Tire Tread & Pressure: How They Could Save Your Life

While most of us think about seat belts, airbags and antilock breaks as the most significant safety features on automobiles, we might forget about another critical factor: tires. In fact, well-maintained and proper tires could save your life in an accident. Tires will help a car’s steering, braking, traction and weight-distribution if they are correctly maintained and replaced. All drivers need to know how to keep their tires correctly inflated, and monitor their tire tread. The few hundred dollars it could cost to replace your car’s tires are nothing compared to the costs of damage, injury or even more significant tragedy. To maximize the safety of your vehicle and feel confident that you’ll be safe on the road, be sure to follow these tips for tire maintenance.

Tire tread information

You must inspect your tire tread; otherwise you run the risk of hydroplaning or skidding on the roadways. Tires need tread to maintain traction and control. Too often drivers think about tire pressure, and ignore that their tires are gradually losing tread. You should regularly and consistently measure the tread on your tires. Manufacturers say that you must replace your tires once the tread is worn to 2/32 of an inch. The best way to check this is by inserting a penny into the tread. If you can see all of President Lincoln’s head, you need new tires. If his head is covered, you’re OK.

Some tires include a built-in feature called “wear bars,” in which narrow rubber strips appear when the tire tread has worn down to 1/16 of an inch. If you see “wear bars,” it is an indication that you need immediate tire replacement.

Beware of offers to “retread” your tires. These methods are not guaranteed to ensure the safety and integrity of your tires. If you live in a particularly warm climate, remember that heat can be extremely tough on tires. Re-treading tires is simply a bandage on a serious wound. For your safety, invest in a complete set of quality tires.

Tire pressure information

According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, incorrect tire pressure is the “number one enemy” of tires. If you do not have properly inflated tires, your tires could fail.

• Your car’s manufacturer will let you know the ideal amount of air required for your tires. Look on the inside edge of your driver’s vehicle door to find out more.
• Proper tire inflation can also make your car run more efficiently - you’ll save on gas!
• Keep a tire gauge in your car’s glove box, and check the pressure at least once a month. It’s best to check pressure when the tires are cool.
• When you get gas, take a moment to inspect your tires for intrusions such as nails or other objects. If something gets embedded in your tires, it could cause a dangerous leak. Also look at the sidewalls of your tires for cuts or tears.
• Remember that air pressure goes up in hot weather and down in cold weather, generally 1-2 pounds per 10 degrees.
• Many auto service stations, such as your local dealership or an oil-changing station, can also inspect your tires for you.