Having tires that are in good condition is essential for good handling and safe operations of your automobile. Tires are just one of the many parts and components that make up a vehicle, but they are also one of the most important. Paying attention to your tires and regular tire service makes a big difference.
Automobile tires experience wear and tear every time a vehicle is out on the road. Understanding the ways that driving affects your vehicle’s tires will help extend their life span. Continue reading to learn more about what happens to your tires when you drive regularly.
Effects of City Driving on Tires
Generally, city driving causes a lot of wear and tear on your vehicle’s tires. This is due to the fact that driving on surface streets has some challenges. Many streets have potholes, which can cause damage to a tire. City driving also involves a lot of starting and stopping, and regular braking affects the surface of the tires.
If you tend to only make short trips in your automobile on surface streets, you will probably need tire service regularly. The same can be said if you have a long commute to work but drive on surface streets that require regular starting and stopping at stoplights.
Effects of Highway Miles on Tires
Many people travel on freeways and highways when driving to work or taking a road trip. The good news is that highway miles usually do not cause as much wear and tear on tires compared to city driving. However, traveling at high rates of speed can produce heat and friction that can affect the surface of your tires.
Tips for Protecting Your Tires
The more wear and tear on your tires, the more often you will have to replace them. Luckily, there are things that you can do to help reduce excessive wear and tear.
Avoid Hard Braking and Acceleration- When driving your vehicle, make it a point to start and stop smoothly. Hard braking and acceleration create a lot of wear and tear on your tires. When driving on the highway, leave ample space for the vehicle in front of you so you don’t have to slam on your brakes.
Get Your Tires Rotated
Front tires wear out differently than back tires. This is why tire rotation is an essential tire service. Rotating your tires will extend their life span and improve handling.
Don’t Skip Tire/Wheel Alignments- Tire rotation is not the only tire service that your vehicle needs. When tires are not aligned properly, tires on one side of the vehicle will wear out faster.
Conclusion
City driving is very hard on a vehicle’s tires, but highway miles and long-distance trips can also take their toll. Adjusting your driving style can go a long way towards making your tires last longer. Staying on top of tire service, like tire rotations and alignments is also essential. Tires rotated and aligned according to the schedule will last longer and perform better.
If you have put a lot of miles on your tires or you’re taking a long road trip, stop by a JiffyLube® location near you. We will inspect your tires and let you know if an alignment, rotation, or replacement is needed.
