Car Maintenance: 4 Tips to Help You Extend the Lifespan of Your Tires

When it comes to car maintenance, many car owners are primarily focused on maintaining what’s under the hood. This means that their car’s tires are an afterthought—usually until something goes wrong. Fortunately, having tires replaced in Portland is a simple process thanks to auto dealerships, like McLoughlin Chevrolet, that have their own auto service centers.

After you’ve had your tires replaced, you’ll definitely want to make sure that your new set lasts as long as possible. Contrary to what you may initially believe, extending the lifespan of your tires is a relatively simple task, as long as you follow these quick tips:

Nitrogen vs. Compressed Air: Which One to Use for Your Portland Tires?

An increasing number of car owners are opting to fill up their tires with nitrogen. As an alternative to compressed air, nitrogen tire inflation is gaining popularity across the country not only among high performance car owners, but also among average consumers. Should you follow suit and use nitrogen on your tires the next time you purchase a new set from your trusted Portland tires supplier?

Like all things, nitrogen tire inflation comes with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Below, we give you a comparison of the areas both nitrogen and compressed air excel in.

Tire Pressure

A steadier pressure inside your tires is arguably the biggest advantage you can get from nitrogen tire inflation. Nitrogen has larger molecules than air that hardly go through the microscopic holes in the rubber of tires. With nitrogen escaping out of your tires at a slower rate than air, you get more constant air pressure in your tires.

Fuel Economy

Constant tire pressure comes with many advantages, the first of which is better fuel economy. Underinflated tires can reduce average fuel consumption by as much as 0.3 percent for every single drop in pounds per square inch (psi). Conversely, nitrogen-filled tires are accompanied by 0.6 to 3 percent improvement in gas mileage.

Tire and Wheel Condition

Nitrogen also allows for lesser wear and tear in both your tires and wheels, and this results in longer lifespan for both. Regular air contains water vapor, which expands and contracts with the change in outside temperature. This causes your tires to underinflate when the weather is cold and overinflate when it’s warm.

Water vapor can also cause rusting in the wheel’s inner portion. It also allows for the retention of moisture inside your tires, which can cause oxidation in the internal tire wall casing. Nitrogen doesn’t contain water, so tire pressure fluctuations and degradation issues are a non-concern.

Cost

Nitrogen tire inflation costs anywhere from $5 to $10, depending on the provider. While there are gas stations that charge a couple of dollars for a pump of air, most just offer them for free.

Practicality vs. Prestige

So there you have it. Hopefully the information here has made it clear which type of inflation is right for you. As you can see, nitrogen does present certain advantages over normal tire inflation. Whether or not these advantages suit you depends on how you use your car. That said, nitrogen is advisable for your car if:

●     You don’t use your car very often and it spends most of its time parked in your garage.

●     You own a handful of cars that you seldom drive at great distances.

●     You have to store your vehicle for a long period of time.

●     You own high performance vehicle/s.

If you use your car in your daily commute, nitrogen doesn’t really have any practical use for you, and you’re better off using traditional compressed air instead. Regardless of your choice of gas though, be sure to check your tire pressure regularly. Once or twice a month is usually enough. For quality tires, purchase yours from trusted Portland tires suppliers, such as McLoughlin Chevy.

About Mcloughlin Chevrolet Automotive Service: As a GM certified automotive service center, Mcloughlin Chevy is Oregon’s go-to resource for the best automotive car services, new or used vehicles, auto parts, and comprehensive information about the latest Chevy car models. Whether you want to purchase a new or pre-owned unit or simply want to experience our world-class auto repair and maintenance approach, you are welcome to stop by and check us out.

"We will meet or beat any advertised competitors prices on tires, so, come visit us, you will be happy you did! "

- Monty Eby (Service Director) -

Source:    

Is Nitrogen Better than Air in Car Tires?, PopularMechanics.com

Three Tire Pressure Misconceptions That Could Be Damaging Your Tires

Keeping your tires in good shape is one of the most important aspects of car maintenance. After all, the slightest inaccuracy with tire pressure can affect safety, handling, and the fuel economy of your vehicle. In fact, according to the Department of Energy, underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by 0.2 percent for every 1 psi drop. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of false information out there about ideal tire inflation, which in turn causes a lot of damage and a tire replacement bill that can cost about $400 annually. Auto service technicians warn you not to fall for these myths to keep safe on the road.

The TPMS Is All You Need to Maintain Pressure

While the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is a helpful feature, it is not the fool proof tool you’re hoping it to be. The TPMS is designed to electronically track and display pressure on the gauge and warn drivers if the tires are underinflated. This has unfortunately lulled a lot of non “tire smart” drivers into a false sense of security. However, the system will only signal you if the tires reach a dangerously low tire pressure or lose about 25 percent of their inflation pressure. Driving on underinflated tires significantly reduces maneuverability and cornering ability. It also causes unnecessary wear and gallons of wasted fuel.

