A Few Things You Need To Know About Your Vehicle's Wheels
Posted on: 7 September 2017
The wheels on your vehicle play an important part in how the machine operates. They are also important to your safety. While a tire may be rated to last 50,000 miles, you still need to maintain it properly or it will wear down much faster and need to be replaced. Here are some things you need to keep an eye on and fix if they are off to maintain the integrity of the wheels.
Air Pressure
If the tire seems to be a bit flat on the ground, it is not inflated enough. It is a simple task to go to a gas station and add some air. Check your owner's manual to find the correct air pressure for your vehicle and add enough air to get it to that point. If you have lost the stem cap, be sure to replace it as soon as possible to keep the air pressure right. It is a good idea to check the pressure with a gauge every once in a while too, even when the tire looks good. An improperly inflated tire will not wear correctly because too much of it will be in contact with the road. It will also make the vehicle harder to turn. In addition, this will cause more drag on your vehicle and your miles per gallon of gasoline will decrease.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is adjusting the tires so they are parallel to each other and perpendicular to the ground. If they are off even slightly, it will affect the performance of your car. You may experience shaking and a hard time going around corners. In addition, the vehicle may drift to one side even when you are holding the steering wheel straight. This will result in the tread wearing more than it should and could cause an accident. It is best to have the wheels aligned by professionals any time you have them changed or notice some problem steering.
Do not take your tires for granted. Walk around the vehicle and check that they are not flat, do not have any cuts or tears, and that the tire tread is still good. Keep the air pressure right, and have new tires put on and aligned before they have bald spots. You will save on gas, be able to drive better, and reduce the chance for having an accident. If you are not sure if there is something wrong with your wheels, have a professional, like one from D Wells Automotive Service, look at them, they will often do this for free.
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