Tires Maintenance
By following a few golden rules you will be able to maintain your tires longer and save money on the long term.
Here are some suggestions:
Inflation and tire pressure
Among the most important things you can do to prolong the durability of your tires, inflation and tire pressure are the most important. The inflation pressure listed on the sidewall of your tire indicates the maximum operating pressure established by the manufacturer which is not necessarily the ideal pressure for your tires. You should always follow the inflation recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer.
Tips: We recommend verifying tire pressure once per month and before going on any long trips. In order to know the exact tire pressure, you must always verify the pressure when the tire is cold, at least three hours after stopping the vehicle or before having driven one mile in distance. It is also best to verify your tire pressure in the morning after the vehicle sat overnight. Another important tip is to replace the valves at least every time you install new tires and buy quality tire valves and caps that prevent air from escaping when the shutter of the valve becomes inoperative. Lastly you should always use a good quality tire gauge. Gauges at service stations are often damaged and unreliable.
Tire rotation
By rotating your tires regularly, you will increase the life span of the tires and save money. Tire rotation is when you change the position of the tires on the vehicle. This will help the tires to wear more evenly and extend its useable service life.
Wheel alignment
Wheel alignment often consists in adjusting certain parts in the suspension and direction of the vehicle front and back. Good wheel geometry will ensure a smoother ride, increase performance as well as the durability of the tires. Wheel alignment can often be affected by driving on damaged roads, off-road or simply by hitting potholes/debris. It is recommended to verify the geometry of the wheels after an accident, after hitting an object on the road or if you notice uneven wear on the shoulder of the tires.
Tire balancing
Tire balancing consists in compensating and evenly distributing the weight of the tire once it is mounted on the rim. A wheel is unbalanced when part of it is heavier or lighter than the rest. In addition to causing a vibration feeling when driving an improperly balanced tire or wheel, it can also cause premature weariness of the tires. It is important to rebalance your tires when replacing one or several tires, when buying new tires or when losing a balance weight. As soon as you notice vibrations or uneven tread wear you should verify the balancing of the wheels/tires.
Tire wear
All tires have wear bars that indicate that the remaining depth of the tread is only 2/32th of an inch. When the tread of the tires reaches 2/32th of an inch or are equal to the wear bars between the tread, the tires must be replaced. We recommend considering a replacement around the 4/32th mark.
Tire storage
Tires should always be stored in a cold and dry area not exposed to sunlight. Storing tires outdoors leads to the absorption of moisture and an increased risk of premature tire failure.
Driving style
Driving style and bad habits remain the number one cause of tire failure and tire weariness. Here are some helpful tips to help you keep your tires in good condition.
- Avoid damage from sidewalks
- Avoid stopping the vehicle on surfaces covered with oil, grease, diesel fuel or other chemicals.
- Before long trips or long traveling periods, always check for appropriate tire pressure.
- Avoid traveling on uneven roads, on abrasive and debris. If you cannot avoid these situations check the tires immediately after to make sure no foreign objects are lodged in the grooves of the tread.
- Keep your eyes on the road and avoid potholes, irregularities or objects in the path of your vehicle / tires.
- Always examine the sidewalls for cuts.