A trucker’s livelihood is in his truck, and his truck runs on two things– diesel and rubber. The former isn’t something to be that concerned about, if you fill up your truck periodically and watch over oil and fuel levels, there’s really not a lot of maintenance going through your head when it comes to fuel. With tires, however, it’s a completely different story. Here are some tips to maintain and preserve your tire tread life.
Checking Air Pressure
The simplest method in preserving and extending your tires’ lives is through keeping a close eye on air pressure. The wrong air pressure can cause poor drivetrain handling, increase the timing at which you stop (which wears down tires with friction), develops wearing and tearing and greatly increases the risk of your tires blowing out.
- For every square inch, a tire loses about a pound of PSI or air pressure monthly.
- Winter season means colder temperatures, which lowers the pressure of your tire’s air.
- Summer or hot season means warmer temperatures, which raises air pressure.
Checking tire pressure with a round tire pressure gauge is the easiest and most accurate way of determining air pressure. Make sure to check monthly. If you’re thinking that maintaining your tires will burn a hole in your pocket– get rid of this mindset immediately. Tire pressure can cost you your life and is an absolute essential for safety. According to a survey conducted by officials of the U.S. Highway Transportation Safety, one in every 11 crashes is caused by tire repair issues.
Optimal air pressure also greatly aids in efficient fuel consumption, since you’re moving at the correct rate without any deterrents in your tires. If your tires are underinflated, you’re not travelling at peak efficiency either. This, in turn, leads to lesser miles travelled by the gallon. Increase the mileage you get from your gas by a whopping 3% by keeping your tires inflated to the optimal pressure. Correct tire pressure will save you from more than just a blow to your wallet– it’ll keep you safe!
Tire Rotation
In many cars, not every tire aids in “driving” the vehicle. That causes lopsided tire wear. Here’s how it works– on vehicles with front-wheel drive, the tires on the front wear down faster. On rear tire drive vehicles, it’s the opposite, it’s the rear wheels. All-wheel drive or 4-wheel drive vehicles can also see lopsided wear, as most move by starting with one wheel then onto the next. An expert mechanic will pivot your tires by moving them to various wheel positions on the vehicle. That allows the tires of varying drivetrains a good rest and levels out wear. Revolution makes your tires’ lifespan last longer. Try aiming to get your tires rotated every time you travel 5,000 miles with gaps of the same mileage to be safe!
Having Your Wheels Balanced
Every tire and wheel has a spot that is particularly heavier than the rest of the tire. No tire is perfect regardless of condition upon purchase. The difference, however, is minute, measured in one-quarter to one-half ounces. This small difference however can cause vibrations and uneven tire wear. Check in with your mechanic so he can balance each wheel using the appropriate machine and tiny weights. As your tire experiences wear, your mechanic will have to adjust the weights accordingly. It’s a quick and easy process that will cost you a lot less than a brand new tire.
Have Your Alignment Inspected Every Six Months
Misalignment in your tires can make them toed-in, or pigeon-toed, or alternatively, toed-out, or duck-footed.
If you notice your car unintentionally drifting to either direction and the steering wheel has erratic movements like vibrating or shaking for no apparent reason, this could be linked toa problem with your vehicle’s alignment. Your car or truck could be perfectly fine under the hood but still be not in alignment in the slightest. When you run over stuff on the road, the odd potholes or curbs, your car takes the damage, and more often than not, your alignment takes the fall. The smallest damage to alignment can reduce the efficiency of fuel consumption and affect the wearing down of your tire’s treads.
An able mechanic is more than capable of working on your vehicle’s alignment. Try to take your vehicle to a routine inspection twice a year, or when you feel as if things aren’t up to par. A little paranoia and checking up on your car can help save you from spending a load of cash. Follow these simple, reasonable tire upkeep tips and you’ll greatly prolong your car or truck’s health! You’ll additionally improve the miles travelled by the gallon, extend your vehicle’s lifespan, and make your drive a more secure one.
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