Proper Tire Maintenance Factors for a Safe and Comfortable Journey
JAKARTA, FEBRUARY 2025, Tires are an important factor in driving safety. The most important safety feature of a car, regardless of its age, is its tires.
Ideally, your Daihatsu friend needs a set of tires that are suitable for large tread and climate conditions according to driving in your area, including spare tires. Ensure that the performance of your Daihatsu friend's set of tires is in prime condition.
Some factors of proper tire maintenance that your Daihatsu friend must know.
Beware, Worn Tires!
Something as simple as rain or heat can turn the road into a hazard, especially if the car tires are worn. So here are ways to ensure that every time you drive, you have the tire grip you need.
Generally, a set of tires should last between three to six years and up to 80,000 miles. However, tire conditions vary greatly depending on how you drive, how many miles you cover in a year, and the type of vehicle.
Best practice, check each tire regularly and look for signs of excessive wear, baldness, or bulges in the sidewalls. If you see any of these issues, make it a priority to purchase a replacement set.
Tire Rotation
Most car manufacturers will have specific recommendations in the owner's manual about how often tires should be rotated. This could be once a year, every 15,000 KM, or at other specific intervals.
Your Daihatsu friend can deviate from those guidelines, but it is recommended that if you decide to rotate according to your own schedule, do so regularly so that tire wear is even.
Note that not all cars require tire rotation. Typically, high-performance vehicles use different sizes for front and rear tires. This means tire rotation should not be done.
Cars equipped with such equipment have dynamic driving benefits. However, tire lifespan is shorter because those tires are specific to the axle.
Pay Attention to Air Pressure
A tire is only as good as the air it holds, so it is important to pay attention to its pressure. Most new cars have advanced tire pressure monitoring systems that allow you to see the air pressure of each tire in real-time.
Less advanced car versions will have warning lights that turn on when one or more tires are flat. But you can find out which tire needs to be checked properly. There is an easy way to check it, and it only requires a cheap pressure gauge.
First, check the label inside the driver's door frame to see the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure. The label should list it in PSI (pounds per square inch). Next, remove the plastic protective cap from the tire valve stem and press the pressure gauge onto the metal tip.
The pressure gauge will display the PSI reading of the tire. If it is lower than recommended, it’s time to fill it up.
Read Also: Here are 4 Signs Your Tires Need to be Replaced for Safe and Comfortable Driving
Carry a portable air compressor in the trunk. If you don’t have one, there are public places you can visit to inflate, such as gas stations and tire shops.
Be careful when driving with flat tires. It is best not to drive it at all and call a tow truck.
