The tires on your car play a vital role in the driving dynamics of the vehicle as well as the safety of the driver and passengers. Keeping the tires in good shape can help extend the life of your tires as well as help you stay safe throughout the year.
Depending on how you drive your car, the tires can wear irregularly. The front tires can wear differently than the rear and even the driver and passenger side tires can wear differently. Tires have treads that help to disperse water during the rainy season and help with traction on wet roads. When the treads wear unevenly, they lose some of their ability to grip the surface properly. Keeping the tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles can help reduce uneven wear.
You want to make sure that your tires are at the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Underinflated tires can lower your gas mileage and affect braking and handling. Overinflated tires may cause a blowout and also give the car a rough ride. Try and have your tire pressure checked on a monthly basis and be sure you check the tires when they’re cold for a true pressure reading. When the tires are hot, the tire pressure will read higher, giving you an inaccurate pressure reading.
If you hit a pothole or accidentally jump a curb with your car, you can throw the vehicle out of alignment. When the car is not aligned properly, it can damage your tires. As the car wobbles from being misaligned, the tire treads wear unevenly. Not only will this wear your tires out prematurely, but the car won’t handle well, which can potentially cause a dangerous driving situation. If you notice your vehicle wobbling, vibrating, or pulling to one side, have it aligned.
If you live in an area that has severe weather during the winter, consider getting winter tires for your car. The tread of regular tires becomes hard when the weather turns cold, reducing their ability to grip the road’s surface. Winter or snow tires are made with compounds that can withstand cold temperatures so the tread stays flexible and can easily grip the road.
If you plan on taking your Toyota off-roading or through mud, you’ll want special tires that can help disperse the mud between the treads and grip over boulders, rocks, or uneven terrain. Off-road tires also have reinforced sidewalls that help prevent punctures from sharp objects.
If you occasionally drive on rough terrain or through snow but spend most of your driving time on asphalt surfaces, consider all-terrain tires. These types of tires have an interlocking tread that’s designed for most surface areas.
If you need new tires or want to have your current ones inspected, stop by Priority Toyota Hampton’s tire service center today. We have an extensive inventory of new Toyota’s to choose from, so take a look at our offerings of 2021 Toyota vehicles. Who knows – you may find a fantastic new ride to go with your updated tires!
