Understanding your car's tires and knowing how to maintain them is important. The tires are a crucial part of the car's safety system. Without proper maintenance, you and your passengers could be at risk. To help you better understand your car's tires, here are some commonly believed myths about tires.
Tire Sizes and Types Can Be Mixed
In an effort to save money, some car owners mix tire sizes and types to get a better deal. Unfortunately, mixing tires is not always a safe option. There are consequences to incorrectly mixing tires that could prove dangerous.
Mixed tires experience more wear and tear than a matched tire set. As the tires wear out unevenly, they are more likely to suffer damage, such as punctures.
Although it is best to buy a matched set of tires, there are some instances in which mixed tires are an option. If it is possible for your particular car, the owner's manual will outline which tire sizes and types can be mixed.
Old Tires Should Always Be Rotated to the Back
A common misconception about tires is that the new tires should be placed in the front positions, while the older tires are rotated to the back. The idea is that the front positioned tires are responsible for guiding the car and need to be in better condition.
In reality, the rear positioned tires have an even bigger responsibility that requires tires that are in good shape. The rear tires are responsible for braking and steering control. They also play a role in how stable your car while moving. Therefore, the newer tires should always be positioned in the rear.
Your Car Will Always Inform You When the Tires Are Low
Newer cars are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that is supposed to inform you when the tires are under-inflated. Although the system is designed for this purpose, it can occasionally drop the ball. If the system fails to notify you of an under-inflated tire, you could have trouble with controlling your car.
As a car owner, it is your responsibility to check your tires' air pressure on a regular basis. A quick check of the air pressure using a gauge helps to identify under-inflated tires before they can become an issue.
There are other myths about tires that can influence how well you care for them. Talk to your tire dealer, like Discount Tire Centers, about any concerns you have and to determine what else you need to do to take care of your tires.
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