How Easy Is It To Maintain Your Tires?

Tires determine the kind of ride you will have, hence are the most vital part of a motorcycle. Being the only contact with the road, you need to take proper care of them for a smooth and safe performance of the motorcycle. Check the air pressure on a regular basis, as well as foreign bodies that may be dwelling in the tire. Check for wear and tear and always keep a record of the mileage done by your tires.

Factors to look out for:

Tire Pressure: Proper tire inflation is vital in order to optimize on its overall performance. The recommended tires inflation is indicated on the sidewall of the tire. Do not inflate your tire beyond this mark. Always check your tire pressure whenever the temperatures drop.

Tread wear:The easiest way to tell if your tire is worn off or not is by using the penny test. Insert a Lincoln penny into the grooves with the head of Lincoln inside the grooves. If the head is visible completely, then your tires are worn out to the recommended level and you should be thinking of replacing them. You can also use the tread wear indicators denoted by "TWI", on the sidewall. Check for tread wear on all the sides of the tire, to ensure even tear and wear. Uneven tear and wear results in bumpy rides and you may even cause an accident due to lack of balance.

Traction:Traction is the grip of your tire on the surface. Tread patterns determine if your tire has a good grip or not. Some tires do not have an all-season traction hence you might need different tires for different seasons. If you find that you are slipping on dirt roads or during wet seasons, you need to check the tread pattern. Consult your dealer on the best applicable tread pattern depending on the surface on which you ride. Speed and amount of water on the road can also depreciate your wet traction; therefore always slow down when riding on a wet surface.

Tubes/rims:Always replace tubes whenever you replace your tire. Check on instructions on how to replace a tube tire to avoid poking holes on the tube while replacing the tire. Tubeless tires are easier to check for damages. Start with the rim; check whether it is sealed shut. Next, scrutinize the valve stem for cracks and dried out rubber. In case you have a dented rim; replace the tire as well since it has sustained internal damage to the sidewall.

Motorcycle tires, as opposed to their car counterparts, operate in tougher and severe conditions. Due to these factors, they are more expensive which is why it is of utmost importance to maintain your tire in order to enjoy its optimal performance. While cleaning, avoid applying any type of tire dressing to the sidewall or the tread area because tire dressings are very slippery. Stick to the recommended type for your bike. It is also important to align and balance your wheels after replacing one or both tires.

Arline W is a motorcycle expert affiliated with 4wheelonline.com, one of the country's leading retailers of Shinko motorcycle tires. For more information contact them on 813-769-2451 or visit them along 6605 North Nebraska Avenue.