Tire Care Tips

You Paid for Your Tires - Now Get the Best Mileage Out of Them

At Hilltop Tire Service, we want you to get the best value for your money. When it comes to tire life and performance, that means keeping up on regular maintenance. Services like rotation and balancing ensure your tread lasts long and performs as advertised by the manufacturer.

How Important Are Tires?

Your tires play an important role in car performance. Good tires provide a comfortable ride, last for the advertised mileage, and deliver the traction and performance you expect. But quality tires won't provide the performance they should without upkeep. Paying a little for regular maintenance every few months can extend tire life so you get the maximum value out of your set.

Checking tire pressure, rotating your tires, balancing your tires, and choosing the right set of replacement tires based on safety and handling all contribute to consistent performance.

6 Tire Tips to Maximize Tire Life & Performance

• Tire Inflation: Check tire psi levels to ensure you're driving with properly inflated tires. Underinflation leads to excess heat, uneven tire wear, and decreased braking and handling capabilities. This can cause structural failures like blowouts and tread separation. Properly inflated tires maximize tread life, improve handling, and increase fuel efficiency and overall driver safety.
• Tire Rotation: Follow proper tire rotation schedules. Recommended rotation patterns for your vehicle can be found in your owner’s manual. Routine tire rotations equalize and enhance front-to-rear and side-to-side tire wear. Remember: tire rotation will not prevent or circumvent wear issues caused by worn mechanical components.
• Wheel/Tire Balance: Balance tires as necessary. Out-of-balance tires may be detected in bumps that become more noticeable at higher speeds. Balancing tires is necessary during initial installation and during a remount.
• Tire Installation: Install new tires in sets or pairs. The addition of one new tire to the rotation cycle can cause instability and create vehicle handling issues. When new tires are needed, two new tires should be installed on the rear of a vehicle, and the partially worn tires should be moved to the front of the vehicle.
• Tire Storage: When the time comes to store your tires for next season, consider a dark place away from direct sunlight with low humidity. Tires should be stored away from solvents, grease, oil, or any ozone-producing electrical equipment, which have deteriorating effects on tires.
• Tire Inspection: Be mindful of abnormal tire wear or damage to your tires. Watch for signs of punctures, embedded objects, cracks, and bulges. The Rubber Manufacturer's Association (RMA) recommends taking five minutes each month to check your tires.

We recommend keeping a spare tire in your car in the event of a road hazard. You never know when you’re going to need it.

By taking proper care of your tires, you can remain safe during all types of travel, experience the benefits of better fuel economy, and extend tire life, which will positively impact the environment.

Visit us today or contact us online for tire services and any other service inquiry. We serve Des Moines, Johnston, Altoona, and surrounding areas.

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