Summer tyre maintenance tips
When the weather gets warm, you'll need to pay attention to your car's tyres. Heat can affect the pressure, alignment and grip that your car tyres have on the road. In fact, many auto technicians recommend that you install summer tyres in preparation for this time of year. Summer tyres will brake correctly on wet and dry roads while withstanding temperatures fluctuations. But even after installing such tyres on your vehicle, you should keep the following maintenance tips in mind.
Check your treading
Your summer tyres should maintain thick treading while on the road. This is because heat can wear out your tyres faster and result in longer braking distances. In most cases, you should maintain a treading of at least 3mm. And if you notice that your vehicle takes a long time to stop, have an auto technician examine the tyres and brake pads. Hot weather can wear out your brake pads within a shorter period.
Check your tyre pressure
You may notice that your tyre pressure is likely to fluctuate during summer months. This is why you should pay close attention to pressure levels so that you're not caught off guard with a flat tyre. Low pressure levels are more than just a nuisance while driving. They can also increase your braking distance and grip while on the road. If you're having a hard time keeping up with tyre pressure levels, consider using technology to help. Tyre pressure sensors can send instant notifications to your vehicle or mobile phone when the pressure on a particular tyre dips below acceptable levels.
Avoid overspeeding
As the weather gets warm, many ambitious drivers use this time of year to speed and race in the streets. Reckless driving will wear out your tyres faster and increase your risk of an accident. This is why you should always stick to the speed limit and avoid taking sharp turns on the road. Sudden braking will also affect your treading and alignment.
Get the tyres and wheels aligned
Speaking of alignment, warm summer months are the perfect time to align your wheels and tyres. Proper alignment will prevent your transmission from getting worn out. It also keeps your steering wheel steady, and you'll have an easier time making turns while driving. Aligning your wheels and tyres early will help you save on hefty repair bills down the road. If ignored, you may end up having to replace your brake pads, steering assembly and tyres.
