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