Tire Safety: Learn the Facts
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on September 1, 2015
According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, every month three out of four drivers wash their cars. Yet during this same period, only one out of seven correctly check their tire pressure. This means that only 15 percent of all car drivers follow correct tire protocol. This may seem like a minuscule task yet when it comes to operating a 2,000 pound vehicle, maintaining good tire pressure could be the difference in terms of vehicle safety.
Tire Maintenance – 4 Things to Know
When it comes to tire safety, there are a number of factors to consider. Here are four helpful tips you should know about tire maintenance:
1. Maintain Correct Air Pressure in Your Tires – Tires can be 50 percent under-inflated before a driver even becomes aware of the problem. Having under inflated tires is the leading cause of tire failure for all automobiles. This may result in accidents and other damages. Because it’s often hard to eyeball the air level in your tires, it’s recommended that all drivers check their tires once a month, and especially before long trips on the highway. While it’s important just to keep your tire inflation well managed, it’s also important for your wallet. Under inflated tires lead to higher fuel costs by as much as 3 to 5 cents per gallon. This can quickly add up, making your tires a valuable (and pricey) part of your car.
2. Don’t Forget Tire Rotation – When performing tire maintenance, it is important to not only check and fill your tires, but to also have them rotated on a regular basis. This helps prevent premature wear and tear. Bridgestone and Firestone Tires estimate that 40 percent of all drivers do not rotate their tires within the recommended interval of at least 8,000 miles. In order to stay up to date with your tire maintenance, a good practice would be to have your tires rotated with every oil change. 
3. Replace Tires With The Right Kind – If you are in need of a replacement because of a flat or damaged tire, it is always best to follow the owner’s manual for the correct tire. Your vehicle manufacturer is the one that determines the proper OE (original equipment) tire size based on speed rating, load range and other features.
4. Understand Tire Lifespan – Aging tires are a real issue on the roadways. There have been innumerable incidents where drivers have lost control of their vehicle due to aging tires. As tires age, it can be compared to the stretching of a rubber band. Rubber bands that sit around a long time and then become stretched will show cracks in the rubber until they finally snap. This is essentially what happens when you drive on your aging tires.
Tires generally last for about six to 10 years. The lifespan of a tire also depends on the heat, storage and conditions that your tires are put through. Tires exposed to more extreme temperatures and terrain will typically exhibit wear and tear more quickly. If you do live in a region that has more extreme temperatures, protecting your tires in a garage environment regularly can help.
As you can tell, when it comes to tires, there is plenty to understand. Tires are comparatively expensive parts of your vehicle that should not go unnoticed. Practicing regular maintenance will improve the longevity of your tire, while also keeping you and your fellow drivers safe on the roadways. Just a few things to remember before checking or buying new tires: Be very careful if you buy used, obey your owner’s manual and don’t be afraid to let go of your spare tire if it’s old.