Car tires endure a lot during their five to seven years of use. Road conditions and debris are among the many factors that can cause serious wear without the right maintenance. Avoid premature visits to an auto repair shop by learning how to prolong the life of your tires.

5 Essential Tire Care Tips

1. Check the Pressure Monthly

Purchase a pressure gauge tool to check how much air your tires have every month. Decreased pressure leaves your tires vulnerable to increased friction and wear from deflation. Overly inflated tires are also hazardous because they do not make as much contact with the road and therefore provide less traction. They have a greater chance of blowing out as well.

2. Perform Inspections

Inspect your tires every few weeks for issues like cracks and bulges in the sidewall, indicating weak spots. Bulges cannot be fixed, so see your auto repair specialists immediately to get your tires replaced. Also, check for foreign objects lodged in the tires causing slow leaks, like nails and screws. Perform the quarter test to ensure your tires are not too worn down.

3. Get Your Tires Rotated

Rotate your tires every six months or every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, depending on factors such as how often you drive and in what conditions. Routine tire rotations promote even wear—front tires wear out quicker because they do most of the turning and do not last as long as back tires without servicing. Get your wheel alignment checked as well since misalignment also contributes to uneven wear.

4. Keep Them Clean

Regularly clean your tires of dirt and other debris. Excessive dirt particles bald tire surfaces at a faster rate. Use your garden hose to remove dirt instead of a pressure washer that can stress the rubber.

5. Watch the Road

Stay aware of the road at all times to protect yourself and your car from harm. Hitting objects in the road increases your chances of tire blowouts and accidents. Potholes also throw off wheel alignment, while going over curbs can cause internal damage like transmission cracks.

Keep your tires in great condition with regular maintenance checks from Auto Air Clinic. The locally owned and operated auto repair shop has served the greater Honolulu, HI, area for over 30 years. Their team of certified mechanics specializes in both domestic and foreign cars. Call (808) 845-8499 today to schedule a tire change, or learn more about their auto repair services online.