Although most tires are strong, they're not indestructible. For this reason, proper maintenance is necessary if you want them to last their entire lifespan and beyond. If you aren't familiar with the necessary steps, follow these tips.

How to Improve the Lifespan of Your Tires

1. Rotate Them

Leaving your tires in the same position throughout their lifespan causes them to wear unevenly. To combat this, rotate them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, or around every six months. For example, if you have a front-wheel-drive vehicle, the front tires generally wear faster since they're responsible for acceleration and steering. Rotating the front tires to the rear and vice versa balances out the amount of stress on them.

2. Align Your Wheels

A misaligned vehicle can also cause decreased longevity. This is because when the wheels all roll in different directions, they start to wear unevenly and at different rates. Wheel misalignment can be caused by a wide range of incidents, including driving over potholes, going too fast over speed bumps, or getting in a fender bender. Having the wheels aligned by an auto mechanic is recommended every two to three years, especially if you regularly drive in areas with uneven pavement.

3. Properly Inflate Them

Keeping tires properly inflated helps performance and keeps them from prematurely failing. Cars with tires that are low in pressure tend to have less fuel efficiency since more energy is needed to move the vehicle. Additionally, heat slowly starts to build in the rubber, increasing the chance of sudden blowouts. To avoid potentially dangerous situations, consult the vehicle manufacturer website for the recommended inflation levels and continue to check them monthly.

If it’s time to have your vehicle inspected by an auto mechanic, contact H & S Tire & Auto Center in Wentzville, MO. With over 70 years of combined experience, this auto repair shop offers a wide variety of services, including brake repair and wheel alignment. They also provide quick tire replacement at competitive prices. For more information about their services, visit their website. To get a free estimate, call (636) 327-5225 today.