How to Maintain Your Tires

SAN FRANCISCO — Tires are a vital component of any vehicle, which is why keeping them properly maintained is so important. In addition to optimizing both fuel economy and the tires’ lifespan, properly maintained tires ensure maximum safety on the road.

One crucial aspect of tire maintenance is proper inflation. Low pressure can decrease the life of your tires by as much as 20 percent, as well as increase your vehicle’s fuel usage and braking distance. Use a tire pressure gauge to check your tires’ current air pressure (Psi). Compare the reading on the gauge to the manufacturer-recommended Psi, which can be found both on the driver’s side door jamb and in your vehicle owner’s manual. If the Psi is low, add some air to your tires.

Another important aspect of tire maintenance is knowing when to have them replaced. All modern tires are manufactured with wear indicators built into the tire tread. With a new tire, the indicator is recessed inside. As the tire wears, this indicator starts to become visible and eventually reaches a point that lets you know it’s time for a replacement. Having worn tires replaced is critical for road safety, especially during winter, when tires’ wet weather traction can be compromised.

When replacing a set of tires, it’s important to put the new ones on the rear of the vehicle. Older tires are more prone to lose traction, and when a rear tire loses traction, it can send the car spinning. If one of the front tires loses traction, however, the steering wheel will give you more control of the situation.