As an owner of a world-class European supercar or luxury vehicle, you know that it’s a major investment – often for a lifetime. Purchasing one of these exceptional machines means that you get to experience the relative rarity that is driving one. However, here at Otto’s European Coachworks, we also have extensive experience in working with the more everyday European vehicles that typical motorists will have access to driving.
We think that European cars are the best in the world, which is why we’ve dedicated our professional lives to becoming experts. With that in mind, many drivers who own regular, everyday European cars are interested in learning how to maximize their miles per gallon, as well as how to extend the life of their tires. Below are tips that will improve road safety, increase fuel economy as well as maximize the life of your tires.
- Be sure to always inflate your tires to their proper PSI. You can find the PSI information printed on each, usually close to the hub. Tires that are under the proper pounds per square inch of inflation will cause excess wear and tear to the outer edges of the tires, and overinflated tires will cause uneven wear towards the center.
- Be aware of your tread depth. All modern-day tires are equipped with bars that indicate when your vehicle is ready for new ones. You can always measure your tire tread with a penny. Insert the penny with Lincoln’s head facing down and towards you. If his entire head is visible, the depth of your tread is less than 2/32 of an inch and you should get new tires.
- Alignments are essential. Every time you get your four tires replaced, be sure to get a wheel alignment as well. Most auto shops will offer you a package deal that includes new tires and proper alignments as well. An alignment is also recommended if you hit a curb or a bad pothole, or if you notice your vehicle pulling in one direction on the road.
- Get tires your rotated and balanced. We recommend getting your tires balanced and rotated about every 7,500 miles. Of course, this depends on the make and model of your car as well as its year. Tires that are unbalanced and not rotated properly will wear unevenly, which leads to unnecessary repairs. Replacing one or two tires tends to cost more than doing all four at one time because you will have to pay for labor costs for two tire changes when you could have just done so with one.
While this information on how to maximize the life of your tires and improving your fuel economy is available in many different outlets online, many drivers don’t apply the knowledge. Using these tips will help you save money in the long run by extending the life of your tires as well as increasing the possibility that your vehicle needs fewer repairs.