Here are a couple of hints and tips about car tires and how you should be watchful as well as cautious with them. These are easy to do, and could help save you money as well as keep you out of an accident.
Two issues are central to my tires – tread wear and tire inflation. Tire tread wear makes me cautious on the road, and tire inflation makes me take a quick look at my tires each time I drive. Here’s what I do and why:
- According to my known tire tread depth and road conditions, I adjust my speed. I’m not a bit reluctant to lower my speed when it’s raining. I don’t care what speed other drivers think is best. A good general rule is you should always drive your drive and let others drive theirs. Nor am I reluctant to significantly lower my speed when the road is covered with water, especially if I know my tread depth is not optimal or is wearing a bit thin. Tire tread helps provide a way for water to get out from under your tires to prevent hydroplaning, so if I’m driving on heavily worn tires, I slow down to stay in control.
- I also take a quick look at the profile of my tires each time I drive. What I’m looking for is a tire that doesn’t look like it should. It’s possible to pick up a foreign object in your tire that will slowly let air out. If you notice a low tire, you can take action to inflate it properly, plug the tire while on the road, or take it somewhere to get it fixed. Riding around on low tires will heat up the sidewalls and fail the tire. So, I tend to give a quick visual check of my tires the first time I use the car for the day, and each time I refuel or make a stop.
These easy to implement hints and tips can help you avoid accident and injury, as well as help you avoid unnecessary tire repair and replacement costs. It pays to be aware of the condition of your car tires because there is quite a bit riding on them. Part of my regimen of safe driving includes being aware of road and vehicle conditions so I can respond accordingly and stay safe.
