A Quick Guide to Tire Safety
Tires are the only contact between your car and the road. It’s important to take care of them and make sure that they are performing the best they can. Having well-functioning tires can make your trips safer, save you money on gas, and reduce the wear and tear on your car.
Quick facts:
- Under normal conditions, tires can lose 1 psi (pounds per square inch) per month. But, as temperature drops, tires can lose even more pressure
- Under inflation can cause an overload on the tires which increase the chances of tire damage.
- Under inflation also increases heat. This may also damage your tires.
What to look for:
- Over inflation
The center portion of the tire will be in contact with the road. Over inflation will cause wear in the center of the tread and less on the edges. - Under inflation
Having under inflated tires will cause the edges of the tires to have more contact with the road. Opposite of over inflation, the edge of the treads will take on most of the wear. - Tread wear on only one side of the tire
If you see this, it probably means that the wheels are out of alignment. - Irregular or inconsistent tread wear
Often called cupping, this type of wear may mean that the wheel is out of balance. It could also indicate that shock absorbers or other suspension parts need to be replaced. - Raised portion of the tread
This could means that one of the belts in the tire’s composition has been separated. - Usual vibration or thumping sound
These could indicate that a tire is out of balance, has flat spot, or the tire has a separated belt. - Car is pulling to one side
If you feel the car pulling to one side while driving, it could mean that there is an underinflated or damaged tire. If the tires are not the culprit, then it could be a brake or alignment problem.
Tread Inspection
To ensure that your tires are in good driving condition, you should inspect them once a month. Using the quarter (or penny) test, you can gauge the wear on your tire’s treads. Insert a quarter into the tread groove with the top of Washington’s head facing down. If you cannot see the top of Washington’s head, then your tires are good for use. If you can see his head, then you should be thinking about replacing them soon.
Inflation Inspection
Properly inflated tires help maintain good gas mileage and extend the life of your tires. Make sure to check your tire pressure once a month using a pressure gauge. Check your tire pressure before driving your car because the heat from driving could be up to 5 psi higher than the recommended pressure. The proper pressure can be found in your car’s owner’s manual.
How to check your air pressure:
- Remove the valve cap.
- Put the gauge over the tire valve and press firmly down so that no air is escaping.
- Check the reading on the gauge
- Adjust the pressure as necessary. If the pressure is too high, gently press on the edge of the valve until enough pressure released. If the tire pressure is too low, you’ll need to add air at a service station.
- Don’t forget to put the valve cap back on.
Professional Tire Maintenance
There are some maintenance procedures that should be left to the professionals as they require a special tools and skills to perform. Every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, bring your car in to get the tires rotated. Rotating tires can balance out the wear and tear to the wheels and increase the wheel’s lifespan.
Professionals can also help balance your tires. Tire balancing will limit vibration when turning. Tire balancing should be done every time a wheel is removed. Wheel alignment should be done by your local garage. This ensures that the car will drive straight without any drift or pull to the side.
Taking care of your tires is an easy way to make sure that your car runs as well as it can. Having properly maintained tires increases your car’s safety. With well-functioning tires, your car can grip the road better and reduces the chances of slipping and sliding in slick weather conditions. In the winter, you can switch to winter tires for additional traction. Doing so could qualify you for an insurance discount. Stay safe on the road and take care of those tires!
Call an Encharter agent at 888.754.8299 to see if you qualify for any discounts or to address any questions!
Sources:
AAA: Tire Safety and Mainenance
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