Most people do not know tires are some of the most important parts of their car. They keep you rolling smoothly down the road if they are in good condition. If not, they could easily be the cause of an accident. Be cautious, especially during summer. The high temperatures impact vehicle reliability and safety. Before a long summer road trip, many drivers err on the side of caution and buy new tires.
You can avoid inconveniences and unnecessary expenses by following the tips below:
1. Check The Inflation Pressure
Always ensure you have the correct pressure on all your wheels. There is a lot of debate about what constitutes the ‘correct’ pressure. Always go with what your manufacturer recommends stated on the driver’s door or the owner’s manual.
Ready for some physics? Remember that internal pressure increases with an increase in outside temperature. This increase in pressure is enough to cause a blowout if your tread is worn down too thin. In summer months, when you drive your car at high speed, the heat on the hot road contributes to the breakdown of tires. Always check your vehicle’s tire pressure before you start to drive. After driving for more than two hours, stop at a gas station to check the pressure. If you notice the pressure is more than required, let the air out. Over inflation can also cause a vehicle to brake poorly.
2. Check on Tread Wear
Always check the condition of your treads. The minimum tread depth is 3/32 inch. When traveling, you wouldn’t want a minimum tread. Take the trip with brand new tires. Also, check for an uneven wear pattern. ‘Uneven’ means the tread is more worn at the edge. Also, check for lumps by running your fingers along the tread. Lumps mean your tires were not balanced correctly, or that you had purchased poor quality tires.
Follow these safety tips for tires and you are good to finish out the summer. Or, if you are wondering if you need new tires, contact our ASE Certified technicians at Dependable Car Care today for more information and to schedule an appointment. Our auto shop proudly serves residents in the community of Ventura, CA, and surrounding area.
