How to Make Your Tires Last Longer

Nothing last forever and that is the same with your car tires. However, the way they’re used and how you care for them will definitely affect how long they last. One of the main things that you can do is to check on them from time to time. Sonia CDJR has other tips that you can use to make sure that your tires are running smoothly on the roads for as long as possible. Contact us if you have any questions after learning how to make your tires last longer below! 

What Causes Tire Tread Wear? 

Different tread wear patterns indicate different issues with your vehicle: 

• Inner & Outer Tread Wear: Also known as "toe wear" or "camber wear," excess wear on the inner or outer part of the tire often points to tire misalignment. 
• Center Wear: The tire is probably overinflated. Check your owner's manual for the correct PSI.
• Edge Wear: Underinflation is likely the culprit.
• Cupping Wear: Cupping wear is a diagonal scalloping of the tire. This indicates a serious issue with the suspension system, and you should schedule a service appointment without delay. 
• Patchy Wear: If the tread wear on your tires is showing up in patches, they're likely out of a balance and it's time to see a mechanic. 

Tips for Getting Long-Lasting Tires 

Get the most out of your tire investment by incorporating the following into your regular maintenance schedule: 

• Check Your Tire Pressure Monthly - Tires can lose up to a pound per square inch of air pressure each month. It’s best to keep them at the correct levels using your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). In the winter, they could lose more and the summer will cause them to gain more. 
• Rotate Your Tires Every 5,000 Miles - Tires don't wear evenly, especially if you have a model with all-wheel drive. Rotating the tires allows the ones working the hardest to take a break.
• Get Your Tires Balanced - After your tires are rotated, make sure to have them balanced. If the weight is distributed to one wheel more than the other, this could also create uneven wear.
• Check the Vehicle Alignment Twice Yearly - If your wheels are misaligned, they'll wear out a lot faster. This is easy to notice as the steering wheel may shake. This can happen over time, or if you hit the edge of a curb or a pothole. Be sure to watch for the signs.

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

If you find yourself in a situation where a tire is damaged, it's crucial to know how long you can drive with a spare tire. You'll want to identify what type of spare tire you have to determine how long you can drive:

• Full-Size spare tire: You may safely drive with this tire, but get it changed as soon as you can as it is not likely the same brand as your other tires, which can cause damage over time.
• Space saver or "donut" spare tire: Drive no longer than 70 miles and don't exceed 50 mph.
• Run-flat spare tire: If your vehicle has run-flat tires instead of an extra spare, you can drive about 50 miles after the tire is punctured.

Regardless of which type of spare tire you have, you'll want to get the tire replaced as soon as possible after it's damaged.

Get Your Tires Checked at Sonia CDJR

From getting tire maintenance to getting a new set of wheels in the Orange area, Sonia CDJR is the ultimate place to go. Be sure to check out our service specials for savings and feel free to learn more about snow tires, so you can be all geared up for winter.