We pay a lot of attention to the maintenance of our vehicle: from getting the oil filter checked to engine serviced regularly. But many of us fail to pay proper attention to the maintenance of tires. Tire care and maintenance is as important as any other component of your vehicle. Check the condition of the tires at regular intervals. Inspect the wear and tear of grooves in the tires. Ensure the tires have the proper inflation pressure.

Over inflation can lead to loss of grip between the tire and road as under this condition very minimal surface area of the tire is in contact with the road, thereby making sharp turnings, sudden acceleration and braking very dangerous. Over inflation adds extra pressure on the tube while driving, which leads to tube damage. Sometimes this extra pressure can also cause tire burst.

Under inflation is equally dangerous. It too adds extra pressure on the tube while driving. This usually results in increased fuel consumption, reduced performance, difficult steering and tire burst. Correct inflation of tires ensures smooth and safe driving conditions. Check the inflation pressure of tires regularly. If damage is found to be severe, replace the tire as soon as possible.  Always choose tires manufactured from trusted certified dealers and ensure proper wheel alignment to avoid further stress on tires.

However good care we take about tire maintenance, we are always prone to end up with a flat tire due to several reasons. In such conditions one should be proficient to change tire by himself and not depend upon mechanic to help you out. Make sure that the car is positioned on a flat hard even ground surface. Using the tire iron, loosen the tire lugs partially making sure that they do not come off completely from the wheel studs. At this point, place the jack underneath the car close to the tire to be replaced ensuring that when jacked it comes with full contact with the car’s body to ensure easy tire change. Raise the jack slowly; making sure that it has proper flat surface contact with the car’s body. Once the tire has been raised completely off the ground, ensure that jack is safely positioned and will not slide back during tire change. Loosen the lugs completely. Align the spare tire in position on the wheel studs carefully. Now screw tightly the lugs back onto the wheel studs. Use tire iron to ensure that they are tightly screwed onto the wheel studs. Slowly lower the jack so that the newly aligned wheel stands balances perfectly on the flat ground. Further tighten the lugs using the tire iron. Inspect the alignment of the newly replaced wheel once again. Your vehicle is now ready to be driven again.

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