How to maintain your tires and do a tire inspection

How to maintain your tires and do a tire inspection

Car tires are an integral part of a vehicle and need to be taken care of at all times, even when they are new or have been used over time. There are a few checks and procedures that need to be done every now and then to ensure car tire safety and to maintain them so that they last longer. Here are some ways through which you can maintain your car tires.

  • Check tread depth – It is always important to check the tread depth of the tires to ensure that they have enough traction to grip the road.
  • Check tire pressure – One important car tire safety rule is to check the pressure. Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that the tires are correctly inflated and then fill it with air as per the vehicle’s recommended inflation pressure. Always check your tire pressure when they are cold as that would give accurate results.
  • Check tire condition – From time to time, it is essential to check your tire’s condition. Look for any damage, wear, and tear that would warrant a replacement. Check the tread and sidewalls for scrapes, cuts, bumps, or cracks. Make it a part of the car tire safety procedure.
  • Keep in mind tire age – Based on your average driving distance every year, the tire’s tread will last for years. However, if the tread is not worn out, it does not indicate that you do not need to change the tires. All tires need to be replaced after a stipulated amount of time. Keep track of that and replace them as and when required.
  • Maintenance of the spare tire – It is not only important to look after the four wheels of the car but also the spare one that comes in handy during a puncture. It is important to maintain it well and check it for air pressure and other wear and tear too. It is an integral part of car tire safety.

Checking car tire safety will take you less than a minute, but it will surely help your tires in the long run. Let’s find out how to do a tire inspection.

Before embarking on a long journey or at least once a month, it is advisable to do a tire check. Get a proper depth gauge and insert the pin between the tire treads. Now push on the gauge’s base plate and ensure that it is lying flat against the tire tread. Now read the numbers that are visible. Do this a few times and note the readings. If you get a 6/32” – it is perfect but anything else needs professional consultation.

Besides this, always check the following as part of car tire safety-

  • If the tire is worn on either of the sides, it means it is underinflated.
  • If the tire is worn in the center, it means it is overinflated.
  • If the tire dips in the tread, it means that there are worn out parts.
  • If there are sawtooth edges, it means there is a misalignment.