Purchasing new tires can be difficult. It seems to come out of the blue, but you’ve probably been driving on those tires for some time, and now it’s time for a new set. Still, knowing what kind of tires to get, and having a substantial, and often unplanned) expense is not exactly anyone’s idea of fun, so it can be tempting to try to eek things out in an effort to put off the inevitable.
But tires matter a lot - new tires will likely have a big impact when it comes to fuel economy, safety, and driving pleasure.
Efficiency
Tires keep your car moving smoothly. But if they’re worn down unevenly or are not properly balanced or aligned, it makes it more difficult for your vehicle to keep consistent contact with the road. This makes the vehicle work harder, and therefore using more fuel and wasting you lots of money. For more information see the new Energy Saver page on tires and fuel economy.
Safety
Tires also play an essential role in vehicle safety. Each tire is supporting a quarter of the weight of your vehicle. That’s a lot of weight. So if any of your tires is compromised, it can become a big deal pretty quickly. Your tires give you the ability to grip the road, turn safely, and stop in a reasonable amount of time. Seriously deteriorated tires may be putting yourself and your passengers at risk.
Performance and Traction
When tires have good tread, are balanced properly, and are filled to the proper pressure, your car drives smooth and composed.
When tires are damaged or bare, however, they provide an uncomfortably bumpy and erratic ride, not only making the drive unpleasant, but potentially dangerous.
High quality tires will be able to efficiently deliver power to each of the wheels, and in turn, the tires will put it to the pavement. Getting maximum traction from your tires affects pretty much everything related to driving.
Tires with the proper amount of tread help pass water and snow through so your car stays grounded and you remain in control of the vehicle.
Tires that are in good condition still serves a purpose in clear weather. Your car handles more capably, giving you a much more satisfying ride and reducing fuel consumption.
Tips for Keeping Tires in Perfect Driving Condition
To keep tires in the best shape possible, there are simple steps you can take to help preserve them:
- Keep an eye on that pressure. Be sure to check and correct it monthly.
- Have your tires rotated. Changing positions can help ward off uneven wear and ultimately lengthen each tire’s lifespan.
- Do a monthly tire inspection too. Look for uneven wear, cracks, or blemishes. If you catch any of those red flags, consult your local tire dealer to find out what steps to take.
- Pay attention to how your car feels. If you notice any shaking or dragging when you’re on the road, it’s likely that your tires may be the culprit. Again, you’ll probably want to schedule a service appointment to investigate further.
If it is time to replace your tires, check out our new Energy Saver pages on purchasing new tires and reading tire information. When your car is riding smoothly again, you’ll be really glad you did.
Original source can be found here.
