Road trips are now possible. Before you leave town, prepare your car. Problems can arise from neglecting something as simple as the tire pressure.
“Many people don’t realize that tire pressure affects steering and braking control,”Roger Fournier, regional vice-president for tires.com is part of America’s largest independent tire and wheels retailer. “A tire’s worst enemy is heat, and when warm weather sets in and seasonal driving increases, motorists need to ensure they are properly maintaining their tires to avoid blowouts.”
According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, under-inflation is the most common cause of tire failure. Under-inflated tires are responsible for nearly 700 deaths and more than 30,000 injuries each year.
On road trips, drivers are more likely to overfill their cars. Overweight can cause tire wear and fuel economy problems. A vehicle that is riding on tires that are too low, or with heavy passenger and cargo loads can increase the risk of an accident.
Here are five ways you can keep your tires in tip top shape for road trips.
1. Get the right pressure. You can find the exact inflation pressure number on the vehicle placard, located on the driver’s side doorpost, glove box door, fuel door, or in the owner’s manual. Check tires at room temperature to ensure the correct pressure. Keep the spare tire handy. Make sure to have your spare.
2. Avoid overloading your vehicle. Fuel economy is affected by increased wind drag and heavier cargo. Also, handling, control, and braking are all reduced.
3. Rotate before You Go. Regular rotation improves road performance and uniform tire wear. Tires that are rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles will last longer. When you rotate tires, it makes sense to have them inspected. Tires.com offers free inspections at retail stores.
4. Straighten Up. Proper alignment gives you safe, predictable control of your vehicle. You also get a smooth, comfortable ride without vibration or pulling. Proper alignment ensures that tires last longer by ensuring they wear evenly.
5. Bald isn’t beautiful. Tires cannot grip the roads without tread. Avoid uneven wear, high or lower areas, or irregularly smooth areas in tires. These factors can increase road accident risk.
