We all know that car tires are made of rubber. Rubber is used to make the vast majority of tires, along with other materials like steel wire or synthetic fabric. The composition of a tire can vary depending on what it will be used for; your car requires different tires as compared with a bicycle.
Here are six facts about tires every car owner should know!
1) Air Pressure
Some people think that over-inflating their tires will make them handle better and give better gas mileage, but this is not true. Over-inflated tires can lead to decreased fuel economy, car-handling problems, and accelerated wear on the tread.
When inflating tires, always use a tire pressure gauge to ensure you're using the correct pressure for your vehicle and driving conditions. Tires are inflated with slightly less than their maximum PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) rating for increased comfort and durability.
2) It’s Not Recommended to Mix Different Tires
Manufacturers always design tires with different tire sizes and shapes for specific vehicles in mind because of the difference in weight distribution when driving around corners at high speeds. When you mix two or more types of tires on one car, you increase your risk of hydroplaning during wet weather and losing control of your car during winter weather.
3) Tires Have a Shelf Life
Like almost all other products, tires have a lifespan and should be replaced every so often. For most drivers, this means replacing their tires every six years regardless of how much driving they do. Tires older than six years are more likely to blow out due to the natural wearing down of rubber compounds.
4) Tires Need to be Aligned
It's not just the suspension that needs to be in good condition for your car to handle well – the tires also need to be aligned. If they're not, you'll notice uneven tire wear, which can quickly lead to dangerous situations on the road. Most mechanics will check and align your tires as part of a standard tune-up.
5) Most New Cars Don't Have a Spare Tire Nowadays
One of the most surprising facts about tires is that many new cars no longer come with a spare tire. Instead, they now have run-flat tires or tow kits, which can sustain you for at least 50 miles after your vehicle has a puncture. Unfortunately, this means it’s more likely to get stranded on the side of the road if your car gets a puncture.
If you want an extra safety net, carry around your own run-flat tire at all times in the trunk of your car. You can also buy kits that let you repair tires on the side of the road. However, this option is usually more expensive than simply having spare tires instead of run-flats.
Routine maintenance can help extend the life of tires which means more time on the road with less money spent replacing or repairing them. Here at Jody Wilkinson Acura, serving Alpine, UT, we offer a full range of tire services, including new tires, balancing and alignment, flat repairs, rotations, and replacements. Check out our tire center online for more information.