| The most recurring maintenance issue that a vehicle | | | | life. Again, get the alignment checked and adjusted to |
| owner has to deal with is tire care. This is because it is | | | | the specifications mentioned in the Owner's Manual. |
| quite normal for tires to wear out after constant usage | | | | C. Proper Balancing of Tires - If the tire is to run freely |
| and then they have to be replaced with new ones. | | | | and without too much wear and tear, the entire weight |
| However, there are many things that you as a vehicle | | | | of the tire plus the wheel must be uniformly distributed |
| owner can do to extend the lives of the tires and | | | | over the circumference of the tire. If not, tires tend to |
| make use of them more efficiently. While this not only | | | | wear more in the heavy spots. Anytime a new tire is |
| saves you time, money and effort, you are also having | | | | put in or a flat tire is repaired, it is best to check and |
| a positive effect on the environment. Using more new | | | | adjust the balancing of the tire. |
| tires means more old ones go to recycling centers and | | | | D. Regular Rotation of Tires - Obviously, not all tires |
| more energy is expended in producing new tires and | | | | are used in the same manner and to the same extent |
| recycling. So follow the tips below and see how you | | | | as others. For example, the front tires tend to work |
| can use your vehicle tires better and for longer. | | | | harder because they have to handle the steering |
| Some Maintenance Tips | | | | action as well as the rolling wear. By regularly rotating |
| A. Maintaining proper tire inflation - A tire that is highly | | | | tires so that front tires become back and back tires |
| inflated increases stiffness in the tires, which may | | | | become front, will invariably allow them to run longer. If |
| create unwanted vibration. On the other hand, an under | | | | you also own a full-size spare tire, remember to |
| inflated tire, is even more serious, resulting in 'blowouts' | | | | include that too in your rotation pattern. Follow the |
| that can lead to a sudden loss of control of the vehicle | | | | rotation patter mentioned in your Owner's Manual. |
| and accidents. Therefore, the best thing is to maintain | | | | E. Proper Storage of Tires - If tires are not to be used |
| the proper inflation pressure at the level mentioned in | | | | for a long duration, then it is essential that they be |
| the Owner's Manual, by using accurate tire pressure | | | | stored in a proper manner. The best way of storing |
| gauges, when the tires are cool. | | | | tires is to keep them upright in clean conditions where |
| B. Proper Alignment of Wheels - The way the wheels | | | | there is no sunlight or even very strong artificial light, no |
| are set in position relative to the axes of the vehicle is | | | | heat, no moisture, no ozone (as from electrical motors) |
| called the wheel alignment and if the alignment is not | | | | and also hydrocarbons. |
| proper, then the tires will not move freely and instead | | | | Following these very simple steps regularly and taking |
| tend to drag. This will not only cause immediate | | | | your tires for regular inspection will ensure a long and |
| problems in driving the vehicle but also increase the | | | | healthy life for them and your vehicle, and safe riding |
| amount of fuel needed, at the same time reducing tire | | | | for you. |