Can Quality Tires Prevent Car Problems?

Buying new tires can prevent a whole host of car problems, including blowouts, the need to call a tow truck and even the possibility of a fatal accident. While drivers regularly schedule engine checks and oil changes, they often neglect the care and maintenance of their tires — the only thing between them and the road. Don’t overlook this important safety consideration when having maintenance performed on your car.

Worn Tires Cause Accidents

When studying data on traffic accident causation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that shabby, underinflated or balding tires were the cause in 9 percent of accidents. The type of tire problem varied, with some tires experiencing separated treads or complete blowouts. Driving a vehicle with worn-out tires puts passengers and others at risk. National Automotive Sampling data from 2005-2007 estimates that 90 people die and 3,200 are injured in accidents caused, or partially caused, by old tires.

Do You Know How to Maintain Your Tires?

At least once per month, manually check you tire pressure with a gauge. Look up the recommended pounds per square inch for each tire in the owner’s manual, or find it on your vehicle’s placard, normally located on the inside edge of the driver’s side door. Keep your spare tire inflated and ready for emergencies as well. Keeping a watchful eye on your tires’ air pressure helps vehicle owners spot the first signs of trouble, such as a nail or other puncture that could cause the tire to lose pressure faster than normal.

Use a penny to measure tire tread wear. Insert the penny into the tire with Lincoln’s head facing in. If you cannot see the top of his head, your tire’s treads are still usable. If the top of his head is showing, it’s clear you have less than 1/16 of an inch of tread left — the bare minimum. In that case, it’s time for immediate tire replacement. Regardless of tread wear, most manufacturers recommend tire replacement every six to 10 years. Read your vehicle owner’s manual for specific instruction related to your car.

Common Tire Problems

If your tires are showing signs of wear only on one edge, they must be realigned. Other signs of misaligned tires are vibrations when driving and extreme pull to one side of the vehicle. When your car is inspected and realigned, have the tires rotated as well. Some manufacturers suggest doing this a few times per year to ensure even wear on all tires.

Wear on the center of the tire is a sign of over-inflation. Wear on the outer edges of the tire is a sign of under-inflation. Under-inflation is extremely detrimental to both the longevity of the tire and vehicle handling. It will take longer for the car to come to a sudden stop, and the tire wall will have to withstand increased pressure, which could lead to a blowout. Inadequately inflated tires could also significantly lower gas mileage.

Here’s what you should do today: check your tires to prevent car problems and maintain them regularly throughout every season. If you do experience a flat or are in an accident, don’t hesitate to call Stauffer’s Towing right away for fast, efficient vehicle hauling and assistance.