Keeping your tires in great shape is one of the most
important parts of caring for your ride. Their condition affects performance at
all levels, and driving with tires that are not up to the task can be
dangerous. Caring for well-made, high-performance summer tires, like the Yokohama ADVAN APEX, will help ensure you are maximizing
the performance of your vehicle.
Here are four simple ways to keep your tires in top shape
while you’re at home:
1. GIVE YOUR TIRES A ONCE-OVER
Start by inspecting your tires with a simple coin test. Insert
a penny headfirst into the tread grooves of your tire. If you can see the top
of Lincoln’s head you’ll need to replace your tires quickly.
For a more in-depth, accurate inspection, try using a tread
depth gauge. Tires that are at 2/32” are considered legally worn out and will
need to be replaced.
In addition to the tread depth, you’ll also want to inspect
your tires’ tread appearance, looking for indications of irregular wear, such
as one-sided wear or cupping.
When you replace your summer tires, keep in mind that
the Yokohama ADVAN APEX tires have exceptional extended
tread life as compared to other high-performance summer tires. Their
micro-silica compounds and rounded ribs optimize contact with the road, thus
reducing uneven wear.
2. KEEP THE PRESSURE ON
Tire pressure affects everything from ride and
handling to gas mileage, so it’s important to get it right no matter what you
drive, and ultra-high performance tires are no exception.
Driving with improperly inflated tires is not safe and can
also negatively affect your car’s performance. Underinflated tires increase
your risk of hydroplaning, and should always be avoided. On the other hand,
overinflated tires create less contact patch with the road, which compromises
overall traction in dry and/or wet conditions. In both instances, your tires
will wear unevenly and reduce the length of their lives.
For everyday driving, you’ll want to check your cold-PSI
inflation pressure which is the manufacturer's recommended levels and can be
easily found printed on most driver’s doorjamb sticker or in the owner’s
manual. Don’t get confused! The recommended PSI is the number you’ll want to
inflate your tires to — the one listed on your tire’s sidewall is the maximum amount
of air that the tire can hold.
And be sure to check your pressure monthly — or more, if the
weather is fluctuating. Keep in mind that the best time to do the test is in
the morning, prior to driving. The sun’s heat and friction from the road can
artificially inflate the reading.
3. MAKE SURE EVERYTHING LINES UP
Wheel alignment is just as important as proper tire
pressure, as misaligned wheels can cause tires to wear prematurely, and can
even damage the suspension.
This is especially critical on high-performance vehicles,
which are optimized to provide the best overall handling experience when
properly maintained. Things such as caster and camber can drastically affect
your tire’s wear directly impacting the tread life. When a vehicle is
misaligned, it forces the tire to roll or pivot in a manner it was not designed
for. This may result in uneven wear, vehicle drift/pull in one direction, and
you may experience subpar performance from your car.
4. ROTATING IS ESSENTIAL
Even if your tires are in good shape, it’s important to
rotate them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
Rotating your tires distributes natural wear evenly,
helping to ensure that they last as long as they are designed to and you
maximize your investment in your tires. You should incorporate tire rotation
into part of your regular oil change or vehicle inspection.
If your vehicle has staggered fitment, meaning it has
different sized tires and wheels on each axle, make sure you rotate the tires
side-to-side, instead of front-to-back.
Once you know what to look for, it won’t take much work to
keep your tires in top shape so they deliver the performance they were designed
for. And investing in a great summer tire like the Yokohama ADVAN APEX, which is designed to provide
superior handling and ultimate grip, is the perfect way to start.
by Yokohama Tire
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