Friday, November 13, 2009

Proper Tire Maintenance If You Drive a Lot

Proper tire maintenance is very important, especially if you drive frequently or for long distances. Your tires are the only parts of your car that has to handle various kinds of ground surfaces. Therefore, you should make sure you take care of your tires consistently and the right way. It is best to do even just a few minutes of inspection and maintenance each month to keep your tires in good condition.

Proper tire maintenance that you inspect your air pressure at least once a month. Not having good air pressure is a major cause of tire damage. Familiarize yourself with the tire pressure indicated in your vehicle's manual or on the door post, gas tank lid or driver's side door''s edge. The air pressure indicated on your tire is not the right air pressure but rather the maximum air pressure for the tire. Next, prevent hydroplaning and skidding, inspect your tire tread for irregular wear - if there is, see your tire dealer. You should also rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles or as indicated in your car's manual.

There are some general things you can do to practice good tire maintenance. For instance, try to stay away from potholes or dirt on the road whenever you can. Also avoid sudden stops and starts. When driving on wet road or when it's about to rain, always remember to slow down, as this results in better traction.

However, if your car still skids despite your efforts to drive cautiously, apply a firm and steady pressure to the breaks and maneuver the vehicle in the direction of the skin, rather than abruptly hitting the brakes. When replacing your tires, it would be best to go with the same type of tires.

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