Every tire with a different use has a key characteristic defined by its handling, ride comfort, noise levels and mileage. There is no one tire that could answer the need for everything. Each tire type will have to sacrifice some of its traits in one way or another.
Now with all the knowledge on the tires, one should also know how to correctly use it. We may have the right one, but are we using it correctly? Aside from knowing where and when one would use a specific tire type, there are a lot more ways to maximize its tread life and ensure safety. Here are some pointers to keep in mind.
Proper Tire Inflation. Knowing the amount of air to inflate a tire would not only improve tire life but would also prevent hazards while driving your car. Tires that are under inflated would show more wear on the inside of the tread than around the edges and would also cut your fuel efficiency since its treads touch the pavement more.
The best thing one could do is to know the correct pounds per square inch (PSI) and not go beyond or below it. Tire pressure goes down through natural so have it checked often as to maintain the right amount of air in the tires.
Wheel Alignment and Rotation. Check the alignment of the wheels (front and rear), as this could also contribute to uneven wear of the treads. Have your vehicle checked by professionals on car repair shops that specialize on wheel alignments every time you change tires or remove it.
Remove Hard Materials. Try to remove those hard materials that get in between the tread blocks. These could puncture holes in the tires which could damage the tires.
Do not overload. Be sure to follow what is indicated in the vehicle owner’s manual on the maximum loading capacity of the vehicle (which could be similar to what is the top capacity of the tires). Overloading the car could over-inflate the tire while widening the tire tread surface that touches the pavement. You would be a hazard on the road if you frequently do this.