Car Maintenance–Take Care of Your Tires

Tires grand rapids

Were you aware that the first successful tire was invented in 1911? Phillip Strauss was the inventor of this tire, which was then marketed by his company, the Hardman Tire and Rubber Company.

Strauss’ tire had an air-filled inner tube, and while tires have changed over the past hundred-plus years, we have him to thank for his dedication and ingenuity.

In order to ensure that a vehicle is consistently well-maintained, tires are, of course, at the top of the list. When you purchase new or used tires, you want to make sure that they are good quality and properly aligned on your vehicle.

Tips on Tire Alignment and Rotation

When was the last time you had your tires aligned? According to experts, you should check your tire alignment every 6,000 miles. Experts also recommend having your tires aligned at the same time you change your oil.

Your car’s manufacturer will often recommend how often you should have your tires rotated. In general, however, it is recommended that you rotate your tires every 7,500 miles.

Avoid Driving with Under-Inflated Tires

According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, under-inflated tires can cause accidents. In fact, this study found that when tires are 25% or more under-inflated, they are three times more likely to be involved in a car crash.

There are several reasons for under-inflated tires having a greater potential for being in an accident. First of all, under-inflation places extra stress on the tires. In addition, it causes irregular wear on the tires. This can lead to losing control of a vehicle, and increase the possibility of being in an accident.

It is important to note that tires may not look flat even though they have lost up to 50% of their inflation pressure. If you’re not sure if your tires are under-inflated, then you may want to visit a local tire company, especially if your tires are consistently losing pressure.

When It’s Time to Replace Your Tires

When was the last time you purchased all new tires, including a new spare tire? If you drive a lot and haven’t replaced your tires in quite some time, it may be time to purchase new ones.

If you’ve noticed that your tires are looking more worn recently, be sure to check their tread. If the tread is approximately 6/32 of an inch, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible.

The Importance of Winter Tires

If you live in an area that experiences heavy storms, complete with snow and ice, it’s vital to have the proper tires for these types of weather conditions. If your tires are worn out, then it’s even more important to have them replaced before storm season arrives. If purchasing new tires is not cost effective at the present time, then you can also purchase used tires.

Recent tests were conducted with hydroplaning and worn-out tires. It was found that hydroplaning can start at 47 miles per hour when cornering. With new tires, however, the potential for hydroplaning doesn’t begin until 60 miles per hour.

When you drive on streets covered with snow and ice, all four of your tires must be winter tires. This is important even when your vehicle has all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or rear-wheel drive.

You may be interested to know that some insurance providers will reduce your car insurance premium by 5% when you have four winter tires installed on your car or other vehicle.

On an annual basis, neglected vehicles cost the United States economy over $2 billion. Since you want to ensure that your vehicle is in good working order, don’t forget to check the quality of your tires. Whether you decide to purchase new or used tires, remember that there are tire retreading companies that offer good quality used tires.

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