As the seasons change, it’s important to keep up with our vehicles’ maintenance needs and make sure that the car’s equipment is in top shape. As we approach spring, experts urge drivers to check their tires before they hit the road to avoid accidents.
In order to stay safe through spring, however, checking your current tires’ condition isn’t enough. It is also important to know whether the type of tire you have is effective during the warmer weather.
Temperature Swings Make Tires More Likely To Fail, Increasing Accident Risks
Because of the temperature swings caused by winter, tires can become deflated. As the weather changes, potholes start to appear, exposing tires to even greater risks. To help prevent accidents, you must first check the air pressure in your tires.
With all-season tires, drivers must adjust the tire’s air pressure to the amount specified on the tire information placard found on the driver’s door jamb. Furthermore, drivers should inspect the tires for signs of wear and tear such as cracks, blisters, or other damage. Irregular tread wear may also signal alignment or suspension issues.
Another way to check the health of your tires is to look at how worn they have become.
Place an upside down quarter in the tire groove and look for George Washington’s head. If any of it appears in any one groove where a theadwear indicator appears, your tire is ready to be replaced.
If you ignore the risks and continue to drive worn tires, you might be more likely to crash during the spring showers, as old tires tend to hydroplane on water.
Snow Tires Won’t Help To Prevent Accidents In Spring
While you don’t have to replace all-season tires as the weather changes, snow tires might not be a good fit if you’re driving during spring.
Because snow tires’ treads tend to wear out faster than all-season tires, it is likely that they will lose their utility if you fail to replace them. Additionally, all-season tires have a better grip while driving on dry and wet roads and they will make you less likely to become involved in accidents.
Before putting your snow tires away for future use, however, check them for tread depth with a quarter. Also look for signs of damage, especially in the inner lip of the tire that seals against the wheel.
If rips or tears appear in the rubber, the tires are no longer useful or safe.
For more tips on how to check on your tires to prevent accidents, follow this link.
