We don’t often think about it, but driving is one of the most dangerous activities we do each day. While there are some factors out of your control, there are things you can do to increase the safety of your ride. Tires play an important role in keeping you safe on the road, so it’s important to do everything possible to make sure they are in excellent condition. Here’s how.
Check Your Tire Pressure
The best thing you can do to keep your tires in mint condition is to regularly check the tire pressure. A tire needs to be inflated to a certain PSI to function properly, and it can lose one PSI of air every month. While this may not sound drastic, a tire that is not properly inflated may fail, wear down faster, and cause your vehicle to get fewer miles per gallon. If you want to avoid a popped tire, be sure to check the PSI each month and inflate as necessary.
Get Rotations Regularly
Tire rotations are an affordable and easy way to reduce wear and tear on your rubber. Rotations ensure that each tire has even worn and tread, so you are able to get the most out of them. Schedule a rotation every 6,000 miles or so to keep your tread in the best condition.
Replace as Needed
No matter how many other cool things there are to buy, you should always prioritize buying a new tire set. While there are things you can do to prolong the life of a tire, it isn’t made to last forever. A threadbare tire is dangerous, so be sure to monitor your wheels for wear and don’t hesitate to replace them. The penny test is an easy way to tell if a tire needs to be replaced.
Inspect Your Wheels Before Traveling
If you are heading out on a road trip, you should do a thorough inspection of your vehicle before leaving home. Fluids, brakes, lights, and wheels should be carefully examined, so you can correct any issues in your driveway, not on the side of the interstate. A punctured tire can pose a serious threat to you and other drivers, so be sure to check for any nails, glass, or other pointy objects before hitting the open road.
Keeping your tires in mint condition requires a bit of time and money, but it’s worth it because you and your passengers will be safer as you travel down the road.
