Maintaining your tires is crucial for road safety, yet many drivers overlook it. Research indicates that more people wash their cars than check their tire pressure, but a clean car doesn’t guarantee safety. Dedicating a few minutes to tire maintenance can significantly enhance your safety this fall. Here are some essential tire care tips:
* **Inspect Tread Depth:** Examine your tire tread monthly and before long trips. Most states require a minimum tread depth of 1/16 of an inch. Use the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you see the top of his head, your tires are worn and need replacing.
* **Assess Tire Wear Patterns:** Look for uneven tread wear, which can indicate issues like under- or overinflation, imbalance, or misalignment. Consult a tire professional if you notice uneven wear.
* **Heed Wear Bar Indicators:** Tires have built-in “wear bars” that appear when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch, signaling the need for replacement.
* **Rotate Tires Regularly:** Rotate your tires according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure even wear. The forces on tires vary by position, with front tires handling more turning and braking, and rear tires potentially bearing uneven loads.
* **Maintain Proper Inflation:** Check your tire pressure monthly with an accurate gauge, especially when the tires are cool (driven less than a mile or stationary for at least three hours). Tires can lose up to 1 PSI per month, and pressure fluctuates with temperature changes (1 PSI per 10°F). Taking a moment to inspect your tires ensures a safer driving experience, no matter the season.