5 Ways to make your tires last longer
What if you could get an extra season or two out of your tires? Well, it’s actually pretty simple to make your tires last longer so you can enjoy greater performance and savings with these five tips.
1. Drive slow & steady
For some drivers, half the fun of having a sporty ride and premium tires is putting them to use. Driving like your great aunt on a Sunday afternoon, so to speak, doesn’t sound nearly as much fun, and yet this is exactly how to help your tires last longer: with slower, consistent driving.
Aggressive acceleration, braking and cornering—activities made all the more possible by today’s electronic driving systems—increase the stress your tires face, and, therefore, their lifespan.
“Today, even small city cars have a lot of power. Traction control systems and other similar functions have become more common. Drivers today rely even more on these systems, which increases the stress on the tires that is caused by driving. Cornering speeds may increase, for example,” says Matti Morri, technical customer service manager, Nokian Tires.
2. Rotate your tires
Rotating your tires is a simple step that helps ensure your tires last longer. By moving tires from one position to another (usually front to back) you equalize the tread wear since front tires tend to wear much more quickly than rear tires.
How often should you rotate your tires? We recommend rotating tires every 8,000-12,000 kilometres. When you buy your tires at Kal, our Customer Care Plan includes free tire rotations every 8,000 km for the life of your tires.
3. Check your tire pressure
Ensuring your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI helps prevent premature tire wear from too much flexing and overloading. Properly inflated tires also improve handling and fuel economy because it takes less energy to make your tires roll.
Since changes in temperature can alter your tire’s pressure, it’s important to check your tires’ PSI regularly.
If you can, get in the habit of checking your tire pressure once a month or even every time you fuel up. To learn how to check and inflate tires yourself, read our article How to Check Tire Pressure: A 5-step Guide.
4. Store your tires smarter
People love the sun. Tire’s don’t. Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause weather cracking, often on the sidewalls and shoulder. If you drive all-weather tires year-round, try to avoid parking in direct sunlight. If you swap out your tires each season, make sure your tires are stored in a place that’s cool and out of sun’s reach.
Or, you can store your tires with us! Learn more about the benefits and convenience of using Kal’s Tire Lodge.
5. Don’t weigh your tires down
Packing strategically can also help your tires last longer. By keeping heavy items in the trunk or hatch rather than the roof box, you won’t hinder your car’s centre of gravity and you’ll make it easier for your tires to roll, which improves fuel economy as well as tire life.
