TIRE BLOWOUTS

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TIRES

Many Americans understand the value of their car’s tires; without them, vehicle transportation is simply not possible. However, despite the fact that tire upkeep is essential to ensuring a safe and accident free drive, many do not understand how to ensure safer tires. According to Tire Wise, presented by Safercar.gov, there are approximately 11,000 tire-related crashes in the United States each year. These crashes can not only cost a considerable amount, but they can also result in injuries, or even death, potentially of all passengers involved. In addition, tire-related crashes are entirely preventable with proper maintenance and wise buying decision making.

There are many different ways you can ensure that your tire lasts longer, and decrease the potential to cause an accident.

HOW TO INCREASE TIRE LIFE

Buying Considerations

• Remember that tires are often rated by the United States government, taking into account tread wear, which includes temperature resistance and traction performance, look for a high rated tire. Moreover, The Uniform Tire Quality Grading Standards (UTQGS) also sets specific standards on tire performance. Tread wear with a range of 200, for example, will wear down slower than a rating of 100. Traction, the ability of a tire to stop the car while on wet pavement, is ranked AA, A, B, or C. The highest rating is AA. Finally, temperature allows one to understand how well tires resist heat. This is graded by A, B, or C, with A indicating the highest rating.

Maintenance

• Poor maintenance can often come from failing to properly air your tires as well as failing to perform a routine tire rotation. This, in turn, can lead to a blowout, flat tire, loose tread, or some other type of potential platform for a traffic accident. Thus, it is important to take your car in for routine maintenance, which should include checking the tires air pressure, checking the tire tread, proper balance and alignment, tire rotation, and ensuring the tire size is the right fit for your vehicle.

Aging

• Your tires, like many aspects of your car, will eventually age. However, car owners that do not keep track of the age of their tires will increase the risk of a crash by default. Although, you can determine the age of your tires simply by looking at them if you learn how to read the tire age code, also you can ensure your tires receive monthly inspections or, if your car has a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), you can gauge the air pressure in your care. Also keep in mind that if your tire has physical damage, such as a bulge, crack, or cut, or your tires perform differently than normal, then you may consider replacing your tires altogether. Replace tires before they reach 6 years even if they have been a share and not used. Tires decompose with age and many old tires that look great are dangerous.

After looking at the aforementioned tire safety steps, the most important thing to remember is to be mindful of monthly maintenance and how well your tires perform. Being in tune to your car, especially your tires can ensure that you will prevent potential traffic accidents. Not only will this save your lives, but taking stock of your tires will also prevent the loss of life for others as well.