How to Maximize the Lifespan of Your Brakes and Tires

Posted April 25, 2024

Wheels, tires, and brakes all work in unison to help make it safe to drive. According to Love to Know, Americans put about 10,000 miles per year on their vehicles, which puts a lot of wear and tear on the tires and wheels. The brakes also undergo wear and tear from hard jolts when driving over potholes or speed bumps and when slowing down or stopping. Here are some tips to maximize the service life of wheels and tires and minimize the need for brake repair service.

Closely Monitor Tire Pressure and Condition

Tires work best when properly inflated and regularly checked for damage. Your car’s owner’s manual should tell you the ideal tire pressure for your vehicle, which might differ from what appears on the tires. You should keep a tire gauge in your car and use it to check the air pressure about once a week and add air as needed. Many vehicles have tire pressure sensors that monitor pressure levels, but it’s best to use a pressure gauge to check your tires. While you check the pressure, you should look over the tires to see if one might have picked up a nail, is damaged, or has unusual tread wear.

Align, Balance, and Rotate Tires and Wheels

You can help your wheels and tires last the longest by balancing and rotating them about every 5,000 miles, in our professional experience. The service will even out the wear on the tires by rotating the front wheels to the back and the back wheels to the front. While the wheels and tires are off your vehicle, a technician can balance them, so you’ll get the smoothest ride. Checking the alignment and adjusting it as needed also helps your tires and wheels last longer while minimizing the need for brake repair service.

Annually Inspect and Maintain Brakes

The best way to get the longest service life from your brakes is to have them inspected and maintained every year. Brake pads wear down over time, and an annual inspection ensures they are worn evenly and have plenty of brake pad material remaining. The technician can also check the calipers and rotors and bleed the brake lines for maximum braking power. The brake fluid should be changed when it loses its viscosity, and the master cylinder should be checked to prevent the need for emergency brake repair services.

When your wheels, tires, or brakes need maintenance and repair services, it’s important to work with an auto repair team you can trust. Contact D’s Auto and Truck Repair today if you need work done on your vehicle. We look forward to assisting you!

Categories: Car Repair

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