Safety Tips
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Aug 9, 2019
14 Must-Have Tools for Wheel and Tire Maintenance
Safety Tips |One of the most important aspects of tire car ownership is looking after your wheels and tires. Taking care of your wheels and tires ensures your vehicle’s safety while on the road and reduces the chance of breakdowns and repairs.
But to keep your wheels and tires in tip-top shape, you’ll need the requisite equipment. Our guide will list the must-have tools every car owner needs for quality wheel and tire maintenance.
Tools for Regular Tire Checks and Maintenance
First, every car owner needs tools to check and maintain their tires. Tire pressure and tread depth are major concerns for car owners, and these tools will ensure your vehicle’s tires are within the recommended PSI range and have enough tread to drive safely.
Tire Pressure Gauge
A tire pressure gauge is one of the simplest yet most essential tools every car owner should have. Underinflated tires not only make your engine work harder but also increase the risk of accidents.
Fluctuating temperatures can also increase or decrease your vehicle’s tire pressure, so drivers must regularly check their tires when the weather changes dramatically. Properly inflated tires also mean a smoother and more efficient ride, increasing driver comfort and the vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Digital pressure gauges are compact, easy to use, and provide more accurate readings than analog ones.
Tread Depth Gauge
Your tires need to have the requisite tread depth to safely and capably grip the road in adverse conditions like rain or snow. Judging the depth of your tire tread is difficult with the naked eye, so a tread depth gauge is an excellent investment.
Experts recommend replacing tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. Regularly checking tread depth ensures your tires remain safe and roadworthy.
Portable Air Compressor
If your vehicle sustains a flat tire or the pressure in the tire drops dramatically, drivers should inflate the tire as soon as possible for safe operation. A portable air compressor is an excellent investment, as it allows car owners to quickly and easily refill their tires themselves.
Keeping a portable air compressor in your vehicle always allows drivers to adjust their tire pressure and have one in an emergency. Many modern air compressors come with features like auto shut-off and digital displays, making tire refills faster and more convenient.
Tools for Changing a Flat Tire
One of the most common problems car owners will face is a flat tire. When a flat tire occurs, you’ll need certain tools and equipment to fix it yourself, such as a car jack, lug wrench, and more.
Car Jack
The first thing you’ll need to do when changing a flat tire is elevate the car so you can remove the old tire safely. To do this, you’ll need a car jack.
There are many small and portable car jacks available that will fit easily in a vehicle’s trunk. Hydraulic floor jacks, while bulkier, are more stable and easier to use than the more common scissor jacks.
Lug Wrench
To remove the lug nuts on your wheel, you’ll need a lug wrench. Cross wrenches provide better leverage than standard straight ones, making it easier to loosen stubborn nuts. Multipurpose lug wrenches may even include sockets of various sizes to fit different wheel types.
Torque Wrench
A torque wrench is just as critical as a lug wrench for reinstalling wheels. Over-tightening or under-tightening lug nuts can cause wheel damage or unsafe driving conditions.
A torque wrench ensures you safely secure your wheels according to the manufacturer’s specifications. If you’re unsure of your vehicle’s specific torque rating, check your owner’s manual before use and adjust the bolts according to the recommendation.
Tire Repair Kits
Sometimes, the tire is not completely unusable and only has a minor leak. Or, if you don’t have room in your car for a spare tire, you can consider a tire repair kit for fixing the flat instead of changing it.
These kits often include rubber plugs, insertion tools, and sealants to patch small punctures without replacing the tire immediately. They’re perfect for temporary fixes until you can get professional repairs or replacements. You’ll also have a portable air compressor to reinflate the flat tire after patching it.
Tools for Cleaning and Protecting Wheels
The must-have tools for wheel and tire maintenance don’t stop at equipment for changing and fixing tires. Every car owner also needs quality cleaning tools to keep their vehicles clean and free of contaminants that cause rust.
Wheel Brush
A specialized wheel brush is essential for cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Look for one with soft bristles to avoid scratching the surface of your rims while effectively removing dirt and grime.
Wheel Cleaner
Don’t just use dish soap when cleaning your vehicle. Instead, use a pH-balanced wheel cleaner specifically for your wheel type—whether aluminum, chrome, or painted.
Avoid all-purpose cleaners, as they can damage your wheels or compromise the finish. Pair the cleaner with a microfiber cloth for drying to eliminate streaks and water spots.
Wheel Wax or Sealant
After cleaning your wheels, add an extra layer of protection with a wheel wax or sealant. A wheel wax or sealant creates a protective barrier against dirt, brake dust, and moisture. These products repel contaminants, reducing maintenance and keeping your wheels cleaner for longer periods.
Tire Dressing
To keep your tires looking fresh, invest in a high-quality tire dressing or protectant. These sprays guard the rubber against UV-induced cracking or discoloration and enhance the appearance, making your tires look brand new.
Safety Equipment for Working on Wheels and Tires
Lastly, drivers should also invest in safety equipment that helps keep their vehicles and themselves safe while conducting wheel and tire maintenance.
Wheel Chocks
Safety starts with preventing your car from rolling when you’re performing maintenance. Wheel chocks are simple but effective tools for keeping your vehicle in place. Station them behind or in front of the wheels opposite the one you’re working on to ensure extra stability.
Jack Stands
Never rely solely on a jack to hold up your car. A sudden jack failure can cause severe injury.
Always use jack stands alongside your jack for an added layer of security. Make sure the jack stands are rated for your vehicle’s weight, and use them on a flat, stable surface to avoid accidents.
Gloves
Working on tires and wheels means getting your hands dirty. But a pair of durable, anti-slip gloves will keep your hands clean and protected from grease, grime, and cuts. Plus, they provide a better grip while you work to avoid slipping and dropping items.
Find These Tools and More at RNR Tire Express
Having the right tools for wheel and tire maintenance is an investment in your safety, time, and your car’s longevity. At the RNR Tire Express tire shop in Lubbock, we have all the tools and equipment vehicle owners need to keep their car’s tires and wheels clean and in top shape. Browse our inventory online or stop by one of our stores to find the maintenance and cleaning tools you need.
