What Causes Tire Wear?
Tires are expensive but also essential for the safe operation of your vehicle. It can be very helpful and financially beneficial to understand what you can do as your vehicle's driver to reduce unnecessary wear and tear on your tires. One of the most significant ways to extend your tires' life is to maintain proper air pressure. Tires with too low an air pressure will be soft and more likely to be damaged by potholes and other imperfections in the road surface. Likewise, tires that have too much air in them are easily damaged by road hazards like debris. Think of an over-inflated balloon. It is very easy to pop. Keeping your tires properly inflated will help to get the most extended life possible from your investment.
Smooth stopping and starting is also an excellent way to reduce unnecessary tire wear. As you approach a stop sign or red light, gently apply the brake to slow and then stop your vehicle. Slamming on the brakes at the last second will damage the tread on your tires. Accelerating slowly and smoothly will allow your tires to gently grip the road surface and not spin or grind down the rubber before your vehicle begins to move forward.
Finally, proper wheel alignment is essential in prolonging the life of your vehicle’s tires. A misalignment in your vehicle will create uneven wear patterns in your tire tread and cause them to wear out more rapidly. As the issue becomes more pronounced, you could notice the vehicle pulling to one side or a severe vibration as you are driving.
