of damage.

A simple way to measure tread depth is using the tread wear indicator bars built into the Tire; these bars become level with the tread surface when the Tire has reached the minimum legal depth of 1.6mm in many regions.

Also, inspect for visible damage such as cracks, bulges, or punctures that cannot be repaired. Another common issue is uneven wear, which could be a sign of misalignment, improper inflation, or suspension issues.

If you notice these signs or if your Tires are more than six years old, it's time to replace them to ensure safe driving.

Proper storage of Tires is essential to keep them in good condition when not in use, especially if you change Tires seasonally.

Always store Tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, chemicals, or ozone sources, such as motors or welding equipment, as these can degrade the rubber.

If storing Tires with rims, stack them upright, ensuring they are clean and dry before storage. If storing Tires without rims, it's best to lay them flat and avoid stacking them too high to prevent deformation.

Avoid exposing them to temperatures above 25°C (77°F) for long periods, as this can cause premature aging. Ideally, store your Tires in a dark, ventilated area to prevent them from hardening or cracking.

Tire rotation is an essential maintenance step to ensure even wear across all Tires. This is especially important for vehicles with front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, where the front Tires may wear more quickly due to steering and braking forces.

Most manufacturers recommend rotating Tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10,000 to 12,000 km), but it’s always best to refer to your vehicle’s manual for specific guidelines. A typical rotation involves moving the front Tires to the rear and vice versa, while also switching sides of the vehicle.

Regular rotation not only ensures that Tires wear more evenly but also helps extend the overall lifespan of your Tires and improves the handling of your vehicle.

Replacing all four Tires at the same time is ideal to ensure uniform performance and handling. However, if replacing all four isn’t an option, it’s important to replace them in pairs, placing the new Tires or least worn Tires on the rear axle for better vehicle stability, especially in wet conditions.

Replacing just two Tires is also acceptable if the other two Tires are still in good condition. In such cases, ensure that the new Tires have the same tread pattern, size, and performance characteristics as the existing Tires for balanced performance.

Mixing old and new Tires can lead to poor handling, uneven wear, and potential safety issues.

Winter Tires are specifically designed for driving in cold, snowy, or icy conditions.

They feature a unique tread pattern with deep grooves and small slits, called sipes, which enhance traction on snow and ice by gripping the surface more effectively. The rubber compounds used in winter Tires remain flexible even in low temperatures, unlike all-season Tires, which tend to harden in the cold, reducing grip. Winter Tires also have a higher void ratio to clear away snow and slush, helping the vehicle maintain better control.

For optimal performance during the colder months, winter Tires should be fitted once the temperature consistently drops below 7°C (44°F), and they should be replaced once the tread wears down to about 4mm.

Unbalanced Tires can cause uneven wear, vibrations, and even affect the handling of your vehicle.

When a Tire is unbalanced, the weight is distributed unevenly around the Tire, which leads to vibrations that can be felt through the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard. Over time, these vibrations can cause damage to the suspension system and shorten the lifespan of your Tires.

Regular wheel balancing, which ensures even distribution of weight, is essential for optimal Tire performance and comfort. If you feel excessive vibrations or notice unusual wear patterns on your Tires, it’s a sign that your Tires may need balancing.

To maximize the lifespan of your Tires, regular maintenance is key.

First, always ensure that your Tires are properly inflated, as both under-inflation and over-inflation can cause premature wear. Regularly rotate your Tires to ensure even wear and extend their lifespan.

Keep an eye on the tread depth and replace Tires when they reach the minimum legal tread depth.

Avoid aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration, hard cornering, or hard braking, as these actions put extra stress on the Tires and cause them to wear out faster.

Lastly, have your alignment and suspension checked regularly, as misalignment can cause uneven Tire wear and reduce Tire life.