Buying new tires is a big investment in your car. A whole set of tires normally includes four matching tires and a spare. If you are like many people, it may be hard to come up with that much money very often. So a question often asked by car owners is, “How often do you need to change your tires?”
It is a common practice for tire manufacturers to list the specific lifespan of a tire, which is normally about 25,000 to 50,000 miles. However, the number of miles driven every year plus the quality of the tires are two factors in determining how many miles your tires will actually last.
Here are several easy and inexpensive tips that will help you take care of your tires:
- Visual Checkup – Look for excessive tread wear, nicks in the rubber, or nails or punctures.
- Inspect Inflation Pressure – The right inflation pressure ensures optimal contact with the road, improves fuel economy, and helps the tread wear more evenly. Icy temperatures cause air pressure to fluctuate more speedily so inspect the air pressure frequently as winter approaches.
- Load Index – This is the amount of weight your tires are designed to withstand. Overcapacity can lead to overheating and damage to your tires. Consult your owner’s manual for the right size of tire for your vehicle.
- Rotating Tires – Moving tires around to a different position on your car protects against uneven tread wear. Have your tires rotated about every 6 months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles?
- Car Alignment – Alignment refers to an adjustment of the car’s suspension so that the angles of the tires affect how they make contact with the road.
- Tire Balancing – Keep your tires in balance for smooth rolling of the tire.
Compared to the cost of new tires, inspecting your tires on a regular basis is relatively inexpensive and will help prevent emergency tire repairs that could leave you stranded on the side of the road. The time and frustration you may experience are not worth trying to save a few dollars.
Are you worried about how often do you need to change your tires? Call our ASE Certified technicians at Expert Car Care for more information about needed tire repair service and to request an appointment. Our auto repair shop proudly serves residents in the community of West Allis, WI, and the surrounding area.
