5 Tire Safety Tips

 

Tires have a tough job. The weight of the vehicle rests on them. They have constant contact with the pavement – in all extreme weather conditions – and they come in contact with obstacles you run over on the road. All in all, your tires take a beating.

While that’s their job and they’re more than equipped to handle the task, how you treat your tires does matter. Much of the safe handling of your vehicle comes from the tires. So, if they are underinflated, worn, or not properly kept, it can seriously compromise your safety.

No one wants to feel unsafe in their own car. So it helps to know how to increase and maintain your tire safety. Below are 5 tips that will maintain your tires and keep you safe.

Are tires under pressure?

Keeping your tires correctly inflated is the number one way to remain safe. Underinflated tires lead to blowouts, improper handling, and accidents. Be sure to check your tire pressure at least monthly. It also is a good idea to check them at the start of winter and summer, as extreme temperatures lead to deflation.

Just as underinflated tires pose a safety concern, overinflated tires do as well. To make sure you properly inflate your tires every time, consult your owner’s manual. This will give you the right number; don’t go by the numbers on the tire sidewall.

Keep them clean.

It might sound funny, but keeping your tires squeaky-clean increases tire safety. When your tires are caked with dirt and debris, it’s hard to see corrosion, bulges, bumps, and cracks that all indicate damage.

Rotate and align them.

If you want to maintain safety, extend the life of your tires, and save money, in the long run you have to get your tires rotated. This is a process where each tire and wheel is taken off the vehicle, and then moved to a different position.

This allows all the tires to wear evenly, which promotes better handling and performance. While it’s best to consult your owner’s manual for how often your vehicle’s tires need a rotation, a good rule of thumb is every 6,000 – 8,000 miles.

An alignment is a process of adjusting your car’s front and rear suspension parts. When your alignment is maintained, you are able to rest easy knowing that your vehicle will continue to handle correctly, and it will increase the performance of your tires.

These parts are knocked out of alignment by running over potholes, and through accidents and  aggressive driving in general. If you have hit something or you see wear on the shoulders of the tire, be sure to have it checked out.

Be sure to balance them.

If you notice that one side or area of your car is heavier or lighter than the rest, or feel vibration, there’s a good chance a wheel is out of balance. This leads to uneven tread and premature wear, and adds stress to the front end, all of which affect the safety and handling of your vehicle. You should balance your wheels whenever tires are replaced, or when the balance weight is moved or replaced.

Look for tread wear and tear.

The tread on your tires is another vital safety feature. They allow your tires to “grip” the road, especially in wet or icy conditions. Having worn out or damaged tread can lead to hydroplaning.

In order to stay as safe as possible, be sure to regularly check your tire tread. Visually check for any lodged objects or damage. Also, look for signs of the wear indication bar. This begins to show when tread is worn down to 1/16”. If you are unsure, it’s always better to have a professional look your tires over rather than taking your chances.

To keep your tires safe, maintenance is key. When you take these 5 tire tips and apply them to your vehicle’s tires, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you are ensuring the safety of you and all of your passengers. If you experience tire trouble, don’t hesitate to have an expert check it out.

From tire replacement, repair, and rotation to wheel alignment, Action Gator Tire is your go-to place for all your automotive concerns. As a family owned and operated business, we value integrity and reliability. We strive to give all our customers a personable, quality experience in all our 26 convenient locations throughout Central Florida and on the Gulf Coast.   No one wants to feel unsafe in their own car. So it helps to know how to increase and maintain your tire safety. Below are 5 tips that will maintain your tires and keep you safe.