One of the most overlooked yet vitally important aspects of your vehicle is the tires. Most people don't give them a second thought, but your tires are important to your safety and the rest of the passengers in the car. Here are five myths you should know about tires:
1. My car will let me know when my tires are low. While many newer vehicles are equipped with sensors to let the driver know when the pressure is low, they don't often trigger an alert until they’re 25% under inflated. A good rule of thumb is to check your tires every time you fill up at the pump.
2. When getting two new tires they should go on the front. The common thought has always been to put the new tires on the front of a vehicle, but it’s actually better to put them on the back. The rear tires provide stability which is crucial for stopping, handling, and overall control of the vehicle. If you're only getting two new tires be sure to put them on the back.
3. You don't need to get your tires aligned. Aligning your tires is actually quite important. It will help improve your mileage, increase handling, and help maximize the life of the tires.
4. Tires will burst if the maximum pressure listed on the sidewall is exceeded. While you shouldn't exceed this pressure listed on the sidewall, know that "max pressure" isn't the same thing as burst pressure. Max pressure is in reference into what the tire is rated for.
5. Tires with the same size and description are all the same. Just because a tire is listed with a specific set of measurements (for example: P235/75R15) doesn't mean that it’s 100% precise. There are slight variances between manufacturers and it’s best to measure and double check yourself.
While tires can be easy to overlook, maintenance of your tires is important. Be sure to regularly check the tire pressure and consult your owner's manual regarding your specific vehicle and tires.