When your vehicle suffers problems with its tires, the effects on the safety and performance of the vehicle can be devastating. Unfortunately, misinformation about automobile tires can lead to unnecessary mistakes that will lead to serious problems.
Myth: You Only Need to Check Tire Pressure When the Tires Appear Visibly Low
While it can be possible to tell if a tire is extremely underinflated by looking at it, it can be far more difficult when the tire is only slightly underinflated. However, this can still be sufficient for causing significant performance issues for the vehicle. Car owners will need to check the tire pressure periodically to make sure that it has proper inflation. Fortunately, using a tire air pressure gauge is fairly simple, which can make this an easier task to do.
Myth: Any Tire Puncture Can Be Patched
Punctures are a common problem that can occur after striking debris in the road. While it is often possible to have these punctures patched, this is not always possible. When the puncture occurs in the tire wall or other crucial supports, patching may not be an effective option. Also, you should be aware that a patched tire will have a significantly shorter lifespan, and it may be more prone to developing gradual leaks. For these reasons, tires that have been patched should be monitored extremely closely, and you may want to replace them as soon as possible.
Myth: Rotating & Balancing Tires Does Not Provide Any Major Benefits
Rotating and balancing the tires can be a routine type of maintenance that may greatly increase the lifespan of the tires. The manner in which the individual tires on a vehicle wear down will vary based on the weight distribution of the vehicle, the condition of the roads that are commonly traveled and the inflation levels. By rotating and balancing the tires, you can help to mitigate the effects that this uneven wear can cause. The costs for rotating and balancing the tires of your vehicle will be fairly low, and this is a task that is often combined with oil changes and other routine maintenance.
Myth: There Is No Harm in Replacing a Single Tire
When you are forced to replace one of your tires, it is often advisable to replace the tires in pairs. For example, if one of the front tires of your vehicle needs to be replaced, you may want to replace both of the front tires. Only replacing one tire can lead to performance issues due to one tire having more wear than the other. This can lead to particularly noticeable performance issues during rain, snow and other poor weather conditions.