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Unless they have a flat, most people don’t give their tires much thought. But that's a big mistake. It pays to keep a close eye on your tires and know how to check them properly. This can prolong the life of your tires and significantly lower your risk on the road, whether you’re driving a commercial vehicle, the family SUV, or your first car.
Here’s two key aspects to check about car tires to optimize tire safety:
Tire Tread
Checking your car tires for tread wear is fairly simple. Take a penny and insert it into the grooves of your tires, head inward. If the tire gives Abe a haircut, you're in good shape. If the tread doesn’t touch Lincoln's head, it's time for a new set of tires.
Even tires with good tread may need to be replaced. If a car sits for more than six months, or the tires have not been changed in five to six years, it may be time to have them checked.
To prolong the tread, tires should be rotated every 5,000-7,000 miles.
Stay within the manufacturer’s recommendation for size and design when buying tires. This information can usually be found in the owner’s manual. Many vehicle manufacturers provide choices depending on your normal road conditions and use.
Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is one of the most important things you can maintain on your car. Underinflated and overinflated tires can put you at risk of an accident. Underinflated tires can cause hydroplaning on wet roads, suffer excessive wear (especially on the sidewalls), and the added friction reduces fuel efficiency. Overinflated tires rob you of traction and can lead to tread separation and flat tires. Overinflated tires also can be damaged by road debris and potholes.
Every tire has a pressure recommendation molded into the sidewall. The listing on the tire is set by the Tire and Rim Association for that tire's construction parameters. But this number isn’t what you should use.
Rather, look inside the driver’s door jam or the owner’s manual to find the automaker's advised tire pressures. This is the chart you should follow regarding your tire pressure. The chart listed in the door or manual is for your specific car. It’s based on the way the vehicle’s weight is distributed, the way its brakes are balanced and its handling characteristics. These factors play a big part in keeping you safe on the road. That's also why sometimes there are different pressures designated for your front and rear tires.
Check your tire pressure once a month and when the tires are cold – that is, when they've been sitting for at least three hours. Pressure will increase as the tire warms from friction on the road. This heating is factored into the recommended values. Checking your tires when they're warm may give you a false reading.
Here’s two key aspects to check about car tires to optimize tire safety:
Tire Tread
Checking your car tires for tread wear is fairly simple. Take a penny and insert it into the grooves of your tires, head inward. If the tire gives Abe a haircut, you're in good shape. If the tread doesn’t touch Lincoln's head, it's time for a new set of tires.
Even tires with good tread may need to be replaced. If a car sits for more than six months, or the tires have not been changed in five to six years, it may be time to have them checked.
To prolong the tread, tires should be rotated every 5,000-7,000 miles.
Stay within the manufacturer’s recommendation for size and design when buying tires. This information can usually be found in the owner’s manual. Many vehicle manufacturers provide choices depending on your normal road conditions and use.
Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is one of the most important things you can maintain on your car. Underinflated and overinflated tires can put you at risk of an accident. Underinflated tires can cause hydroplaning on wet roads, suffer excessive wear (especially on the sidewalls), and the added friction reduces fuel efficiency. Overinflated tires rob you of traction and can lead to tread separation and flat tires. Overinflated tires also can be damaged by road debris and potholes.
Every tire has a pressure recommendation molded into the sidewall. The listing on the tire is set by the Tire and Rim Association for that tire's construction parameters. But this number isn’t what you should use.
Rather, look inside the driver’s door jam or the owner’s manual to find the automaker's advised tire pressures. This is the chart you should follow regarding your tire pressure. The chart listed in the door or manual is for your specific car. It’s based on the way the vehicle’s weight is distributed, the way its brakes are balanced and its handling characteristics. These factors play a big part in keeping you safe on the road. That's also why sometimes there are different pressures designated for your front and rear tires.
Check your tire pressure once a month and when the tires are cold – that is, when they've been sitting for at least three hours. Pressure will increase as the tire warms from friction on the road. This heating is factored into the recommended values. Checking your tires when they're warm may give you a false reading.
What to Do When Tires Fail
Anytime you're on the road, there's the potential to have a flat tire. Knowing what to do when you get a flat can help keep you safe.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 199,000 people are struck by vehicles or parts of vehicles on the side of America’s highways each year. A large portion of these are hit while attempting to change a tire.
DMV.org makes these recommendations when a flat occurs:
Anytime you're on the road, there's the potential to have a flat tire. Knowing what to do when you get a flat can help keep you safe.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 199,000 people are struck by vehicles or parts of vehicles on the side of America’s highways each year. A large portion of these are hit while attempting to change a tire.
DMV.org makes these recommendations when a flat occurs:
- Do not hit your brakes. Remove your foot from the accelerator and let your car slow on its own.
- Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel.
- Turn on emergency flashers.
- Drive below 20 mph until you can find a spot to safely get away from traffic.
- When possible, find a parking lot or side road to change your tire or call for assistance.
