Having healthy tires gives you maximum safety on the road while driving. Doing a thorough tire check lets you be more aware of your tires’ current status and detect any present issues. You may be wondering how to do this properly. Here are a few things that can help when doing a tire inspection.
Look for Signs of Wear and Tear
An excellent way to know if your tires are still in good condition is to look for any signs of wear and tear. If you see that your tires have irregular tire wear and poor sidewall condition, then it’s time for you to buy a new set.
Visually inspect the tires and gently rub your hand over the tread. If you notice any irregularities in the pattern, they indicate uneven tire wear. You can also try wetting the tire and driving over a clean, smooth area. The tire prints left behind can show you the current status of your tires.
Another sign is the occurrence of vibrations while you’re driving. This means that your tires are already uneven, and they are in old and deformed condition.
Evaluate Your Tires’ Tread
Healthy tires have enough tread depth to ensure traction, especially if it’s rainy. Driving on bald tires on wet surfaces results in a dangerous condition known as hydroplaning. Hydroplaning happens when your tires lose their grip on the road because water is not channeled properly, making you slip and slide.
A great way to inspect your tread is by doing the coin test. Insert a small coin, like a quarter, upside down inside the tread. If you can see the top of George Washington’s head, that means that your tires are already worn out.
Inspect Your Tire Pressure
Another thing you should look out for is your tires’ air pressure. Tires generally lose about 1psi (pounds per square inch) every month. That means if you don’t look after them, you can end up with a flat tire.
Your car has a tire pressure monitoring system that warns you if your tire pressure is already too low. Use a tire pressure gauge to check if your tires are properly inflated.
Rotate Your Tires
It is generally recommended to have your tires rotated. Rotating them evens out the wear and tear and can even extend their life. It would be best if you did this every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. If you’re unsure, consult the owner’s manual or have your tires checked by a tire specialist.
Tire health is an important aspect to be mindful of when keeping your car in good condition. Contact Graham Tire today for car maintenance and additional tire services.
