The Importance of Proper Tire Maintenance
Having properly maintained tires is one of the most important things you can do as a vehicle owner. Proper tire care helps ensure safety, maximizes the life of your tires, improves fuel economy, and saves money in the long run. Read on to learn more about why proper tire maintenance should be a top priority.
Safety First
First and foremost, proper tire maintenance is critical for safe driving. As the only part of the vehicle that actually touches the road, your tires provide traction, braking, steering, and load support. Driving on underinflated, overinflated, worn, or damaged tires is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of:
- Blowouts - can cause you to lose control
- Hydroplaning - loss of traction on wet roads
- Skidding - inability to stop quickly
- Poor handling - tires unable to grip the road properly
Proper tire care vastly reduces the chances of a catastrophic tire failure at highway speeds.
Maximize Tire Life
Taking good care of your tires also enables them to last for their full tread life. With proper maintenance you can expect to get at least 40,000 to 60,000 miles out of a set of tires. Lack of maintenance drastically reduces how long they will last. Here are some tips for maximizing tire life:
- Maintain proper air pressure - underinflation causes abnormal wear
- Rotate tires every 5,000-8,000 miles
- Perform wheel alignments as needed
- Watch for signs of uneven wear
- Avoid curbs and potholes
Better Fuel Economy
Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance with the pavement, which reduces fuel economy. Every pound per square inch (PSI) drop in pressure below the recommended level can decrease fuel economy by .3% to 2%. Keeping your tires properly inflated saves fuel and money.
Save Money
Finally, proper tire care saves money in the long run by extending the life of your tires and improving fuel efficiency. It also prevents costly emergency repairs and replacements from blowouts. While it requires some regular maintenance, it pays off manifold down the road.
Caring for your tires properly is easy to do and essential for safe, money-saving driving. Invest in some basic tire maintenance tools and commit to simple regular upkeep. Your wallet and safety will thank you.
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Must-Have Tire & Wheel Tools
Having the right tools on hand makes tire and wheel maintenance much easier. Here are some must-have tools every vehicle owner should have to perform basic tire and wheel care.
Tire Pressure Gauge
A tire pressure gauge allows you to check your tire inflation levels to ensure they are at the vehicle manufacturer's recommended PSI. Options include:
- Dial gauges - simple and inexpensive but can lose calibration over time
- Digital gauges - more precise and easy to read
- Automatic gauges - digital gauge with a hose to reach tire valve stems
Torque Wrench
A torque wrench tightens lug nuts to the exact torque specified by the vehicle manufacturer. Using a torque wrench prevents over or under-tightening.
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Beam | Bar bends indicating calibrated torque |
| Dial | Dial gauge indicates torque setting |
| Digital | Digital screen shows torque reading |
| Preset | Adjustable dial presets torque setting |
Floor Jack
A hydraulic floor jack safely lifts the vehicle so a tire can be changed. Purchase a jack with at least a 2 ton capacity.
- Bottle jack - narrow profile good for low clearance vehicles
- Scissor jack - comes with vehicle, use only for emergencies
- Floor jack - low profile fits under most vehicles
Wheel Chocks
Wheel chocks hold the vehicle in place while jacking and tire changing by blocking the wheels from rolling.
Tire Irons and Spoon
Used to pry off hubcaps and loosen lug nuts when changing a tire. Most vehicles come with a 4-way tire iron.
- Lug wrench - comes with car, fits lug nuts
- 4-way iron - fits lug nuts and pry off hubcaps
- Spoon - curved end helps pry off hubcaps
Additional Handy Tools
- Lug nut brush - cleans threads for easy tightening
- Tire tread gauge - measures tread depth
- Valve stem tool - tightens valve stem caps
Investing in quality tire and wheel tools makes maintenance easier, safer, and extends the life of your tires. With the right equipment you can handle basic tire and wheel care at home.
