When was the last time you checked your tire pressure? What about your tire treads? Have you gotten your wheels aligned lately? Taking care of your tires is an important part of being a driver. It’s Tire Safety Week, so let’s look at some ways to make sure your tires are ready to hit the road.
Keep your tires inflated properly.
You should be checking your tire pressure regularly, especially after big changes in temperature. Your car will most likely alert you when you need to add more air in your tires, but it’s good to check your tire pressure from time to time just in case your vehicle’s sensor malfunctions.
Underinflated tires aren’t able to support the weight of your vehicle effectively. This makes it much more difficult to handle your vehicle, especially in an emergency situation.
Overinflated tires are also dangerous. You’ll have a harder time keeping your vehicle on the road. Traction is greatly reduced, making it super dangerous to drive on wet and slippery pavement. You also run the risk of a tire blowout.
You can find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle in your owner’s manual. Make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check your treads.
Tire tread depth directly affects your vehicle’s grip and traction on the road. Tires with low tread depth are more prone to skidding and hydroplaning on wet surfaces. To check your tire tread depth, use the "penny test." Insert a penny into the tread grooves with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to consider replacing your tires.
Make sure everything is in alignment.
Front tires tend to wear differently than rear tires due to varying forces and weight distribution. By periodically rotating your tires, you can increase the life of your tires. Also, proper wheel alignment helps maintain stability and handling. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tire wear, steering issues, and less fuel efficiency.
Is it time for new tires?
Even if your tires have sufficient tread depth and appear visually intact, it’s important to consider their age. Tires can deteriorate over time due to factors like exposure to sunlight, extreme temperatures, and the effects of aging on the rubber compounds. As a general guideline, it is recommended to replace tires that are more than six years old.
Tire Safety Week is a friendly reminder to prioritize our safety on the roads by taking care of our tires. Afterall, your tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. Keep them in good condition for safe and smooth trips ahead!
Are you interested in learning more about traffic safety?
Are you looking for defensive driving and traffic school courses? Do you want a discount on your auto insurance? Do you know a teen who’s ready to take an online driver education course?
Safe2Drive is here to help! We offer convenient online courses for drivers of any age! Visit our website today to learn about the online courses we offer in your state.