Going on a fun road trip can seem relaxing. But what if you have car troubles while on the road? This can prove to be very stressful and even dangerous. To make sure you have a comfortable and smooth ride make sure you put down a checklist of all car tire safety procedures you need to follow. While you should do this at least once in a month, it’s especially important to follow this procedure before a long trip. Let’s take a look at what you should include in your car tire safety checklist before you hit the road!
To make sure that your tires last long it’s important to get it checked regularly. It’s recommended to do so at least once every month. Things you need to check for are its pressure, cuts, any bulges, etc. Check the tire tread and replace it before wears down to its extreme.
It’s best to buy a full set of four when you buy new tires. But if you still only want to replace two, it’s best to replace the rear tires with new ones. This will give you better traction on wet roads. And don’t forget to rotate your tires every five thousand miles.
Here are four things you need to add to your checklist to ensure car tire safety:
1. Check tire pressure
Making sure that the tire pressure is as recommended for your car is the first step towards car tire safety. Air pressure is an important factor for the longevity of your car tires. Underinflated tires decrease the lifespan of your tires and make your car less efficient. Check the air pressure when the car tires are cold for an accurate reading.
2. Inspect treads
Be sure to check the tread way before you go on your trip. If you’re going on a long road trip, you don’t know what kind of roads or weather you might face. In situations like this, it’s best to have your tires in the best condition possible. Your tire tread helps you get better traction and grip on wet or muddy roads. You can check the tread yourself using a penny. Insert the penny on one of the treads’ grooves and if you can see Lincoln’s head, you should consider getting new tires. Visually check for uneven wear spots, misalignments, or any other signs of damage.
3. Inspect tire sidewalks
Check for uneven wear spots, cracks, bulges, and cuts on your car tires. These may occur when your car tires go over potholes, sharp objects, curbs, etc. If you happen to come across such uncommon deformities, it’s best to change the tires.
4. Determine tire age
Several experts recommend changing tires every six years, regardless of whether it’s worn out. The manufacturing date of the tire is usually written on the tire itself. Always check the manufacturing date of your tires instead of depending on the date of purchase. The tires may have been manufactured way before you purchased them and stored in inventory.
5. Don’t choose used tires
While it may initially seem a cost-effective option, you cannot know if it’s really durable. Depending on how it was previously used, the lifespan of the tire may have been drastically reduced and may not be safe. Even when you purchase a pre-owned car, visually check the tires for uneven wear spots and use that to negotiate your price.
Now you know how to ensure car tire safety before you go on your next road trip.