Tire Pressure Gauges - Check Pressure and Inflate
Using a tire pressure gauge is the only way to accurately measure your vehicle's tire inflation levels. Keeping tires properly inflated is critical for safety, tire life, and fuel efficiency. Here's what you need to know about tire pressure gauges.
Checking Tire Pressure
It's important to check tire pressure at least once a month and any time you notice uneven tread wear or handling issues. Use a pressure gauge to check when tires are cold for the most accurate reading.
- Remove the valve stem cap from the tire.
- Firmly press the gauge onto the valve stem and measure the PSI.
- Check the PSI against the vehicle manufacturer's recommended levels listed in the owner's manual or door jamb.
- Repeat this process for each tire.
If the readings are low, inflate the tires to the proper PSI. Driving even briefly on underinflated tires can cause damage.
Inflating Tires
If tire pressure is low, you'll need to add air:
- Use a pressure gauge to check the PSI in all tires.
- At a gas station, pull up to the air pump.
- Attach the air pump hose to the valve stem.
- Activate the pump and inflate to the recommended PSI.
- Re-check the pressure with your gauge to confirm it's accurate.
Inflate all tires evenly, whether one or multiple tires are low. Driving with uneven tire pressure can affect handling.
Gauge Types
Here are the common options when choosing a tire pressure gauge:
- Dial gauge - Typically range from 0-60 psi. Offer an easy-to-read analog display.
- Digital gauge - Display pressure readings on an LCD screen. Very precise but battery-powered.
- Automatic - Use a built-in air hose to seal to valve stem. Convenient for adding air.
- Pencil style - Compact size but can be less accurate. Best for quick checks.
Higher end digital gauges offer the best accuracy. But a basic dial gauge is usually sufficient for most drivers if maintained and calibrated.
Helpful Features
Some added features to look for in a tire pressure gauge include:
- Bleeder valve - releases excess pressure for precise measurement
- Glow-in-the-dark dial - useful in low light
- Swivel air hose - makes attaching to valve stem easier
- Rubber boot - protects gauge from impacts if dropped
A quality tire pressure gauge is essential for every vehicle owner. Investing in a good gauge and routinely checking pressures will save you money in the long run.
Torque Wrenches - Tighten Lug Nuts
A torque wrench is a vital tool for properly tightening lug nuts when changing a tire or performing wheel maintenance. Using the required torque ensures lug nuts are tightened to the manufacturer's specifications.
What is Torque?
Torque refers to the amount of rotating force applied when tightening lug nuts. It's typically measured in foot-pounds (ft-lb). Each vehicle has a specific torque specification for the wheels.
- Under-torquing can cause wheels to loosen over time
- Over-torquing can damage wheel studs
- Most cars require 75-100 ft-lb of torque
The only way to achieve the correct torque is with a torque wrench.
Using a Torque Wrench
Here are the basic steps for using a torque wrench on your wheels:
- Consult owner's manual for proper torque spec
- Set the wrench to the specified setting
- Place wrench socket on lug nut
- Turn wrench clockwise until it clicks
- Repeat for remaining lug nuts
Go around a second time to ensure uniform tightness. The click indicates when proper torque is reached.
Torque Wrench Types
There are several torque wrench designs:
- Click wrench - makes audible click at preset torque
- Beam wrench - flex beam indicates torque
- Dial wrench - shows torque setting on gauge
- Digital wrench - LED screen displays torque
A sturdy click-style wrench is the most common choice for occasional lug nut tightening. Beam types are also simple to use.
Choosing a Wrench
Consider these factors when selecting a torque wrench:
- Drive size - typically 3/8 or 1/2 inch
- Torque range - 20 to 150 ft-lb covers most vehicles
- Accuracy - should maintain +/- 4% accuracy
- Storage case - protects calibration if knocked around
With the right torque wrench you can easily tighten lug nuts to the required setting for safe wheels.
Another interesting products
Jacks - Lift Vehicle to Change Tire
A jack is an essential tool used to safely lift a vehicle off the ground in order to change a flat tire or perform other wheel maintenance. Selecting the right jack makes the job much easier.
