Proper tire care helps extend the life of your tires, improve vehicle handling and reduce the risk of unexpected tire problems. Tim’s New and Used Tires has put together these practical tire care tips to help drivers in London, Ontario keep their tires performing safely and reliably throughout the year.
Regularly checking your tire pressure, tread condition and wear patterns can help you identify problems before they become more serious. Always follow the maintenance recommendations in your vehicle owner’s manual, and have your tires inspected if you notice damage, vibration or unusual wear.
Essential Tire Care Tips
Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly
Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before longer trips. Underinflated tires can generate excess heat, wear unevenly and affect braking, handling and fuel efficiency. Use the recommended cold-tire pressure shown in your vehicle owner’s manual or on the tire-information label inside the driver’s door, not the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.
Rotate Your Tires
Regular tire rotation helps promote more even tread wear and may extend the usable life of your tires. Rotation intervals and patterns vary between vehicles, so follow the recommendations in your owner’s manual. Uneven wear that continues after rotation may indicate an alignment, suspension or other mechanical problem that needs attention.
Balance Your Wheels
Wheels should be balanced when tires are installed or remounted and whenever you notice vibration while driving. A vibration that becomes more noticeable at higher speeds may be caused by a wheel-balance issue, although other mechanical problems can produce similar symptoms.
Inspect Your Tires for Wear and Damage
Look regularly for uneven tread wear, embedded objects, cuts, cracks or bulges. If a tire repeatedly loses pressure or shows visible damage, have it inspected by a tire professional. Do not continue driving on a tire that appears unsafe or is completely flat.
Replace Tires Carefully
Replacement tires should be appropriate for your vehicle and compatible with your existing tires. Depending on your vehicle, drivetrain and remaining tread depths, replacing only one tire may affect handling or vehicle systems. Ask a tire professional to assess your current tires and recommend the safest replacement option.
Store Seasonal Tires Properly
Store seasonal tires in a cool, clean and dry location away from direct sunlight, heat and sources of ozone such as electric motors. Keep them away from oil, fuel, grease and solvents that could damage the rubber. Clean and dry the tires before storing them.
Check Your Spare Tire
If your vehicle carries a spare tire, inspect it periodically and make sure it is properly inflated. Spare tires can lose pressure while sitting unused, so checking them before you need them can prevent an unpleasant roadside surprise.
When Should You Have Your Tires Inspected?
Contact a tire professional if you notice recurring pressure loss, vibration, pulling, unusual road noise, uneven tread wear or visible tire damage. These symptoms may indicate a tire, wheel, alignment or mechanical issue that should be assessed. Tim’s New and Used Tires provides tire inspections and professional tire services for drivers in London, Ontario. Contact our team if you have questions about tire condition, maintenance or replacement options.
Take these tips into consideration when servicing your tires. The Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA) recommends taking five minutes each month to check your tires.
Other mechanical issues may contribute to uneven tire wear, and need correction in order to maximize tire life and vehicle performance.
By taking proper care of your tires, you can remain safe during all types of travel, experience the benefits of better fuel economy, and extend tire life, which will positively impact the environment.
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