It’s getting colder again, and during these colder months, we see many holidays and with them increased interstate and highway travel. Having a tire fail on the freeway is a terrifying experience and can be easily avoided with some simple steps.
Most people don’t think to check their tire pressure or get their tires rotated before hitting the road, but it only takes a few minutes and could prevent serious injury or death.
There are over 10,000 tire-related crashes on U.S. roadways annually. Some tire accidents are inevitable due to tire punctures; however, many could have been avoided with proper tire maintenance and safety. Replacing worn-out tires is also crucial for safety.
Most modern cars have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). The TPMS lights up on the dashboard when the pressure in any tire becomes too low. This system can be unreliable, doesn’t check if tires are overinflated, and is not as consistent as stick-style pressure gauges. It is recommended by most tire companies to check tire pressure once a month using the stick pressure gauge. The recommended tire pressure varies from vehicle to vehicle and can either be found in the owner’s manual or the driver’s side door.
In Utah, it’s common to see rain and even snow on the roadways during these months. These brutal weather conditions make it very crucial to check your tires for wear. If your tire treads are worn, it can significantly affect handling and stopping the rain and snow distance. An easy way to tell if you need to change the tire is by sticking a penny in your tire’s groove. Have Abraham Lincoln upside-down facing you when you do this, and if the whole top of his head is showing, your tires need to be changed.
If your tires have uneven wear, this is almost always a sign of a mechanical problem like a worn suspension, or you need to get a wheel alignment. It is good to have your tires rotated about every 4000 miles to prevent uneven tire wear.
Old tires can cause blowouts. These are especially dangerous because they happen so suddenly. Car companies have recommended that tires six years or older be replaced; however, it’s impossible to give all tires a universal time frame. Tires should especially be replaced when you see cuts, cracks, or bulges, or if they have been extensively driven while under-inflated.
Utah requires vehicle inspections more frequently as your car ages. If your vehicle is over ten years old, The state of Utah requires it to be inspected annually. Tires need to be checked more often than once a year, however. Doing so could prevent a devastating accident and potentially death. If you have been in a tire-failure related accident, talk to a car accident attorney today.
