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Unfortunately, tires don’t last forever, however, with a little care and routine maintenance, you can extend the life your tires dramatically! Keep reading.

1. Visually Inspect your tires. Every week or two you should do a visual check of your tires. Look for any signs of uneven wear, rocks or nails. By doing this you will be able to nip any tire issue in the bud.

2. Check your tire air pressure regularly. Incorrect air pressure will decrease gas mileage and cause premature tire wear. It is recommended to check the air pressure in your tires monthly. In the cold, winter months, tires tend to lose pressure and in the warmer months tire pressure could be increased. You will find the manufacturers recommended tire pressure in the owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s door.

3. Rotate your tires every 5,000 miles. Each tire carries a different amount of weight; therefore, your tires will wear at different rates. It is important to keep your tires rotated so they wear evenly.

4. Balance your wheels every 5,000-10,000 miles. Every tire and wheel manufactured has a heavy spot on it. None are perfect, not even brand-new ones. The difference is small but can cause vibration and uneven tire wear over time. Getting your tires balanced is a simple and fast procedure that costs a whole lot less than new tires! It is a good idea to have your wheels balanced every time you rotate your tires or at least every other time.

5. Get the alignment checked twice a year. Misalignment will cause your tires to wear unevenly. Your tires could become either toed-in (pigeon-toed) or toed-out (duck-footed). You may also notice your vehicle pulling to one side of the road or the other. An alignment service will correct this and get your tires all pointing in the same direction again.

6. Keep them out of the sun. People love the sun, but tires don’t. Over time, tires exposed to the sun will start to weather crack on the sidewalls and shoulder. Try to avoid parking in direct sunlight to help extend their life.

7. Keep your tires clean. Cleaning your tires will help get rid of any debris that may cause damage to your tires. Use a bristled brush and scrub the tread of the tires. By doing this you will remove any objects or debris that could damage or puncture your tires.

8. Drive Calmly. Take it easy on the gas pedal, brakes and steering wheel. How fast and aggressive you drive affect how fast your tires wear.

At Hilltop Tire Service, we know tires aren’t cheap. With a little maintenance, we can help you save a lot of money. By following these simple, inexpensive tips, you can increase the life your tires as well as improve gas mileage and make your ride a safer one. So why not?