Do you love road trips and frequently crave one? Well, who doesn’t, right? But safety is a primary concern while planning road trips so, your car should be in very good condition in all possible respects. Car tires are not just an integral part of the vehicle, but also determine the level of safety as well as fuel efficiency. So, here are a few road trip car tire safety guidelines for you to consider before hitting the roads.
Check for Worn Spots and Tread Depth in the Tires
The most important point among the road trip car tire safety guidelines is checking the tread depth. For this, you just need to place a quarter part of a penny upside down in a groove on your tire. Depending on how much you can see of the penny, you can determine whether the tire has enough tread left or if there is a wear concern. Uneven tire wear should also be checked as it results from misalignment or aggressive driving or improper inflation pressure. Go for an immediate tire replacement in case of a problem.
Check the Pressure of the Car Tires
Just as the tires are the legs of your car, the air pressure is the heart of the tires. Hence, as a road trip car tire safety tip, it should be checked monthly and more so, before a long journey. A proper pressure level maximizes the service life of the tires that loses pressure over the years. Now, you can find the correct pressure of the tires on a sticker on the driver’s doorjamb of your car. You should also consult the manual for additional information. As a rule of thumb, make sure to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and have been parked for more than 3 hours. Experts suggest that you should not wait for the TPMS to alert when the tires need air.
Check the Age of the Car Tire
Before hitting the roads with your car, do not forget to check the manufacturing date code of the tire. The last four digits in a line of several digits indicate the date. For instance, 1018 means the 10th week of the year 2018. Tires should ideally be replaced once every six years, even if they have not worn out as such.
Check the Sidewalls of the Tire
Another important but often ignored point on the road trip car tire safety tips list is taking a look at the tire sidewalls. Driving over potholes or unfriendly objects on the road often leads to cuts and bulges in your tire. With any of these, you should take your car on a long drive because of potential hazards. Replace the tires in such a case and ensure getting them from a retailer that offers free road-hazard warranties.
So, now that the road trip car tire safety checklist is right here for you, get set for that long-awaited road journey and stay safe.
