Extend Your Tire’s Lifespan With These Tips

Your tire’s life span is critical to your safety on the roadway. Tires that are old and balding could lead to a tragic accident.

Even tires that appear new can have inner fatal flaws that could seriously threaten your well-being. How can you tell if your tires are dangerous?

How Long Can You Expect to Use One Set of Tires?

If you talk to any car experts, they will most likely tell you that tires last anywhere from 30,000 to 80,000 miles, but so many variables are involved, it’s hard to get a more accurate prediction.

First, the manner in which you drive your vehicle will affect your tires’ life span. If you peel out of the parking lot or frequently bump into curbs, your tires are taking a beating, both inside and out. The treads will wear down and the inner structure will degrade.

If you initially purchased high-speed performance tires, expect these to wear out quicker than you may think. Tires with less tread resistance last longer.

If you buy winter tires but drive them all summer, the heat can lead to a blowout since they aren’t designed to withstand high temperatures. Make sure the type you purchase is fitted to your driving style, your car and the current season.

Finally, where you drive your car will predict how often you should get a new set of tires as well. If you live in a rainy or snowy climate, you can’t let your tires become too worn, or you’ll run the risk of hydroplaning all over the road.

Keep Them Inflated

One of the best ways to extend your tire’s life span is to simply keep them fully inflated. Although many vehicles are now equipped with a pressure monitor to alert you when your tires lose too many psi points, this alert normally only comes after the tire has lost 75 percent of its recommended psi. This is well below the amount that can lead to damage.

Every third or fourth time you stop at for gas, fill up your tires with air as well — you’ll be safer on the road. It’s a small investment of time and money to make, but can save you hundreds of dollars, not to mention increasing your safety while you drive.

Get Your Tires Serviced

You should also have your tires inspected regularly. Each time you get an oil change, ask the technician to check tread wear. In many cases, a tire rotation is included with an oil change. Make sure the tires are balanced, especially if you’ve been in a collision recently. Uneven wear is detrimental and can lead to an early expiration of otherwise perfectly fit tires.

If you have a blowout, don’t hesitate to call Stauffer’s Towing for immediate service, whether you need a tow or just help putting on the spare tire.