The Benefits of Having Good Tires

The Benefits of Having Good Tires

by Tire Square and Wheels in Chattanooga, TN.

Every part of a vehicle serves a purpose. However, tires are an area that often gets neglected. Having proper tires can improve fuel efficiency, handling, and overall safety. Read ahead to learn the importance of tires as well as some tips on choosing the right set.

Making a habit of continually checking tire pressure can go a long way toward improving driving practice. Under-inflated tires use up more gas, hurting a car’s fuel efficiency, while over-inflated tires can reduce handling, putting everyone on the road at a greater risk.

Remember to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and have not been recently used. To properly control the pressure of your tires, first determine the recommended pressure for the vehicle. This number can be used to compare with the current set, which can then be measured with a tire gauge. If the set is incorrectly inflated, there are some easy methods for making the proper adjustments.

For adding pressure, drive to the nearest gas station to use an air compressor. Remove the valve stem caps from the under-inflated tires, and use the compressor to fill the tires to the correct pressure. For subtracting air, simply press down on the needle in the middle of the valve with a pen and wait until it is at the recommended amount.

There are other quick checks to survey on a day-to-day basis before stepping into a vehicle. Uneven tread wear around the edge of a tire might be indicative of improper wheel alignment. If this is the case, the car should be realigned. Doing so will increase both fuel efficiency and safety.

It is also a good idea to rotate a vehicle’s tires every so often, as front tires tend to wear quicker since they are leaned on when turning. Doing so will also help avoid various alignment issues.

Finally, check for nails or other sharp objects that might have gotten stuck in a vehicle’s tires. While punctured tires will most certainly need replacement, doing so is preferred to having an unexpected blowout on the road.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SET

Always check the owner’s manual to ensure the proper size of tires is purchased. Not only can an ill-fitting set affect the overall comfort of driving, but it can also create a serious safety issue.

Another faux pas is mixing and matching tires. Two pairs will move differently when the vehicle is steered, affecting both the driver’s performance as well as the ability to drive smoothly and safely.

It is also very important to have a set of tires that are appropriate for current weather conditions. One trap that many drivers fall into is believing they can get away with all-season tires throughout the entire calendar year. While all-season tires are useful during the spring, summer and fall months, they are simply not safe for use during the winter. For example, they do not grip the road well and can be the main source of an accident, especially if the road is icy. As a result, make sure to always switch to winter tires near the end of the fall. For optimum safety and performance, once the ice has melted, the tire should then be switched back to all-season tires.

For further information regarding winter and all-season tires, please call Tire Square and Wheels at 423-710-1001 or find them online at tiresquareandwheel.com.

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