We’re in the midst of summer and that likely means vacation time and road trips for many of us. If you’re going to be heading out on the highway this summer, then of course you’re going to want to make sure your tires are ready for the road. Tires wear and tear just like any part of your car and pot holes and poorly paved roads only speed up the tire damage. Knowing how to keep your tires in the best shape possible will not only make for a smoother ride, but end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.
To get the most out of your tires, follow these tips on tire maintenance from Ford to maximize your tires’ life.
Alignment
When your wheels are out of alignment your tires aren’t pointing in the right direction — obviously this is bad for your steering. Generally you should have your alignment checked every 6,000 miles.
Proper Balance
For a smoother ride you should make sure that your tires are balanced. You can do this at every tire rotation or if your steering seems to be leaning more to the right or left.
Tire Rotation
The weight distribution on your car can vary. So it’s important that your tires are rotated every 6,000 to 9,000 miles for a better ride.
Proper inflation
This is the most important step to good tire care. If your tires are over or under inflated it will make braking more difficult and contribute to poor gas mileage. And it should go with out saying, but always check the tire pressure before a long trip.