Tips for making your car tires last (updated)

When you invest in a new set of tires for your car in Hamilton Ontario, you can make them last longer with proper maintenance to extend tire life. With these driving and tire care tips, brought to you by the CRS Automotive professionals, experienced and certified auto mechanics in Hamilton, save money on tire replacement over your car’s lifespan and increase road safety.

How to maintain car tires

Regular maintenance is the most efficient way to keep your tires lasting long, and it can save you a load of money in the long run. We have put together some useful tips for making your tires last longer so you can get the most value for your money. Here is a list of things you can do to extend the life of your tires and make them last longer.

1. Keep your tires inflated by checking your tire air pressure monthly

Tires naturally lose air over time, so topping them up every so often is necessary. If you continually drive on tires that are low on air, they can suffer serious damage; the structure of the tire breaks down due to the lack of air support. Always use the same tire pressure gauge.

Inflate your car tires to the pressures listed on the carmaker’s decal, not to the maximum pressure listed on the tire. The recommended tire pressure is based on the weight of your vehicle, not the tire brand or tread style. Tires low on air decrease gas mileage and wear out quicker on the outside of the tire. Tires with too much pressure will wear out in the centre faster. In both cases, you will be adding stress on the sidewalls, which leads to premature wear. Cold weather also causes lower air pressure. Warmer temperatures increase the air pressure. The best way to extend the life of your tires is to check your tire pressure regularly.

2. Rotate your tires regularly

Rotation makes tires last longer. Tires wear out unevenly on most vehicles. Tires on the drive train part of the vehicle wear out quicker. To help balance this wear, rotating your tires helps spread the weight to all four tires. In most cars, only one or two wheels drive the car at a time, which can cause uneven tire wear. Even all-wheel-drive vehicles can see uneven wear as most shift the drive from one wheel to another. Rotating tires by moving them to different wheel positions gives tires on drive wheels a rest and even outwear. Get your tires rotated regularly (every second oil change or 5,000 miles) to ensure even tire wear.

3. Make sure your tires are aligned by checking your alignment twice a year

If your tires are not correctly aligned, they develop harmful wear and tear, and they will not have a very long lifespan. Improper alignment can cause serious problems with your tires. If you see disproportionate wear on the outside of the tire, your car may be misaligned, which can severely damage your tires. If your car actively pulls or drifts to the left or right, or the steering wheel vibrates or shakes, your vehicle may have an alignment problem. When you bump up against a parking lot barrier, hit the curb, or hit a pothole, something must give, and it is often your alignment. The slightest misalignment can reduce fuel efficiency and increase tread wear.

4. Clean your tires

Cleaning your car tires helps get rid of debris that may cause damage and shorten the lifespan of your tires. When washing and cleaning your car, clean the tires by scrubbing the treading with a bristled brush. Scrubbing will remove any objects or debris that may dig into or grate your tires.

5. Balance your wheels

When you get your tires rotated, make sure to get them balanced too. Even a brand new tire will give you issues sometimes. Balancing your tires is so important to keep your car tire lifespan strong. When you get your wheel balanced, professionals will find if there is a “heavy spot” in it. Even though this could be only a tiny spot, it affects the typical lifespan of a tire as it can cause uneven tire wear and tear in time.

A wheel can only be balanced by a reputable mechanic using a specialized machine and weights. A mechanic can change the weight and help you increase your car tires’ lifespan. Tire balancing is a straightforward process. Not to mention – it is very affordable compared to the price of a new tire. Ask your CRS Automotive Hamilton mechanic for a tire balancing the next time you visit.

6. Inspect your tires before a long trip

Wondering how to make tires last longer before a tire change? Inspection! Before you leave for that big trip, inspect your tires. Just like you wash your car before a big trip, you need to take care of your tire wheels. You have to get down on the dirt here. Give your tires a full inspection. Are there any cracks or bulges? Sometimes your tire can be punctured, and you won’t even know it. Look for signs of nail punctures or even stones. If you see any signs of punctures, it’s time to assess the damage before it gets worse and becomes a dangerous and costly problem while you are on the road.

7. Don’t overload your vehicle

You may have noticed your car handles differently when overloaded with weight. Not a lot of people know that vehicles have a weight restriction. Just like you can’t handle carrying more than a certain weight, a car will have difficulty. Overloading your vehicle will decrease the average lifespan of a tire. The weight info is usually located on a placard by the door. You can consult your manufacturer’s guide for this info too.

8. Drive carefully

Speeding up may be fun, but it can cause more than just accidents. It’s hard to slow down when you’re going 140km an hour on a very windy road. You can hit a pothole, speed bump, or objects on the road – all of which can cause damage to your vehicle. It may seem ok to go over a bump in the road now and then, but little damage to your tire adds up.

9. Replace your tires before it’s too late

Do you know how long tires should last on a vehicle? Usually, tires need to be replaced every six years, but this number can differ between car models. Even with the best maintenance, you will need to replace your tires eventually. New tires may be expensive, but it keeps you and your loved ones safe.

Tires can last for well over six years if properly maintained, which can save you a lot of money if diligently cared for. By following tips, you are sure to see gains in your tires’ longevity. Everything rides on your tires, which is why it is so important that they never let you down. CRS Automotive has you covered. Choose from a large selection of all-season, winter, or summer tires.

For more information on how to make tires last longer, contact us today.

We are located only 4 min walking South West of Tim Hortons Field and 4 min walk West of Bernie Morelli Recreation Centre.