Your tires are your vehicle’s only contact with the road. Those four rubber casings get you where you want to go, but they can’t do their job if you neglect them. Worn tires can reduce traction and handling, putting you and your passengers at risk. Here are our top tips on how to prevent tire damage when driving in Englewood, NJ.
Driving in Englewood, NJ: How to Avoid Damaging Your Tires
1. Maintain the Right Tire Pressure
Under-inflated tires wear down faster and unevenly, which damages the tread and shortens the lifespan of the tires. On the other hand, over-inflated tires affect handling and reduce your car’s braking capabilities, putting you at risk. Check your tire pressure regularly, preferably once a month and before long drives. To get the right tire pressure for your vehicle, check your vehicle’s manual.
2. Rotate Your Tires Regularly
Tires wear unevenly and at different spots, depending on the drivetrain and driving habits. For example, the front tires of a front-wheel drive vehicle wear down faster than the rear tires because they handle the bulk of the steering and braking forces. Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles, regardless of your vehicle’s drivetrain. Regular rotation promotes even tread wear and improves traction, braking, and handling.
3. Watch Out for Curbs and Potholes
When you hit a curb, the impact can cause the sidewall of the tire to bulge. This weakens the tire’s structure and can lead to a blowout. Hitting potholes at high speed can cause the tires to go out of alignment.
Watch out for curbs when making sharp turns, driving on narrow roads, and pulling into and out of parking spaces. When driving on poor roads, look out for potholes and debris. Drive at a low speed to avoid hitting potholes at high speed, which can damage your tires.
4. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle
Do you use your car for towing or hauling? If so, avoid overloading it, as that can damage the tires. Overloading causes uneven wear on the tire tread, leading to loss of traction. It can also cause the tires to overheat and degrade over time. Check your car’s manual for the gross vehicle weight rating and stay within the weight limit to protect your tires.
5. Use Specialty Tires Appropriately
You should use your specialty tires during the right season. If you use summer tires during the winter, the rubber can harden. This decreases traction and causes premature wear and tear. If you use winter tires in the summer, the rubber will wear faster due to the high temperatures. Use your specialty tires in the right season to protect them from damage and maintain their functionality.
Keep Your Tire Maintenance in Englewood, NJ Up to Date!
Keep your tires in excellent condition to help improve vehicle handling and to help prevent tire issues while driving. Visit us today at DARCARS Lexus of Englewood for routine tire maintenance.
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