When your vehicle's tire treads get too shallow, you'll likely notice some changes to how your car handles, especially in inclement weather. The treads help your vehicle's traction in slick road conditions by channeling water and ensuring that the rubber remains in contact with the road. Without enough tread depth, it will be harder to control the car while turning, and it will take longer to stop, making your vehicle more likely to slide on wet streets. Although wear is inevitable over time, you can prolong the life span of your tires with the following tips.

How to Preserve the Tread on Your Car Tires 

1. Maintain Proper Pressure

Keeping your tires properly inflated reduces tread wear by ensuring the correct amount of contact with the road. If they're underinflated, they'll have more surface contact, increasing wear on the outside edges. 

Overinflated tires have less contact with the road, causing tread wear in the center of the rubber. You can find the proper inflation levels for your car on a sticker inside the driver's door. Check the pressure and make adjustments as needed once a month, as well as before and after long trips. 

2. Get Rotations & Alignments

Tire rotations and wheel alignment checks can also help with preservation. The front tires see more wear because they're more involved in stopping and steering than the rear ones. 

At the same time, have the wheel alignment checked. If the alignment is off, you'll notice that the car seems to pull in one direction, which can cause uneven tread wear.  In general, you should have these maintenance tasks performed by a mechanic every time you get an oil change.

3. Drive Carefully

Driving too fast around corners, pressing the brakes too hard, and hitting bumps or potholes can all speed up the wear and tear on your tires. Additionally, driving over potholes too hard can cause leaks or blowouts and affect the suspension alignment. Taking care while driving will preserve your tires and the rest of your vehicle while reducing your risk of a crash or traffic violation.

Stay on top of tire and vehicle maintenance with help from Foster's Automotive in High Point, NC. For over two decades, these experienced technicians have served the Piedmont Triad area with quality, affordable auto services. They'll ensure that your tires are ready to handle slick road conditions and keep you safe. Call (336) 869-9139 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their services.