- Ready to buy your set of used tires? First, think about how you can get the most out of these tires. It’s true you already got a good deal, but if you want to take it a step further, here are 5 things you can do to get even more value out of these used tires. You can significantly delay the need for new tires and guarantee a safe ride!
Why You Want To Keep These Tips in Mind
Tires are one of the most critical components of your car, directly affecting handling, fuel efficiency, and safety. When using previously owned tires, it’s even more important to monitor their condition. By focusing on ways to extend used tires’ life, you not only save money but also contribute to sustainability by reducing waste. Plus, well-maintained tires provide better performance and peace of mind on the road.
Ways to Extend Used Tires Life
Avoid Aggressive Driving Habits
Yes, it’s exciting. But if you really want your used tires to last, resist hard braking, fast turns, and rapid acceleration. This kind of driving wears down the rubber fast and furiously and can lead to premature bald spots. Be mindful of your driving style when considering used tires. You might find yourself coming in to change your tires professionally sooner rather than later. Smooth driving equals longer-lasting tires.
Rotate Your Used Tires Often
Even with used tires, rotation helps get an even wear over all 4 of your tires. Front and rear tires wear differently depending on your vehicle type. Front-wheel drive cars, for example, place more stress on the front tires. Rotating them every 5,000 to 8,000 miles helps balance this wear and extends the usability of each tire more equally. A simple but effective step in maximizing your tires.
Align Your Suspension System to Extend Used Tires Life
You might not notice it yourself but your car can start driving diagonally if your suspension is misaligned. Again, you might be left with uneven wear, especially on older tires that already lost a bit of grip. This suspension alignment will position your tires with each other and the road to make for a smoother ride.
If you see any of these signals from your car, it’s an indication you need to align your suspension system:
- Uncentered steering wheel when driving straight
- Vehicle pulling to one side
- Uneven tire damage
- Vibrating vehicle or steering wheel
Check Your Tire’s Tread Depth Regularly
The depth of your tire treads plays a major role in the usage you’ll get out of it, particularly in wet or slippery conditions. A simple way to check is by using a Canadian dime: insert it vertically into the tread groove with the Queen’s head facing down. If you can see all of her head, the tread is too shallow, and it’s time to consider new tires. Monitoring tread depth regularly is crucial to know exactly how much time you have left with your tires.
Monitor Your Tire Pressure
You know it and you love it. Checking your tire pressure is crucial to maintaining your new (used) tires. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, resulting in increased wear and higher fuel consumption. Over time, this stress can shorten the lifespan of your used tires.
Aim to check your tire pressure at least once a month. If your used tires are more worn, then every two weeks is even better. Make sure to check before long trips, especially during seasonal changes when air pressure fluctuates.
Maintaining Your Used Tires
After you’ve done a thorough check-in with your tires once every month you should also consider maintaining them more often. Get into some of these good habits to get the most out of your used tires:
• Clean tires regularly to spot cracks or dirt buildup
• Store spare tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Avoid driving over sharp objects or through deep potholes
• Keep track of mileage and wear patterns
• Use tire sealants if prone to slow leaks
These small actions go a long way in supporting efforts to extend used tires’ life.
Feel Good About Your New (Used) Tires!
While your tires may not be brand new, treating them like they are will let you maximize their value. Check that tire pressure, get your compression aligned, and practice calmer driving habits. Remember, while used tires offer great value, their performance depends largely on how well you care for them!