How To Maintain Appropriate Tire Pressure

There are many ways that drivers can ensure they are maximizing performance of the tires on their vehicles. We’ve summarized some items you should be aware of that can help you properly maintain your tires below:

Maintaining Tire Pressure

Maintaining the proper tire pressure is crucial for ensuring driving safety as well as protecting the longevity of car tires. Tire pressure refers to the amount of air in a car's tires, and it is measured by the number of pounds per inch of tire. Experts recommend checking tire pressure about once a month.

Tire pressure is monitored with a standard tire pressure gauge. Pressure gauges come in a wide range of options designed to fit different types of vehicles and products while remaining user-friendly. The correct air pressure for different tire ranges is based on car model as well as tire type. Information on the correct pressure can typically be found in a vehicle's information manual.

Tire air pressure is important because it affects the entire driving experience. If tires are underinflated, more heat will be generated, which causes the tires to wear away much more quickly. Additionally, the car's fuel economy or gas mileage is decreased because underinflated tires force the car to work much harder to travel the same distance.

Incorrect tire air pressure can cause problems with braking and stopping. This is particularly dangerous in rainy or snowy conditions and could potentially be life threatening for passengers. Incorrect tire pressure can cause tires to become uneven and worn, which causes a less smooth ride and increased unsafe driving conditions.

You’ll find, by checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure on your vehicle, your fuel economy, the life of your tires, and the safety of you and your passengers will be improved. By taking this simple measure, you will get the most for your money spent on tires.

Pick the Right Tires

Choosing the right car tires is one of the best ways to make sure they last as long as possible. In order to ensure the best product and customer service, you should verify that all technicians are well-trained and knowledgeable with a singular mission to deliver ultimate and long-lasting quality with every tire. And this is exactly what the technicians at Mavis are experts in handling. All of our technicians are well-trained, knowledgeable and able to solve and address any and all concerns drivers may have.

Keep Tires Clean and Free of Waste

Allowing dirt and debris to continue to sit on car tires can cause permanent damage both to the tires themselves and the metal of the car. In addition to protecting car tires, cleaning them regularly will also help improve the overall appearance of the car.

Cleaning car tires will contribute to maintaining better tire traction, or the hold of the tire onto the road or surface it is being driven on. Similarly, braking will be much more effective and increase passenger safety. Regular tire maintenance and cleaning is one of the best ways to keep tire safety top of mind.

To clean tires, focus on washing them separately and apart from washing the rest of the car. Cleaners come in different forms, such as sprays, and creams or polishes, and following the individual instructions located on their labels is paramount. After the product is applied, thoroughly and completely scrub the entire tire using a bristle brush or sponge.

Next, thoroughly dry the tires with a towel or microfiber cleaning cloth. Doing so correctly will prevent rust and further corrosion of the tires. Finally, wax and buff the tires to further protect them from damage caused by UV light and to maintain their longevity.

Avoid Rocky and Rough Terrain

Rocky and rough terrain is one of the leading causes of car tire damage. Rough terrain causes pressure and wear on tires, which causes them to thin more quickly and become unable to support the weight of the car. In extreme cases, rocky terrain can puncture through the entire surface of the tire or poke small holes in the tire, resulting in the rapid or slow release of all the air from the tires.

Similarly, riding along the edge of a curb or taking corners too quickly will add additional stress to the tire's surface, and cause them to wear and tear very prematurely.

Avoiding rough terrain will prove to be financially beneficial to motorists because they will not have to replace their tires as often and will be able to use the same set of tires for a longer period of time.

Choosing smoother terrain and roads, and consciously choosing to drive on even and flat surfaces will provide both a smoother ride and a longer tire lifespan.

Inspect Tires Regularly

Regularly and consistently checking tire pressure is one of the best ways to maintain safety, as well as the life of the tires themselves. While driving, tires can easily be damaged by debris on the roads, such as shards of glass, pieces of metal, or other sharp and potentially dangerous waste.

Damage to a tire is not always immediately apparent to the driver, and he or she might not notice a difference or change in their travel until the tire damage is permanent. This will help control unexpected problems with tires and increase safety. 

Some problems with tires are unrecognizable to an untrained professional, even if they are potentially damaging long term. Mavis Tires and Brakes offers tire inspection that will enable them to assess if you have any issues that need to be addressed.

The mechanics at Mavis provide honest service and have kept customers coming back for more than 75 years.  Our technicians will tell you how many more miles your tires will last and, when feasible, will recommend patching a tire instead of purchasing a new one to save you money. They will also suggest tires based on the terrain and mileage you travel. Mavis Tires and Brakes consistently offers their customers discounts and deals, one of which is FREE tire rotation.

Consistently inspecting tires personally, as well as by a professional, is one of the best ways to protect the lifespan of a tire. Regular checks help locate and eliminate unexpected damage to a tire caused by sharp objects or wear from the road, resulting in cracks and punctures to the tire. Inspecting tires will eliminate problems and ensure the utmost safety.

