If we think seriously about it, then driving is one of the most dangerous things we do in our daily lives. After all, we’re just relying on four tires with a very, very small contact patch to help us travel safely on the road. So, car tire safety is essential, which is why we provide some useful tips for keeping tires in shape for your safety as well as that of your car.
1. Checking tire pressure monthly
According to reports, tires could lose around one pound per square inch of air every month, and even more in colder weather climates. So, don’t rely on your mechanic for checking tire pressure only at tire rotations and oil changes, for that is highly risky and causes car tire safety concerns. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, underinflated tires are the leading reason for tire-related crashes as they reduce gas mileage and vehicle handling and lead to blowouts. You must check the label on the driver door frame or the user manual to learn how to check tire pressure properly.
2. Inspecting tires regularly
Physical inspection of tires is necessary for car tire safety, especially before long road trips. You must look specifically for bulges, cracks, and objects that could have punctured the tire, such as stones, glass, screws or nails. Specifically, if headed for a long road trip, make sure to inspect tires and check tire pressure before you leave in the comfort of your driveway or garage.
3. Keep rotating your tires regularly
For getting the maximum life out of your tires and for maintaining even tread wear of the tires, drivers are recommended to rotate their tires every 5,000-7,500 miles. You could even end up getting a free rotation service if you end up buying a set of tires from the local tire store. As it is, tire rotations are fairly inexpensive.
4. Not overloading the car
The placard on the door frame of the driver door also indicates how much weight the car can safely handle. Tire failure is also caused due to overloading a vehicle, so watch out as this is one of the most important tips regarding car tire safety.
5. Not waiting till tires are worn out to replace them
One shouldn’t wait till the tires are falling off the car to replace them. While tires are not cheap and neither are they fun to shop for, driving the tires past their usable life puts the driver as well as passengers in deep danger. Most tires have a wear bar between the treads. If the tread depth of the tire is below or at the bar, the tires need to be changed. One can also place a penny with Abe Lincoln’s head upside down between the tread. If the top of Lincoln’s head can be seen, he’s telling you to get new tires.
6. Not installing mismatched tires
When it comes to tires, it’s not a one-size-fits-all concepts. Mismatched tires on a car can severely impact the car’s handling and result in unusual wear and tear on the other tires and the rest of the car. To ensure car tire safety, one should always buy at least two tires at a time and place them on the rear of the car for better handling in wet conditions.