Types of Jacks
There are several types of jacks commonly used for DIY automotive work:
- Scissor jack - A basic jack that comes with vehicles. Use only in emergencies.
- Hydraulic bottle jack - Compact and lifts up to 20 tons. Good for low clearance.
- Hydraulic floor jack - Low profile fits under most vehicles. Lifts up to 10 tons.
- Hi-Lift jack - Versatile farm jack that can lift vehicles up to 7,000 lbs.
For routine tire changes, a sturdy hydraulic floor jack is usually the best choice.
Using a Floor Jack
Follow these steps when using a hydraulic floor jack:
- Position jack under manufacturer recommended lift point.
- Turn handle to raise lift arm until it contacts point.
- Pump handle to lift vehicle. Use jack stands for stability.
- Reverse process to lower vehicle.
Be sure to chock wheels and set parking brake before jacking.
Bottle Jacks
Bottle jacks have a narrow profile making them ideal for low clearance vehicles. Usage steps include:
- Place jack base near lift point.
- Pump plunger to raise lifting arm.
- Insert arm pin into lift point hole.
- Pump plunger to lift vehicle.
- Lower with release valve.
Choosing a Jack
Look for these features when selecting a jack:
- Lift capacity - 2 ton is sufficient for most passenger cars
- Lift range - at least 15-20 inches of lift
- Frame material - steel or high-grade aluminum
- Wide base - for stability
- Swivel casters - improves mobility
With the right jack you can safely and efficiently lift your vehicle for tire changes and repairs.
How to use your Amazon Prime to buy Tire & Wheel Tools
Having an Amazon Prime membership provides convenient access to an extensive selection of tire and wheel products. Here's how to use your Prime benefits to purchase the tools you need for DIY maintenance and repairs.
Search for Tools
The Amazon search bar makes it easy to find a wide range of tire and wheel tools. Try searching for:
- Tire pressure gauge
- Torque wrench
- Hydraulic floor jack
- Wheel chocks
- Tire repair kit
You can further filter results by brand, price, ratings, and Prime eligibility.
Compare Options
Amazon lists numerous tire tool options with product photos, descriptions, specifications, and reviews. Compare features between similar products like digital versus dial pressure gauges. Viewing real customer reviews helps select quality tools.
Check for Prime Shipping
Look for the Prime logo or "Free One-Day" messaging to confirm an item ships free in one or two days with your membership. This ensures quick delivery so you can start using your new tire tools right away.
Add to Cart
When you're ready to purchase, simply click "Add to Cart". Items can be purchased individually or bundled into one order. Amazon securely saves payment info making checkout a breeze.
Select Free Delivery
At checkout, Prime members can select free one-day, two-day, or standard shipping. Get items even quicker with Amazon Day delivery consolidated to a day that suits you.
Track Your Order
Once your order is placed, you can track the shipping status through your account. See when your tire tools have shipped and are estimated to arrive.
Amazon Prime makes purchasing tire and wheel products simple. Find exactly what you need from reputable brands and have them delivered right to your door.
"What Are The Best Tire And Wheel Tools For My Car?"
There are several tire and wheel tools that can be useful for your car. Here are some of the best options:
From The Family Handyman:
From Car and Driver:
From Amazon Best Sellers:
From All Tire Supply:
From Tire Supply Network:
Top products in 🔧 Tire & Wheel Tools
32 Review
34 Review
What Are The Differences Between Hydraulic And Mechanical Jacks??
Here are the differences between hydraulic and mechanical jacks:
Hydraulic Jacks:
Mechanical Jacks:
In summary, hydraulic jacks use hydraulic fluid to generate lifting force, while mechanical jacks rely on mechanical advantage. Hydraulic jacks tend to be stronger and can hoist heavier loads higher, while mechanical jacks are rated on lift capacity. Both types of jacks are used in countless industries, including construction, and have different advantages depending on the specific application.
