Tire Maintenance Guide
The tire is the only part of the car that actually touches the ground, and is a major factor affecting the vehicle's overall safety. Damage to the tires is often associated with reasons beyond our direct control; a nail stuck in the tire, broken glass, or a pothole in the road. However, the way we drive and the care we provide the tires are critical factors as well, and it is important to determine the type of damage and the reason behind it in order to decide on the correct course of action.
Long intervals of high-speed driving with low tire pressure, vehicle overload and high temperatures cause additional stress on the sidewalls, which can lead to tire breakdown. In addition, tires with low pressure wear more quickly, degrade the vehicle's handling, lower the vehicle's load-carrying ability and increase fuel consumption. In a worst-case scenario, under inflated tires can lead to a catastrophic blowout or tread separation.
Out of the various factors affecting your tires, the single greatest reason for tire damage is improper inflation.
- Air Pressure: Tires can lose 1 psi (pound per square inch) per month under normal conditions. Additionally, tires can lose 1 psi for every 10º F temperature drop.
- Finding the Right Air Pressure: Look for the manufacturer's recommended air pressure listed in your owner's manual. It is important to regularly check that your tires meet the recommended air pressure.
- Monthly Inspection: For accuracy, check your air pressure with a tire gauge when tires are cold. Driving heats up tires and makes the reading incorrect.
While tires are vulnerable, regular maintenance and frequent check ups greatly help in preventing and resolving many of the problems discussed so far. Preferably, you should have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles - and even more often if you do most of your driving on city streets.
You can prevent unnecessary damage by getting to know your tires. Give them a quick check whenever you enter your car. The better you'll get to know your tires, the easier it will be for you to spot problems. Additionally, pay attention to how your car feels when you move the steering wheel. Changes may be due to tire problems that need attention. Whether your tire got damaged or was simply worn out, the important thing is to quickly determine if your tires are safe to drive on, or need to be repaired or replaced.
Have an authorized tire dealer or mechanic remove the tire from the wheel and inspect the tire from the inside. This inspection is absolutely necessary because internal damage is not visible while the tire is mounted.
Finally, here are some general tips from Michelin of North America:
- Conduct a visual inspection of tires before operation. Look for irregular wear in the tread, and examine for bubbles or bumps caused by air inflation or foreign objects.
- Do not operate vehicle if there are deep cracks or cuts in the tires.
- Check tires for correct air pressure on a daily basis, particularly on vehicles in constant use. Check weekly on vehicles used less frequently. Accurate tire pressure is found in the vehicle's owner's manual.
- Never weld or apply heat to parts of the wheel near the tire. Tires should be removed before these procedures.
- Store tires in a cool, dry place when not in use. Prevent exposure to sunlight to avoid premature aging.
- To avoid damaging the bead area, do not lift tires through the center with a crane hook. Instead, lift the tire under the tread with flat straps.
- Avoid mixing tires with differing tread depths on the same vehicle.
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