Easy Tips for Caring for Car Tires at Home
Car tires are an important component that supports the entire weight of the vehicle and is the only part of the car that is in direct contact with the road. Therefore, maintaining tires properly is very important to ensure driving safety and comfort.
Even though professional maintenance at an expert repair shop is still recommended, you can also carry out simple maintenance at home while waiting for your regular schedule for a check-up at the repair shop. Caring for car tires at home is not difficult, and this can help maintain comfort and safety when driving. Tires that are well maintained will be in better condition and provide the best performance.
This time, we will discuss a number of simple maintenance tips for car tires that you can do at home.
Clean Tires Regularly with Car Shampoo
Cleaning tires is very important to maintain the condition of the tires. When tires are dirty, dust and dirt accumulate, which can potentially damage the surface of the tire. To clean tires, we can use car shampoo. The method is quite easy:
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First, prepare a bucket filled with water and add enough car shampoo.
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Use a soft brush to scrub the tire surface, especially in between the tire treads which are often difficult to reach.
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Avoid using harsh chemicals or soap that is not intended for cars, because this can damage the elasticity of the tires.
Routinely cleaning tires at least once every two weeks is highly recommended, especially after driving on muddy roads.
Perform Tire Rotation Every 5-8 Thousand Kilometers or Every Time You Change Tires
Car tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometers or every time you change tires to ensure more even tire wear. Tire rotation is the process of moving the position of the tires, usually by swapping the position of the front tire to the rear, and vice versa. Additionally, make sure to follow the rotation pattern recommended by the car manufacturer. This step helps increase tire life by up to 20%.
Avoid getting tires in the sun, rain and exposure to puddles of oil
Exposure to sunlight, rainwater and chemicals such as oil can speed up the process of tire damage. Here are several things you can do to protect your tires from this exposure:
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Don't leave the car parked in direct sunlight for too long. Excessive exposure to sunlight can dry out and crack tires.
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If possible, park in the shade or use a car cover to protect all parts of the car, including the tires.
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Avoid puddles of oil when parking the car. Oil contains chemicals that can damage tire elasticity.
This simple protection will help maintain optimal tire quality in the long term.
Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Inappropriate air pressure can accelerate tire wear and reduce driving comfort. Apart from that, tires with air pressure that is too low or too high can also be dangerous. Ideally, we need to check tire pressure at least once every 2 weeks or before a long trip.
Here are several things you need to pay attention to when checking tire pressure:
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Check the pressure when the tires are cold, that is, when the car has not been used for at least several hours.
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Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that the air in the tires is at the correct level according to the car manufacturer's recommendations.
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Don't forget to check the air pressure in the spare tire too. The spare tire is often forgotten, but it is important to ensure that it is also ready for use whenever needed.
Check the condition of the tread and tire walls
Caring for car tires well is not just about maintaining air pressure or cleaning them, but also includes regular visual inspections. This visual inspection is important so that we can detect early any signs of wear or damage that may occur on the tires. It's best to check the condition of the tread and tire walls to ensure there are no cracks, bumps or scratches that could affect the tire's performance when driving. Cracks and bumps on the tire walls, for example, can be an indication of a serious problem that requires further attention.
Meanwhile, tire treads that look worn can reduce the tire's grip on the road, especially when the road conditions are slippery. If you find that the tire tread is starting to wear thin or the tire walls are cracked, this could be a sign that it is time to replace the tire for safety and driving comfort.
Signs of wear to look for:
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Tire treads that are worn in the middle or sides can indicate an imbalance in air pressure.
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Cracks on the tire wall can be an indication that the tire is no longer in good condition, and it could also be due to excessive exposure to sunlight.
If you find these signs, consider replacing the tires immediately for safety and driving comfort.
Make sure the tires are in a balanced position
Spooring and balancing are very important parts in maintaining the quality and performance of car tires. The spooring process serves to ensure that the wheels remain straight and stable when driving, so that the car does not tend to move in one particular direction. That way, the vehicle will be easier to control, especially when driving on a straight road. On the other hand, balancing aims to balance the weight across the tire surface, which can prevent vibrations from occurring when the car is driven at various speeds. When the tires are unbalanced, we will feel annoying vibrations, and this can make the trip less comfortable, and even have the potential to damage other car components.
Usually, the balancing and spooring processes are carried out in workshops because they require special equipment and skilled expertise. Therefore, you can trust professionals to service these tires to get optimal results.
Dunlop Shop provides services and experts for all types of needs and maintenance of your car tires, including for spooring and balancing. With experienced technicians and modern equipment, Dunlop Shop will ensure your car tires are balanced and aligned perfectly.
Caring for car tires at home can be done with a few simple steps. Starting from cleaning the tires, rotating them regularly, protecting the tires from exposure to weather and chemicals, to checking the air pressure regularly. With regular maintenance, car tires will last longer, and the driving experience will be more comfortable and safe.
With proper care, your car tires will have a longer service life and optimal performance. Make sure to prioritize car tire maintenance by professionals. Don't forget to replace your car tires with the best choice, namely Dunlop. Find a variety of the latest information from Dunlop, tips, tire recommendations, and information about vehicles and the community on the website and Dunlop Indonesia's official social media.
Reference(s):
https://www.carmudi.co.id/journal/merawat-ban-mobil-di-rumah/
https://www.green-nitrogen.com/Website/detail/tips-bang-nitro--cara-merawat-ban-di-rumah.html