Even though most people realize the air pressure in their
vehicle's tires should reflect the automaker's recommended psi, few
check them as often as they should. This leads to cases of
underinflation. A tiny bit of air seeps through the treads each month.
It's difficult to notice the effects since the leak occurs so gradually,
but over time it can lead to safety issues. Underinflated tires are
less responsive to steering commands.
Overinflation also poses a problem. This usually occurs when a driver fills his tires with air without using a gauge to monitor the pressure. He fills them using his intuition. As a result, the treads and sidewalls become more susceptible to rupture due to potholes and road debris.
Because your tires play such a significant role in your safety on the road, it's worth learning how to maintain them properly. We'll address this issue below. First, we'll explain how to fill them with the proper amount of air pressure. We'll then describe the benefits of rotating them on a regular basis. You'll also learn about front-end alignments, and how to determine when it's time to buy a set of replacements.
Guidelines For Proper Inflation
There is no single psi that is appropriate for every vehicle in every circumstance. Much depends on the size of the car, truck, or SUV, and the purpose for which it is used. A Ford Expedition used to haul heavy loads will require a different psi than a Honda Civic used to commute to the office.
That said, every automaker recommends a specific psi for each of their makes and models. You'll find this number - typically between 28 and 34 - on the sidewalls of the tires or in the vehicle's door jamb.
A few quick notes for filling your tires with air. First, purchase a digital air gauge. They are inexpensive (less than $15), and offer an easy way to accurately monitor the pressure. Second, add air when your tires are cold. While you're on the road, the rubber heats up, and causes an artificial increase in air pressure. Third, check the psi at least once a month. Doing so will help prevent extended periods of underinflation.
The Value Of Periodic Tire Rotation
Rotating your tires helps them last longer since treadwear is evenly distributed across the entire set. If you neglect to rotate them, one or more tires will wear down before the others. Replacing them throws the set out of balance. This impairs traction, response to steering commands, and overall handling.
Most mechanics recommend tire rotations every 6,000 or 7,000 miles. If you notice severe treadwear on one or two wheels, have the underlying cause identified and corrected. Otherwise, your treads will continue to suffer premature wear.
Key Factors In Front-End Alignment
One of the most common causes of premature treadwear is front-end alignment issues. This involves the angles of the tires in relation to one another. Toe alignment reflects the degree to which the front wheels are parallel to each other when observed from above. Camber refers to the leaning of the wheels when observed from the front. And caster reflects the tilt of the steering pivot axis when viewed from the side.
If any of these parameters are out of alignment, they can cause your treads to wear down prematurely. Thus, have your vehicle's front-end alignment checked if you notice signs of wear.
Repairs And Replacements
Small punctures can be repaired with patches. However, if a puncture penetrates the tread by more than a quarter inch, replace the tire. Also, whenever you repair tread damage, remove the tire and perform a thorough inspection of it.
By the time your treads wear down to 2/32", it's time to purchase a replacement set. At that point, traction will be severely diminished, and there will be an increased likelihood of a blowout. If you drive in wet weather, replacements are warranted when the treads wear down to 4/32".
Maintaining your car's tires prolongs their life, and helps to keep you and your family safe on the road. It's a good investment since doing so requires less than a few minutes each month.
Overinflation also poses a problem. This usually occurs when a driver fills his tires with air without using a gauge to monitor the pressure. He fills them using his intuition. As a result, the treads and sidewalls become more susceptible to rupture due to potholes and road debris.
Because your tires play such a significant role in your safety on the road, it's worth learning how to maintain them properly. We'll address this issue below. First, we'll explain how to fill them with the proper amount of air pressure. We'll then describe the benefits of rotating them on a regular basis. You'll also learn about front-end alignments, and how to determine when it's time to buy a set of replacements.
Guidelines For Proper Inflation
There is no single psi that is appropriate for every vehicle in every circumstance. Much depends on the size of the car, truck, or SUV, and the purpose for which it is used. A Ford Expedition used to haul heavy loads will require a different psi than a Honda Civic used to commute to the office.
That said, every automaker recommends a specific psi for each of their makes and models. You'll find this number - typically between 28 and 34 - on the sidewalls of the tires or in the vehicle's door jamb.
A few quick notes for filling your tires with air. First, purchase a digital air gauge. They are inexpensive (less than $15), and offer an easy way to accurately monitor the pressure. Second, add air when your tires are cold. While you're on the road, the rubber heats up, and causes an artificial increase in air pressure. Third, check the psi at least once a month. Doing so will help prevent extended periods of underinflation.
The Value Of Periodic Tire Rotation
Rotating your tires helps them last longer since treadwear is evenly distributed across the entire set. If you neglect to rotate them, one or more tires will wear down before the others. Replacing them throws the set out of balance. This impairs traction, response to steering commands, and overall handling.
Most mechanics recommend tire rotations every 6,000 or 7,000 miles. If you notice severe treadwear on one or two wheels, have the underlying cause identified and corrected. Otherwise, your treads will continue to suffer premature wear.
Key Factors In Front-End Alignment
One of the most common causes of premature treadwear is front-end alignment issues. This involves the angles of the tires in relation to one another. Toe alignment reflects the degree to which the front wheels are parallel to each other when observed from above. Camber refers to the leaning of the wheels when observed from the front. And caster reflects the tilt of the steering pivot axis when viewed from the side.
If any of these parameters are out of alignment, they can cause your treads to wear down prematurely. Thus, have your vehicle's front-end alignment checked if you notice signs of wear.
Repairs And Replacements
Small punctures can be repaired with patches. However, if a puncture penetrates the tread by more than a quarter inch, replace the tire. Also, whenever you repair tread damage, remove the tire and perform a thorough inspection of it.
By the time your treads wear down to 2/32", it's time to purchase a replacement set. At that point, traction will be severely diminished, and there will be an increased likelihood of a blowout. If you drive in wet weather, replacements are warranted when the treads wear down to 4/32".
Maintaining your car's tires prolongs their life, and helps to keep you and your family safe on the road. It's a good investment since doing so requires less than a few minutes each month.
Works as described
