Tires are like the foundation of a house; if it is not level and in good condition, the house will eventually crack. The same goes for your car; if your tires are unbalanced, worn or cracked your car will eventually suffer.
Unlike houses, cars and tires are not as forgiving; unbalanced tires can cause tire wear and potentially dangerous handling problems.
According to the National Automotive Sampling System-Crashworthiness, on average, 200 people die each year in America as a result of 11,000 car crashes caused by tire failure between 2000 and 2015.
Therefore, it is crucial to perform tire maintenance in order to avoid tire failure and the accidents that can result from it.
Here are some of the most important reasons why tire maintenance is important:
1. Out of Balance Tires Can Cause Vibration
An unbalanced tire can cause a vibration that will be felt in the steering wheel, seat, or floorboard. This is because the tire is not rolling smoothly down the road. The tire is essentially hopping as it rolls, which causes the vibration.
The vibration can be very annoying and can even cause pain in some cases. It can also be dangerous because it can cause driver fatigue and distraction.
In addition, the vibration can cause other problems in your cars, such as premature wear of the suspension and tire tread.
Therefore, it is important to have your tires balanced every time you get a new tire or have your suspension serviced.
2. Reduced Tire Life
Who wants to spend money on new tires more often than necessary? Nobody.
Unfortunately, unbalanced or tires that havent been rotated properly can cause tire tread to wear unevenly, which will reduce the tire life. In fact, an unbalanced tire can wear out faster than a balanced tire.
So, not only will you have to deal with the annoyance of the tire vibration, but you’ll also have to spend money on new tires more often.
3. Worn Out Tire Could Cause Fuel Inefficiency
It is a major concern, yet not many people are aware that a worn-out tire can also cause a vehicle to lose fuel efficiency.
How?
An unbalanced tire creates more resistance as it rolls down the road. This resistance causes the engine to work harder, which uses more fuel.
4. Damaged Tires are a Safety Hazard
Worn-out tires can be a safety hazard for you and other drivers on the road.
Tires not properly inflated or have too much tread wear can cause a blowout, leading to loss of control of the vehicle and may hit another vehicle.
5. Mounting and Balancing Your Tires Yourself Can Save You Money
If you know how to mount and balance your own tires, you can save yourself a lot of money.
Tire mounting is the process of putting the tire on the wheel, and tire balancing is making sure the tire is balanced so it will spin evenly.
It’s recommended to have your tires rotated and balanced every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to ensure optimal tire performance and longevity.
6. How to Tell When a Tire Needs to Be Replaced?
There are a few ways to tell when a tire needs to be replaced.
One way is to do the penny test. This is where you take a penny and insert it into the tire tread. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, then it’s time for a new tire.
Another way to tell if a tire needs to be replaced is by checking the tire tread wear bars. These are raised bars located in the tire tread that indicate when the tire tread has worn down to a certain point.
If you can see the tire tread wear bars, then it’s time to replace the tire.
7. Tire Maintenance Can Help You Avoid Costly Roadside Emergencies
Tire maintenance is important because it can help you avoid costly roadside emergencies.
If you have a flat tire, you can either change it yourself or call an expert mechanic.
You won’t have to pay extra if you regularly visit your auto expert for tire maintenance. They would have already checked it during tire rotation.
Tire maintenance is essential because it can help you avoid accidents, save money, and keep you and other drivers safe on the road.
RM Auto Care is the One-Stop Solution for All Your Tire Needs
At RM Auto Care , we offer a wide range of tire services to keep your vehicle running safely and smoothly.
From tire sales, tire balancing and replacement to tire mounting and rotation, we have you covered.
We also offer a wide range of other auto services, such as oil changes, brake, and engine repairs.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.