5 Tire Maintenance Mistakes Drivers Should Avoid
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Written by Eric Riddles
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Published on February 19, 2025
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Category: Tires
Tire maintenance is crucial to ensure your safety on the road. Your tires are the only portion of your vehicle that has a direct impact on the road. Therefore, ensuring the excellent condition of your tires through proper tire maintenance is key. However, many drivers aren't sure of how to care for their vehicle's tires. Keep reading to discover these five tire maintenance mistakes you want to avoid.
1. Neglecting to Check Tire Pressure Routinely
Proper tire pressure is essential for safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Unfortunately, many people continue to drive without checking their tire pressure. Low tire pressure leads to poor handling, increased risk of blowouts, and premature tire wear.
2. Not Rotating Tires
Manufacturers have recommendations for when you should rotate tires. When drivers don't adhere to these recommendations, they increase their risk of uneven wear on the tires. Uneven tires can lead to many issues, such as tire blowouts and reduced traction.
3. Mixing Tire Types
Another bad practice drivers should avoid is mixing tire types. Mixing tires can lead to uneven wear, cause issues with steering and stability, inconsistent traction, and more.
4. Overloading Your Vehicle
Overloading your vehicle puts excessive strain on your tires. This leads to increased heat buildup, premature wear, and faster wear and tear. With that said, it's essential to monitor how much you're loading in your vehicle, and balance cargo so that there is not too much pressure on any one tire.
5. Over-Tightening Lug Nuts
It's crucial to avoid over-tightening the lug nuts. Over-tightening can damage the wheel or brake components and lead to uneven wear or difficulty in removing the nuts later. Always tighten lug nuts to the manufacturer's recommended torque specification for optimal performance and safety.
Professional Tire Maintenance With Custom Complete Automotive
Tire maintenance is vital to increase tire lifespan and ensure you are driving safely on the road. If your vehicle needs tire maintenance services, let our professionals give your tires the care they need. To learn more about our tire services, or to schedule an appointment at one of our locations in Missouri, contact us today.
Find an Auto Repair Shop Near You
We have multiple auto repair shops throughout Missouri located in Columbia, Jefferson City, and St. Louis.
Eric Riddles is an ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician who has been working as an auto mechanic since 1998 and originally joined the team at Custom Complete Automotive in 2005. Eric has numerous certifications in various aspects of car repair and spent 10 years training the next generation of auto technicians at a local high school Auto Shop classroom.