The tires and wheels are often overlooked when it comes to proper care and maintenance. But if you want to enjoy good traction and have great steering control and suspension, these should be given due attention. To prolong the life of the tires and make sure that the wheels will stay in shape, here are some great ideas for maintenance:

The tire pressure should be checked at least every month since tires may drop 1 psi (pounds per square inch) every month. The tires should be properly inflated if you want the vehicle to have an excellent grip and great traction. The psi can drop even faster if there are leaks in the valve/valve cap, there's an issue with the wheels, and if the temperature has changed drastically. Check the pressure when the tires are cool. Also remember not to deflate hot tires. With the right air pressure, as prescribed by the manufacturer, uneven or excessive tire tread wear can be prevented. Tires can also perform better and can last longer.

When the tires/wheels are out of alignment, uneven or excessive wear may develop on the rubber. Not only that, fuel efficiency may also suffer. You may also encounter troubles with your vehicle's drivability. So before you begin to experience steering wheel shimmy or vibration and other related problems such as the vehicle pulling or drifting to one side, a crooked steering wheel, and looseness or wandering, you should check the alignment and do the necessary adjustments to correct it. Make sure that the adjustments are done properly on several angles: the camber, caster, and toe. To keep the weight distribution of the tire and wheel assembly even, the wheels/tires should be well balanced. Otherwise, the tire tread could be damaged easily. There could be noticeable vibrations. Vehicle suspension may also be placed under more stress. Tire balancing should be done whenever you change tires or the balance weight is shifted.

The tires should be rotated since some of them may wear out much faster than the others. By rotating tires, tread wear can be kept even on all tires. This will help extend the life of the tires and other suspension components. Other benefits include optimized fuel economy and increased riding comfort. Tire rotation should be done based on the recommended pattern and timing by the manufacturer.

A specially formulated wheel cleaner can provide a much deeper clean. Select a cleaner that's safe for the material or finish of the wheels. The insides and face of the wheels should be cleaned well using a detailing brush. The detailing brush allow you to easily beat dirt stuck in the inner barrels. Dip the brush into the cleaner and clean water. Aside from this, also don't forget the backs of the spokes. You may spray some cleaner and use a wash mitt or wheel brush for removing dirt lodged in tight spaces. You may also use a bug and tar remover to remove caked-on brake dust and road tar. The wheels should be rinsed thoroughly and dried fully. Some wax or protectant can be applied as well to help maintain the smooth and shiny finish and to keep them safe from harsh elements on the road.

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