Helping Your Car Tires Last Longer

Anyone who owns a car knows that it requires regular engine maintenance and chassis care to keep running reliably and smoothly; but one thing that regular folks sometimes forget is the tires! I guess you can figure, if it isn't flat, then it must be working; then you can just drive and drive until they wear out. Not a good plan.

Tires can cost anywhere from $135 to $700 each, so it's in your best interest to help them last as long as possible. Hondas and other small mid-priced sedan tires are generally less pricey, higher end models such as BMWs require tires in the $400 range, and heavy vehicles such as SUVs and trucks will, naturally need the most expensive types. Here are some tips for performing regular tire maintenance and keeping your car on the road for less.

-- In the old days, gas station attendants would not only fill your car's fuel tank and check the oil, but they would also check the tire pressure and make any adjustments if necessary. Those days are long gone, and it's up to drivers themselves to make sure their tires are properly inflated. Since every car is different, the specifications for tire pressure are highly individualized: look for yours in the owner's manual or on the inside of the front passenger door. Since tire pressure will change depending on outside air temperature, vehicle cargo weight and other factors, check and adjust it once a week and especially before going on any long trips.

-- Rotate the tires every six months or so: you can either learn how to do it yourself, or it is quickly done at a tire shop or car dealership. Depending on their position under the chassis, tires wear out differently. Rotating the tires periodically helps to spread the wear and tear around all four tires more equally so that one or two are not bearing the brunt. The less rolling resistance you have, the better your gas mileage, which is of course a big bonus.

-- How's your wheel alignment? A car that leans to the right all the time will lead to uneven wear on the tires and it's also just plain dangerous. A car that needs to be aligned does not get as good mileage, lacks in stability, and is a lot more difficult to handle too.

Keeping tires properly inflated, getting them rotated on a regular basis, and making sure your car is kept in proper alignment will help you get a lot more miles out of your tires and you will have greater peace of mind every time you get behind the wheel.