Inspect your tires: The tread on your tires should be at least 1/8″ deep. In wet or snow conditions, deeper tread will improve traction and starting and stopping will be easier. Look for bulges on your tires; it may indicate that the belts in your tire may be broken and should be replaced. Broken belts may cause your tire to “blow-out”. Look for nails and screws (repair suggestions are listed below). If you feel vibration in your steering wheel or a pulsating “bump”, your tires may be out-of-round or may be out of balance. If your tires are out-of-round the manufacturer should compensate you under warranty. If you feel your steering wheel puling in either direction, you may need an alignment or a tire is low. If your front tires are wearing on on side of the tire, you need an alignment. Look for cracks in the sides of your tires; this indicates the rubber is dry and it may be hazardous. Look at the inside of your tires when the car is on the rack, ie: oil changes.
Appearance and durability: There are many products on the market to give your tires the wet look. I recommend brake fluid. It will clean and shine your tires as well as moisturize the rubber in hot and arid areas to help prevent cracking.
Maintain your tires to maximum inflation: This will prolong the life of your tires as well as provide maximum miles per gallon. The inflation range is embossed on the side of your tire. If you are stuck in the snow and you don’t have chains, sand, or twigs, letting some of the air out of your tire will improve traction. The pressure in your tires will increase in warm weather and decrease in cold. Check your tire pressure regularly.
Repairing leaking or flat tires: If your tire has not broken it’s seal ( when the inner ring of the tire still presses against the wheel rim), you may be able to repair and inflate it yourself. Here are two methods of doing this: #1 Carry a pressurized can of tire sealant ($3-$6). Position your tire where the valve stem is located at the 4 or 8 o’clock position, attach the nozzle of the can (read and follow instructions). This will inflate your tire to at least 20 pounds of pressure (You may need two cans for very large truck tires.) Drive for 2-3 miles to allow sealant to spread, find an air supply and inflate to recommended pressure. This is considered a temporary fix that may last for years. #2 Carry a tire plug kit (inexpensive). With a pair of pliers and/or screwdrivers, you can remove the nail or screw and patch the hole. The kit is equipped with a tool to ream the hole in your tire (This may require some force.) The kit also contains plugs, rubber cement and a tool to insert the plug. This is considered a permanent repair if done correctly. Most flat tires are a result of leaks and punctures. You may never need a spare tire if you carry the tire sealant, plug kit and a small 12v air compressor that plugs into your lighter (very small and inexpensive). The advantage: you won’t be a “sitting duck” on the side of the road and they are lighter and take less room than a spare tire and jack.
Purchasing tires: Many stores will advertise estimated mileage on their tires with no guarantee. I have yet to see a tire go beyond it’s estimated mileage. I recommend that you find tires with a mileage guarantee. They will prorate the cost of your next set of tires based on the miles travelled and tread depth.
