Living a balanced life is hard, especially when there is so much to take care of each and every day. When trying to get things done, the last thing you need is a flat tire to throw a wrench into your routine. Unfortunately, without proper care, your tires can wear out and fail, almost always at the worst possible times.
To help you avoid this hiccup, here are four ways that you can start to take better care of your tires.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure Once a Month
Tires can lose as much as one pound per square inch of air each month, and even more in cold weather. If you only have your tire pressure checked when you get an oil change, you could be putting yourself at risk. Underinflated tires are one of the leading causes of crashes, and they can also decrease gas mileage and lead to premature wear or even a blowout. By checking your tire pressure monthly, and adjusting it as needed, you can help prevent accidents and keep your tires lasting much longer.
As tires affect your vehicle handling, ride, and safety, besides checking their pressure it is important to change them when needed. There are some famous brands such as Cooper, Continental, Bridgestone, and Nexen. Continental is one of the industry’s top brands which utilizes a sustainable system in tire production. The brand’s experts test the usage of eco-friendly materials for tire compounds. Nexen tires are known for their durability and performance, making them a good choice for those who want to get the most out of their car. When it comes to choosing the right tire for your car, it is important to consider your driving needs and habits. To know all the features of Nexen and other tire brands you can either talk with your car mechanic or read reviews from different sources for example auto blogs or just check out Nexen tire brand reviews, which can help you with specific information about their qualities and uses.
2. Watch For Extreme Heat
As your tires get hotter, the risk of failure increases, which can lead to a blowout. Out of the 2.2 million miles of road in the United States, 94% of them are covered in asphalt. While this makes for a smoother surface, the black color can also trap in excess heat, causing the surface to reach scoring temperatures. On a 77 degree day, asphalt that has been sitting in the sun can even reach temperatures of 125 degrees, and in 80+ degree temperatures, this can rise even higher to between 135 and 143 degrees Fahrenheit. To put this in perspective, you can fry an egg in five minutes at 131 degrees.
When your tires are driving along this pavement, these temperatures coupled with the added friction from driving, especially at higher speeds, can quickly turn a routine drive into a catastrophic blowout. To prevent an accident like this, make sure to note the temperature before you drive, and always check your tires before heading out. If they are cracked, bulging, underinflated, or worn out, you should drive as carefully as possible to the nearest auto center and have them replaced.
3. Let Your Tires Cool Off
Going hand in hand with the above problem, it’s also important to give your tires time to cool down between drives. This can help prevent accidents and keep them in better shape for longer. However, just as asphalt roads heat up, so too do asphalt driveways and parking lots, and unfortunately, over 90% of all parking lots are surfaced with asphalt. If possible, try to park in areas that aren’t surfaced in asphalt, and if that isn’t possible, try to find the shadiest area. This will give your tires time to cool down so that the risk of them overheating is lowered.
4. Don’t Overload Your Car
During the summer it may be tempting to load up your car or van for a fun road trip. However, you should check the placard on the side of your door to see just how much weight your car can handle. Overloading your vehicle can put additional strain on the tires and make them more likely to fail. So, while 82% of Gen Z and 76% of millennials who love listening to music in the car may be eager to gather their friends for an unforgettable road trip, it’s worth keeping your tires in mind before you head out.
These are just four simple ways that you can help take better care of your tires so that they last longer without the risk of failure when you need them most.