Bridgestone Team | 2 min read 

More miles for your money

From fill-ups to tune-ups to wear-and-tear parts like tires and brakes, if it seems like a good chunk of your paycheck goes directly into your car, you're not alone. The U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics estimates that transportation costs equal on average about 17% for rural and 14.6% for urban of the typical household's income. So, how can you stretch your money when it comes to your car? Here are four tips to help get the most life out of your tires.

1. Pump it up

Tire pressure is a big deal when it comes to tire longevity. Tires need proper inflation pressure to operate effectively and perform as intended. Both overinflated and underinflated tires can cause tires to wear faster, as well as adversely affect vehicle handling and fuel economy. Use a tire gauge to be sure tires are inflated properly. Check your tire pressure every month and before long trips or when carrying extra load. The vehicle manufacturer recommendations for tire pressure can be found on a label affixed to the driver's door or door jamb, or in the vehicle owner's manual. Remember that tire pressure should be checked when the tires are "cold," which means when your car hasn't been driven for three hours or for less than a mile at moderate speed.

2. Maintain proper alignment

If your car's wheels are out of alignment, your tires will wear unevenly, which can lead to early replacement. Also, a car out of alignment could signal other mechanical problems that may affect tire performance. For the best results, choose a shop that uses accurate computer-assisted machines, and ask for a printout of the adjustment angles to keep with your service records.

3. Rotate regularly

Your car's wheels have different forces exerted on them depending on their position on the car, which can lead to uneven tread wear. Rotating your tires regularly (as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, or every 5,000 miles) promotes even tread wear and helps the tire perform as designed.

4. Check your balance

Tires and wheels that are out of balance don't just cause annoying vibration. Uneven tread wear may also result, further reducing your ride comfort and leading to earlier replacement. A shop with an electronic spin balancer can help smooth things out.