From the high cost of fuel at the pump to the high price of oil changes and other regular maintenance, the daily commute can take a real toll on your wallet. Keeping your car in tip-top shape takes money, and sometimes those costs can really get you down.
The good news is there are plenty of things you can do to extend the life of your vehicle and reduce the amount you spend. One of the biggest driving expenses takes place where the rubber meets the road – namely the tires you ride on every day. How well you care for those tires can make a huge difference and save you money in the process. Here are some tips to squeeze more miles out of your tires.
Watch for Tread Wear
Driving around on bald tires is dangerous, so check the tread carefully and start shopping for new tires before you need them. Squeezing every extra mile out of your tires does not mean running them until they fall apart, so pay attention to the tread and make sure you are not putting your family at risk.
When it is time to buy new tires, start them out right by making sure your vehicle is properly aligned. If you choose not to do the alignment at the tire store, make sure your mechanic checks your vehicle soon afterward. Keeping your vehicle aligned can improve the life of your tires and keep you safer behind the wheel.
Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated
Riding around on overinflated or underinflated tires can increase wear and reduce their life expectancy. Even more importantly, keeping too much, or too little, air in your tires could put your safety at risk.
Get into the habit of checking your tire pressure every time you fill up your gas tank. Take a few extra minutes to pull up to the air station, check the pressure and top off if needed. Cold weather can cause air to leak from your tires, so you should be even more vigilant in the winter months.
Rotate Your Tires Regularly
Tire rotation is an important part of automotive maintenance, so keep your vehicle on schedule. You should have your tires rotated every 5,000 miles, so keep a reminder in your glove box or ask the mechanic to add a window sticker to the inside of your windshield.
By rotating your tires, you even out the wear and extend the life of all four tires. If you cannot remember the last time you had your tires rotated, your vehicle is probably long overdue.
You rely on your tires to get you around and keep you safe, but when was the last time you gave them any thought? How you care for your tires can make a huge difference in your vehicle’s cost of ownership, and the tips listed above can help those tires last even longer.
