Tire Maintenance Tips

Tires are a major purchase so you want to maximize your investment. Here are some tips to help you prolong tire life, improve gas mileage and enjoy a superior driving experience.

• New Tire Purchase: It is important to purchase your tires in pairs or sets of four. The reason for this is that you might be compromising safety if you mix new tires with old or different types of tires. Your new tires should be the same size, have a speed or performance rating, and meet or exceed the load capacity of your original tires.

• Breaking In New Tires: In order for tires to not stick to the mold during manufacturing, a lubricant is applied. Some of the lubricant residue will remain on the tire and effects traction during the break in period. So if the traction is feeling a little odd, you have nothing to worry about, it’s a normal effect that comes with the purchase of new tires.

• Tire Pressure: Check your tire pressure at least once a month, but make sure before checking that the tires are cold. The necessary safety measures are to not check your tire pressure if you’ve driven your car for more than 2 kilometers or within the last three hours.

• Tire Rotation: Rotate your tires every 10,000 kilometers, or as it is recommended in your owner's manual. The front tires get worn out differently than the back tires, since they are constantly scraping as they turn. Rotating will help your tires to wear evenly for consistent performance and safety.

• Wheel Alignment: Whenever new tires are installed, unusual tire wear appears, your car has encountered a curb, or suspension components are installed, the wheel alignment of your car should be checked. An incorrect wheel alignment can cause rapid tire wear and damage.

For more information, contact your nearest Speedy Auto Service location and talk to our helpful tire repair experts about proper tire maintenance and what kind of tires are right for your vehicle.