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Most drivers don’t give their tires a second thought until they make strange noises or worse yet, go flat and leave them stranded. In this article, we’ll show you how to check your tires’ air pressure, we’ll explain tire rotation, and we’ll show you the telltale signs of tire wear and what to do about it. You’ll drive more safely, improve your gas mileage and extend the life of your tires.
Maintain tire pressure
Check your tire pressure regularly and give your tires a quick inspection every time you fill up with gas. Pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) with a tire pressure gauge.You can buy one at any auto parts store. We found that the $10-and-up dial and digital gauges performed better in the long run than the less expensive pencil-style gauges. Tires typically lose pressure slowly (usually about 1 psi per month). If you neglect them, they can get dangerously low, build up excessive heat, wear unevenly and deteriorate faster—all of which spell bad handling and reduced mileage.
To get an accurate reading, check the tire pressure when the tires are “cold.”Obviously “cold” can mean completely different things in a northern Minnesota winter and an Arizona summer. For tire pressure, however, it simply means the air temperature inside the tires is the same as the air temperature outside the tires. The temperature usually takes about three hours to equalize after your tires are hot from driving. For the proper inflation pressure, look in your owner’s manual or look for a sticker on the driver’s side door post. Note: Extremely low temperatures (below 0 degrees F) may cause the inflation valve to stick, and all the air will leak from the tire. So if it’s really cold, drive the car a few miles to warm the tires first. The reading may be a bit higher, but at least you won’t be stranded.
Rotate regularly
Many auto owners I’ve talked with know they should rotate their tires but don’t do it. When you rotate tires from one wheel to the next, you distribute the wear more evenly over all four tires, giving them a longer life. This service is usually provided free by the tire dealer or you can get it as part of a maintenance contract for just a few dollars. Or take a half hour and do it yourself. Manufacturers differ on the rotation pattern and the process can differ depending on whether you have a rear-wheel-, front-wheel- or four-wheel-drive auto, so check your owner’s manual. Most vehicles should have their tires rotated every 4,000 to 8,000 miles, or about every other oil change.
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