Tire safety doesn’t get the attention it deserves, but it should. Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touch the road, and their condition can make the difference between staying in control or ending up in a ditch. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly one in four cars on the road today has at least one under-inflated tire. That’s a serious hazard—not only for the driver, but for everyone else sharing the highway. A tire that’s just 25 percent below its recommended pressure is nearly three times more likely to be involved in a crash than one properly inflated.
Proper tire care is about more than just topping off air now and then. The basics include checking inflation pressure and tread depth, but drivers should also pay attention to tire age, rotation, balance, and alignment. Tires are complex, engineered products, and neglecting them can lead to blowouts, poor fuel economy, or even total loss of control.
Start with air pressure. Use the automaker’s recommended settings—not the maximum number printed on the tire’s sidewall. Those figures are different for a reason. The label inside the driver’s door (and sometimes inside the fuel door) lists the correct PSI for your vehicle, and it’s common for the front and rear pressures to differ. Check the pressure at least once a month and always when the tires are cold. A few pounds of lost air can change handling, braking, and tread wear dramatically, especially as temperatures drop.
Next, keep an eye on tire age. Rubber degrades over time, even if tread remains. Most experts and automakers recommend replacing tires after six years, regardless of mileage. On the tire’s sidewall you’ll see the Department of Transportation (DOT) code—a string of letters and numbers ending in four digits. The last four show the week and year of manufacture. For example, DOT 0720 means the tire was built in the 7th week of 2020. When buying new tires, ask about the build date. Inventory sometimes sits in warehouses for years, and you don’t want to start the clock on an old set.
Tread depth is another key factor. Worn tires can’t channel away water, leading to hydroplaning and longer stopping distances. A simple way to test is with a quarter. Insert it into the tread with Washington’s head down. If the top of his head disappears, you’ve got at least 4/32 of an inch of tread remaining, which is still safe for most conditions. If you can see above the top of his head, it’s time for replacement. Take readings at the inner, center, and outer edges to check for uneven wear that may signal alignment or suspension issues.
Rotation and alignment go hand-in-hand with tire life. Most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles—about every oil change. Doing so ensures even wear and extends tire life. If your steering wheel pulls to one side or the tread shows cupping or feathering, have your alignment checked. It’s inexpensive insurance for your tires and your safety.
Also, be mindful of your vehicle’s load ratings. Overloading a car or truck puts extra heat and stress on the tires, which can lead to blowouts, especially on long trips or in summer heat. Make sure your tires meet the proper speed and load ratings specified by your automaker.
Finally, don’t assume your vehicle has a spare tire. Many newer models include only a tire repair kit or inflator to save space and weight. Before a trip, check to see what’s actually in your trunk and how to use it. If you drive long distances or in remote areas, you might want to buy a full-size spare or at least a compact one.
Tires might not be the most exciting part of your car, but they’re among the most important. A little attention—regular pressure checks, timely rotations, and awareness of tire age—can save you from a roadside breakdown or worse. After all, when it comes to safety, everything rides on your tires.
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