How to Prevent Your Tires from Cracking
If you’ve ever had a tire crack, you know how frustrating it can be. Not only do you have to replace the tire, but you also have to deal with the inconvenience and expense of having a flat. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to prevent your tires from cracking in the first place. Keep reading to learn more.
3 Reasons Why Tires Crack
There are a few different reasons why tires crack. The most common reasons are exposure to sunlight and extreme temperatures, dry rot, and improper inflation. Let’s take a closer look at each of these three factors.
- Exposure to Sunlight and Extreme Temperatures: One of the main reasons why tires crack is exposure to sunlight and extreme temperatures. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can cause the rubber in your tires to break down over time, making them more susceptible to cracking. In addition, extreme cold can make your tires harder and more brittle, which can also lead to cracking. To prevent this type of damage, it’s important to store your tires in a cool, dark place when they’re not in use. If you’re not able to do that, consider covering your tires with a UV-resistant material such as a tarp or car cover.
- Dry Rot: Another common reason for tire cracking is dry rot. Dry rot occurs when the treads on your tires start to break down and separate from the rest of the tire. This is usually caused by exposure to sunlight and heat, but it can also be caused by chemicals such as oil, gas, and antifreeze.To prevent dry rot, it’s important to inspect your tires regularly for signs of tread separation. If you see any signs of dry rot, have your tires replaced as soon as possible.
- Improper Inflation: The third major reason for tire cracking is improper inflation. If your tires are underinflated, they will flex more when you drive, which can cause the treads to separate from the rest of the tire. In addition, underinflated tires are more likely to overheat, which can also lead to tread separation and eventually tire failure.
To avoid this problem, make sure that you check your tire pressure regularly and inflate your tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
Monitor Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). The recommended PSI for most passenger cars is between 30 and 35. You can find the recommended PSI for your car in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
To check your tire pressure, use a digital tire gauge. Insert the metal tip of the gauge into the valve stem on your tire. The valve stem is located on the side of the tire. Once the metal tip is inserted, hold the gauge steady and press down on the button. The gauge will give you a reading in PSI.
If your tire pressure is below the recommended PSI, use an air compressor to add air to your tires. Most gas stations have air compressors that you can use for free. To add air to your tires, insert the metal nozzle of the compressor into the valve stem on your tire. Then, turn on the compressor and let it run until the desired PSI is reached.
It’s important to check your tires once a month and before long trips. By regularly monitoring your tire pressure, you can help extend the life of your tires and keep yourself safe on the road.
Monitoring your tire pressure is an easy way to help extend the life of your tires. Use a digital tire gauge to check your PSI monthly and before long trips. If your tires are low on air, use an air compressor to add air until you reach the desired PSI. By regularly checking and maintaining your tire pressure, you can keep yourself safe on the road and save money in the long run.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Nobody likes to be too hot or too cold. But when the temperature in your home is either of these extremes, it can be more than just uncomfortable—it can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to know how to avoid extreme temperatures in your home, both for your comfort and your safety.
There are a few things that you can do to avoid extreme temperatures in your home:
- Adjust your thermostat. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s worth mentioning because it’s the most effective way to control the temperature in your home. If you’re feeling too hot, turn the thermostat down; if you’re feeling too cold, turn it up. Just be sure not to make sudden, drastic changes, as this can be hard on your heating and cooling system—and your wallet.
- Dress for the weather. Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing in summer and layers in winter will help you feel more comfortable without having to make major adjustments to the thermostat.
- Close off unused rooms. You don’t need to heat or cool an entire house if you’re only using a few rooms. So close the doors to any rooms that you’re not using and focus on keeping the temperature comfortable where you are.
- Use fans wisely. Ceiling fans and portable fans can be great tools for circulating air and making a room feel cooler—just be sure not to use them when it’s cold outside, as they can make a room feel colder by circulating cold air from outside.
By following these simple tips, you can avoid extreme temperatures in your home and stay comfortable all year round—without breaking the bank. So take control of your thermostat, dress for the weather, close off unused rooms, and use fans wisely, and you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable temperature in your home no matter what Mother Nature throws at us next.
Rotate Your Tires Regularly
Car maintenance is important to keep your car running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road. One oft-forgotten step in car maintenance is rotating your tires. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why rotating your tires is important, how often you should do it, and what signs to look for that signal it’s time for a tire rotation.
Tire rotation is the practice of moving your tires from one position to another to promote even wear. Over time, gravity causes your tires to sag in the front or back depending on whether you drive a front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive vehicle. This uneven wear creates bald spots or weak spots in your tires that can cause a blowout if left unchecked. By rotating your tires according to the recommended schedule in your car’s owner’s manual, you can prevent uneven wear and get the most miles out of your tires.
Most mechanics recommend that you rotate your tires every 5,000 miles or so. However, it’s best to consult your car’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendation specific to your vehicle. In addition to following the general rule of thumb or the manufacturer’s recommendation, there are a few other signs that signify it’s time for a tire rotation:
• Uneven tread wear – Take a close look at each tire. If you notice that the tread is wearing down more on one side than the other, it’s time for a tire rotation.
• Vibration while driving – If you feel a vibration coming from one side of the car while driving, it could be caused by an unbalanced wheel or uneven tread wear. Both of these issues can be remedied with a tire rotation.
• Poor fuel economy – If your once excellent fuel economy has fallen off a cliff and you can’t figure out why uneven tread wear might be to blame. Uneven tread means your car has to work harder to move down the road, leading to poorer fuel economy. Rotating your tires can help mitigate this issue.
In conclusion, rotating your tires is an important part of maintaining your vehicle. By rotating your tires according to either the general rule of thumb or the manufacturer’s guidelines found in your car’s owner’s manual, you can prolong the life of your tires and ensure a smooth ride for years to come. Be on the lookout for signs that it’s time for a tire rotation, such as uneven tread wear or vibration while driving, and don’t hesitate to take action when you notice them!
Conclusion:
There are a few things you can do to prevent tire sidewall cracking, including monitoring tire pressure, avoiding extreme temperatures, and rotating your tires regularly. By taking these precautions, you can help ensure that your tires stay in good condition for years to come. Thanks for reading!