Tires aren’t real sexy. It’s hard to market tires, because they all look the same – black and round, and they have been black and round for as long as there have been cars. They’re so mundane that car owners don’t tend to think about them much until they wear out or go flat.
That’s a mistake. Tires are a big part of auto maintenance.
You’ve spent some real money on your tires, and they have a big role in your car’s gas mileage, ride, handling and drivability. Not paying attention to them can shorten their lifespan and send you shopping for tire replacement before they hit the end of their service life.
Rotate your tires regularly
Ideally, tires should be rotated at every other oil change or every 5,000-10,000 miles. Often, things like minor pulls to the right or left can be corrected with a tire rotation. Not rotating tires can shorten their service life by wearing them unevenly, but regular rotation will give you better handling, a better ride and better road manners for your car.
Tire Alignment
Check your front-end alignment every 25-30,000 miles. Improper alignment can wear tread unevenly (as can wheels that are out of balance) and chew up a set of tires. Conversely, one of the easiest ways to spot front-end alignment problems is by looking at the wear patterns on the front tires – look at tread that’s wearing out more quickly at the inside or outside edge of a tire, or a “cupped” wear pattern towards the middle. Additionally, if you notice a shaking of the steering wheel, this is a good indicator misalignment of your tires.
Tire Inflation
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your tires is to check your inflation regularly. Overinflated tires will make a hard-riding car with jittery handling and tire wear that’s concentrated towards the middle of the treads. Under-inflated tires will wear at the edges first, but even more importantly (with $3/gallon gas), tires that are under-inflated by as little as 5 psi can cost you 20% in gas mileage. You’ll find the proper inflation levels embossed on the tire’s sidewall.
Invest $5.00 in a tire gauge, keep it in the car and use it! Your tires, your car and your wallet will appreciate it. For all of your service needs, make sure you book your service online or call Honda Cars of Katy’s service department 1-888-982-5888.
Filed under: Car Care Tips, Tire Care Tips Tagged: | auto maintenance, Honda Cars of Katy, Houston Auto Service, servicing your car, tire alignment, tire replacement, tire rotation, tires Houston, Tires Katy
