Whether you drive a Jeep Wrangler or a FIAT 500, your tires go through a lot during a year of travels. Even the best set of tires won’t last forever, but there are plenty of things that you can do to extend the lifespan of your set. Learning how to make your tires last longer isn’t difficult, and this small time investment will pay off in a major way on the Louisville roads. Find out the steps that you can take at home, along with the professional maintenance services that you can schedule at Cross Chrysler Jeep FIAT.

Interpreting Tread Wear Patterns

When you look at your tread wear, you might notice that certain spots are more worn than others. Not only can this tread wear vary on a single tire, but across your entire set. Here is a quick guide to tread wear patterns:

• Inner & Outer Tread Wear: This is called “toe wear” or “camber wear,” and it indicates tire misalignment. This means you need a tire alignment.
• Center Wear: This usually indicates that your tires are overinflated. Check your owner’s manual for the correct PSI. 
• Edge Wear: The opposite of center wear, edge wear means underinflation is likely the culprit. 
• Cupping Wear: If you notice a diagonal scalloping of the tire, this is called “cupping wear” and means your suspension system needs work. Schedule a service to resolve the problem.
• Patchy Wear: Patches of wear indicate that your tires are out of balance, and you’ll need to get tire maintenance to prevent damage. 

Tips for Long Life Tires 

If you want them to have a long life, tires need proper maintenance. These simple services will go a long way toward keeping your set in great shape.

• Check Your Tire Pressure Monthly – Did you know that tires can lose up to a pound per square inch of air pressure each month? Use your built-in Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) or a tire pressure gauge to keep tabs on your tire pressure.
• Rotate Your Tires Every 5,000 Miles – Rotating tires allows you to evenly distribute the wear and tear of your set, allowing you to preserve your tread for a longer period of time.
• Get Your Tires Balanced – After your tires are rotated, make sure to have them balanced. This ensures that the weight is evenly distributed, which prevents issue like patchy wear.
• Check the Vehicle Alignment Twice Yearly – Hitting a curb or a pothole can throw your alignment out of wack, which can negatively impact your driving. Be sure to look out for the warning signs if you jostle your car on the La Grange and Lexington roads.

Get Expert Tire Care at Cross Chrysler Jeep FIAT

Ready to schedule your next tire rotation or interested in purchasing a new set? Feel free to contact us at Cross Chrysler Jeep FIAT to learn more about your options. We can help you find the right tire size and type, as well as service your current set, so don’t hesitate to reach out in the Louisville area!