How to Make Your Tires Last Longer

Your vehicle’s tires won’t last forever – and how your tires are treated determines how long they’ll last. If you want to make your tires last longer and get those long-life tires you want, there are precautions to take, like having them regularly checked. At Jaguar Richfield, we have your guide to keeping your tires in top shape for a smooth and safe drive on the Minneapolis roads. Don’t hesitate to reach out to our service center for additional information.

What Causes Tire Tread Wear?

There are different tread wear patterns, each indicating different issues with your Jaguar vehicle:

• Inner & Outer Tread Wear: Also known as “toe wear” or “camber wear,” excess wear on the inner or outer part of the tire usually means that the issue is a tire misalignment.
• Center Wear: The tire may be overinflated. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct PSI.
• Edge Wear: Underinflation is probably the culprit.
• Cupping Wear: This is diagonal scalloping of the tire, and it indicates a serious issue with the suspension system. If this is the problem, you should schedule a service appointment as soon as possible.
• Patchy Wear: If the tread wear on your tires is showing up in patches, they may be out of balance, which means that it’s time to see a mechanic.

Tips for Getting Long-Lasting Tires

Want to get the most out of your tires? It’s recommended to add the following to your regular maintenance schedule:

• Check Your Tire Pressure Monthly – Tires can lose up to a pound per square inch of air pressure each month. Make sure they are kept at the correct levels using your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). In the winter, they could lose more, and the summer will cause them to gain more.
• Rotate Your Tires Every 5,000 Miles – Tires don’t always wear evenly, especially if you’re driving an AWD vehicle. Rotating the tires regularly allows the hard-working tires to take a break.
• Get Your Tires Balanced – After your tires are rotated, make sure they also get balanced. The weight that is distributed to one wheel more than the other can also create uneven wear.
• Check the Vehicle Alignment Twice Yearly – Misaligned wheels will wear out a lot faster. If your steering wheel shakes, your wheels may be misaligned. This can happen over time or if you hit the edge of a curb or a pothole.

How Long Can You Drive on a Spare Tire?

Many St. Paul-area drivers often ask how long you can drive with a spare tire. It’s essential to know what type of spare tire you have before knowing how long you can drive:

• Full-Size spare tire: You may safely drive with this tire, but it should get changed as soon as possible.
• Space saver or “donut” spare tire: Do not drive more than 70 miles and don’t exceed 50 mph.
• Run-flat spare tire: With a run-flat tire, instead of an extra spare, you can drive about 50 miles after it’s been punctured.

No matter which type of spare tire that you’re driving on, it’s essential to get it replaced as soon as you can.

Have Your Tires Checked at Jaguar Richfield

Whether it’s time to replace your tires or you’re looking to keep up with your tire’s maintenance, the service center at Jaguar Richfield is here to help. Before stopping by for your service appointment, explore our service specials to make your visit more affordable. Give us a call if you have any questions in the meantime.