Tires are easy to overlook but they are critical to your safety behind the wheel. After all, your tires are making contact with the ground the entire time you are driving. Their condition can make all the difference between getting somewhere safely and being involved in a dangerous accident.
With wintery weather here, now is a great time to take a look at your tires and make sure they are ready for not just the icy roads of the next few weeks but the wet roads of spring. In fact, regularly having your tires checked and rotated is one of the best things you can do to protect yourself, your passengers and other motorists.
Keep in mind you will also want to know the rating of your tires and how many miles they are rated for. That mileage number is a definitive number though. Depending on how the vehicle is driven and the terrain you drive on, your tires may wear before the expected life span of the tire.
Finally, keep in mind that as the weather stays cold, the air pressure in your tires might fall. Make sure you check the pressure of your tires so they remain properly inflated.
Things to Look For
It’s difficult to know by looking at a tire the condition it is in. When checking your tires, specifically look for the following:
Cuts, bulges and exposed cord - These are signs that a blowout is not only possible but may be imminent if you continue driving on these damaged tires.
Tire pressure - Keeping your tire pressure within the recommended range is one of the simplest things you can do to keep your tires in good shape. Having properly inflated tires can also save you some money at the pump due to an increase in gas mileage.
Tread depth - Even the highest rated all-season or winter tire is useless if it lacks enough tread to grip the road. If your tread depth is 1/16th of an inch or less, the time to replace your tires has already come and gone. A good rule of thumb is to stick a penny “headfirst” into the tread grooves on your tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head on a penny, it’s time to get new tires.
Despite your best efforts at maintaining the safety of your own vehicle, someone else’s negligence can still result in an accident. If you or someone you are close with is involved in an auto accident, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Bashore Green at 248-487-1887.