Refrain from Overloading the Vehicle

Each individual car has a designated load or weight capacity. This ensures passenger safety and eliminates any damage to the car. Overloading directly relates to car tires as well. If your car has a very heavy load, this puts a lot of weight on the tires and can be a safety hazard. Tires that support an overloaded car are very susceptible to damage.

While driving, high temperatures can build up, which causes severe and often very sudden tire damage.

Before taking a long trip, getting the car inspected—as well as adjusting the carload—will ensure safety for all passengers and secure a safe arrival at the intended destination.

Study the vehicle's instruction manual to find specific instructions about weight capacity for individual cars, and prevent heat buildup that could cause danger and permanent tire complications and problems.

Monitor and Control Driving Speed

Monitoring driving speeds can help protect your car tires.

Continual driving at a very fast rate causes friction and heat buildup in tires, which results in them wearing away or potentially breaking entirely. At the very least, the lifespan of tires will become severely diminished as a result of driving at high rates.

Additionally, be sure to get into the habit of accelerating at a moderate speed, as opposed to rapid and forced acceleration. This will allow tires to adjust to a new speed and prevent a sudden burst of friction. Hitting potholes or uneven surfaces on the road is even more harmful at a faster pace of driving. Going too quickly around turns and corners, as well as braking rapidly, will cause further wear and tear on tires, which leads to permanent damage much sooner than expected.

Use Spare Tires When Necessary

If you have a usable spare tire, this can help save you time and money in the event of an emergency. If a problem occurs, rather than calling for help and incurring the expense of a tow truck or roadside assistance, a spare tire that is in good shape can allow you to quickly get back on the road.

Some new cars have spare tires. You should familiarize yourself not only with their location, but also the location in the car where the tools are stored that you will need. Ideally, you will have to read the car manual regarding how to replace your tire in the event you have a flat.

It is important to regularly check the inflation pressure of your spare tire. Although the spare may just sit in the truck or elsewhere, air can still leak out.

Many spare tires today, especially in compacts and subcompacts and many sedans, are not designed for long distances. Spare tires in modern cars often have significantly less tread and cannot handle rocky terrain or long-distance travel. In fact, most spares should only be driven on for 200-300 miles, at most. These spare tires are designed to get you to the nearest garage or dealership where you can have the flat tire repaired or replaced.

Recognize Signs of Tire Wear

Learning the warning signs of potential damage to tires is very important to ensure their longevity. Tires are likely over inflated if there is a lot of wear in the center of the tire. Tires are likely underinflated if the outer treads are worn away with the majority of the middle still intact. This shows that too much weight is being put on the outer edges, rather than being evenly distributed throughout the entire tire. Having under inflated tires will decrease turn accuracy and safety for all passengers in the car.

Another important factor to look for in all tires is too much wearing on one side of the tire. If one side looks smooth, while the other is still ribbed, this shows that too much weight is being placed on one side. This could be a result of improper wheel alignment on the vehicle. This is caused by the wheel leaning too far to one side, which is another sign of misalignment.

Other factors to look for regarding tire wear include feathering, or one smooth side and one rougher side; and cupping, or dips along the edges of the tire tread that could indicate a sign of bent or dented suspension parts in the vehicle.

Knowing what to look for in your tires is a sure way to prevent permanent tire damage and to preserve the safety of the vehicle and any passengers aboard. Looking for common warning signs and addressing the problems they indicate before they become severe will benefit consumers financially, and protect themselves and others around them.

Know Tire Brand Options

Finally, know the range of tire options available, in order to pick the best match for your vehicle. Other factors to consider include the terrain being driven on, the speed being driven, and the average amount of miles being driven.

Typically, selecting all four tires at once is the best way to ensure the safety of the vehicle, as well as the quality of the ride. You will get a smoother ride and more even tread wear this way, too.

Some things to consider when purchasing new or replacement tires include brand, rating (some tires are made to last longer than others), and, of course, size.

Ensure that you buy the right size tire by looking in the owner’s manual first. Most new cars also have the recommended tire size and inflation levels on a plate on the inside of the driver’s door.

Consider, too, the weather conditions where you live before purchasing tires. You may want seasonal tires, or you may need to buy a separate set of tires for use in the winter if you live in a particularly cold and snowy climate.

Mavis Tires and Brakes will work with you in terms of what tires will be best for your driving habits, distances and conditions that may affect tire longevity. And with consistent offers, customers can always save money on brand name tires because Mavis tire prices will never be beat.

Mavis Tires and Brakes

Overall, purchasing the exact tires for your vehicle will improve the ride experience, last the longest, get the most for your money, and secure safety. Ensuring that you have the right car tires and maintaining them are probably the most important things you can do to keep you and your passengers safe. Schedule a tire purchase appointment at your local Mavis today.