Automobile Safety

Tire Safety

Longer-lasting tires make safety checks more critical than ever.

Tires manufactured today have a longer lifespan than their predecessors, making regular safety checks that much more imperative. While tires of the previous generation had a tread life of about 30,000 miles, many of today's models have tread lives and warranties up to three times longer. Even if it appears, from a visual inspection, that a tire still has an ample amount of tread, there may be less obvious signs of wear and tear due to heat, environmental factors, and potholes, all of which can have a weakening effect.

Tires which have not been properly inflated are more vulnerable to heat and more susceptible to exploding. A mere ten-degree drop in outdoor temperature will lower tire pressure by around one pound per square inch (psi). Furthermore, tires will leak over time.

5 tips to ensure tire safety:

• Check tire pressure on a monthly basis while the tires are cold. Verify that they are inflated to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer.
• Examine tires for cracks, slices, or bulges in the sidewall or tread. Replace any tires exhibiting these problems.
• If you find uneven tread wear, this could be a sure sign that your vehicle needs wheel realignment or suspension replacement. Prior to new tire mounting, ask that a technician perform a diagnosis on your automobile's alignment and suspension. This will add to the life of the tire.
• Monitor your vehicle's weight capacity, and do not exceed the limit as noted on the sticker inside the door panel. Putting too much stress on the tires by overinflating them will increase both their temperature and the likelihood of tire failure.
• If you live in a climate where it rains a lot, think about replacing tires before they are worn to the minimum legal depth of 2/32 of an inch. At this tread depth, the wear bar should be even with the tread. Another way to test this is by placing a penny headfirst into the tire's groove; the top of Lincoln's head should be visible.