Recommended Tire Pressure Is Found on the Tire

It’s important to know what the correct tire pressure is for a particular vehicle for proper inflation. Unfortunately, many drivers think that the tire sidewall is where to find that crucial detail. In truth, those digits you find there only tell you what size and type of tire it is, as well as the maximum cold inflation PSI rate of the car. To find the recommended tire pressure, it’s best to consult your car’s owner manual. Alternatively, you can look at the inside of the driver side door. There should be a label there that lists the correct pressure.

Overinflated Tires Improve Vehicle Performance

Some drivers think that keeping tires inflated above the recommended pressure will improve the car’s performance and fuel consumption. In truth, overinflating your tires is just as dangerous as underinflating them, if not more so. Running on tires that have been inflated above the ideal pressure results in reduced handling and an overall bumpier ride. There is also a risk that the tire could burst. Both scenarios put you and your passengers at great peril. Worse still, overinflating hardly ever affects how much you spend on gas.

The best way to care for your tires is by using a digital tire gauge and filling them up to specification every month. Replacing your tires once they no longer function properly is also a good habit to get into.

About McLoughlin Chevrolet

Serving the Portland area, McLoughlin Chevrolet is a renowned car dealership based in Milwaukie, OR. We have an extensive inventory of both new and pre-owned cars that have gone through the most comprehensive inspections. Our qualified and highly trained technicians are also available to service vehicles and provide the best value for parts or accessories.

Sources:

How To Check Your Car's Tire Pressure and Inflate Tires, Edmunds.com

Top 5 Tire Myths Debunked, Geico.com

A Quick and Helpful Guide for Maintaining Your Car’s Tires

Tires are some of the most crucial parts on any vehicle, as they determine how smooth your driving experiences are. Failing to take care of them could result in a severe accident. You can effectively minimize your risks on the road if you take the following tire maintenance advice from Buick service technicians.

Inspect the Condition

No matter how much you try, your tires are going to wear down at some point. That’s why it’s important to inspect them as often as you can. Assess each tire’s condition, making note of the tread and visible signs of wear and tear. When you have your Buick checked, have your tires inspected by a professional, just to make sure they’re suitable for the upcoming months or a long-distance trip. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2xcdi18

Here's the Secret to Making Those Tires Last When it Comes to Your Hummer

Just like other parts of your Hummer, your tires can be subject to much wear and tear especially when you take your vehicle out on a regular basis. As much as possible, you want your tires to last to avoid frequent and costly tire replacements. Luckily, there are some really easy ways to help you ensure your car’s tires will last longer.

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated at All Times

Every tire should be properly inflated if you want your Hummer to run smoothly at all times. Every time you stop for gas, make it a habit to look more closely at your tires. If they happen to have bulging sidewalls, it could indicate that they already have low tire pressure. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2whQKze

Buying New Tires for Your Caddy? Use These Crucial Tips While Looking for the Best Deals

If you’ve always dreamed of owning a Cadillac, you’ll be glad to know a bounty of models dot the floors and lots of leading dealerships, such as McLoughlin Chevy in the Portland area. After finding your very own Cadillac, you can add some frosting to the cake without really splurging or relying on ramen for dinner during the entirety of your car-loan term.

Though some customizations do come with a hefty toll on the pocketbook, four of them pose a manageable expense: tires. They serve to upgrade your Caddy all the way around — performance and looks. Your car's handling and its street cred both stand to gain.

Your Cadillac deserves tires that complement its cachet. Therefore, educate yourself with a few of the following tips before perusing the tire shops. Read more from this blog: http://bit.ly/2tdUf5f

A Quick Guide on When to Change Your Car’s Tires at a Portland Auto Shop

Portland is a very appealing city. It's normally mild weather and myriad of leisure activities invite visitors to enjoy sightseeing. People living in the area are also warm and helpful, and the city is not so big that you never encounter some familiar faces.

Many people love to travel the city by car, but the truth is that there are a lot of different means of transportation that intersect with each other—trains, bikes, skates, trucks, cars, and scooters, to name some. For this reason, all means of transportation need to be in top-notch condition to prevent potential accidents. A car with failing brakes or worn tires in Portland, for example, can result in an injured cyclist or pedestrian.

It is imperative to be responsible and take preventive measures by checking your car's running condition as often as possible. But let’s face it, not everybody knows when or how to check the state of their car's tires. Here are some signs that could be telling you it’s time to change your car rubber. Read more from this article: http://bit.ly/2rpayLV

The Dangers of Driving Fast and for Long Distances Using Spare Tires

Getting a flat tire can mess up your schedule at the most inopportune time. Not only do you have to suffer through the stress of feeling helpless on the road, but you often have to get your hands and clothes dirty as you fix it. The common line of thinking once you’ve mounted the spare onto your car is that it’s going to take a while before the spare gets worn out. But did you know that there are a lot of inherent dangers in using your spare tire?

The Dangers of Driving on A Spare Tire

Spare tires are seldom used, so you don’t usually buy new ones. These tires only come out of the trunk when you have a flat tire. Unfortunately, spare tires tend to deteriorate when enclosed in a hot place. In addition, if your spare is a few years old, there’s the danger of tread separation, wherein the rubber detaches from the casing or body. Also, because it was made to conserve trunk space, it also has fewer layers and is more prone to punctures. Read more on this article. http://bit.ly/2nKBFCk