Tires are vital to your truck. Knowing the proper steps to maintaining and taking care of your light truck tires will help prolong their lifespan, ensure your safety, and help you save money in the long run. Consider the following quick tips for simple tire maintenance:
- Make sure they are properly inflated – Over-inflated or under-inflated tires are less effective when you accelerate, steer, or brake. So, take time to check tire pressure every month, especially when the tires are cold. If you are unsure of the truck’s tire pressure, refer to the vehicle information placard that lists the right pressure for rear and front tires, or look it up in the manual.
- Inspect for bulges – If you see them in the sidewalls that is a sign that the tires must be replaced, as bulges can be dangerous. Most states recommend the minimum legal tread to be 3/32 of an inch. One way to measure the depths is by placing a penny into the tread and have Lincoln’s head down. If the tread is above or at the head, then it is time to replace your light truck tires. Newer tires are made with wear bars to help you determine when they will need to be replaced.
- Drive responsibly and safely – Your driving style can determine the longevity of your tires. Overloading will put strain on tires, so be sure to check the maximum weight the truck can handle and stick to that. Avoid braking and accelerating suddenly, too, as these can cause tire treads to wear off quickly.
- Rotate tires regularly – You can make light truck tires last longer by rotating them regularly for a more even wear. If you notice excessive wear outside or inside the tread, you may need to have the truck aligned.
