Tips to Check Tire Safety Before Going on a Road Trip
Road trips with your loved ones to your favorite destination can be fun and exciting if you have the right company and all the essentials to go along with. However, before you take that fun-filled road trip, there are some pre-road trip tire safety precautions to take into consideration.
Here are some of the tips to keep in mind.
- Check out for worn out spots and tread depth
Good tires should have a little more than 2/32 inch threat depth. Several tools will easily help you check tire tread depth. You can insert a coin into each tread groove or use a depth gauge. If the top of the Lincoln’s head where the gauge indicates is visible, your tires are worn out and need to be replaced. The gauge will also help you check misalignment and inflation pressure. - Check tire pressure
Before setting out for your dream road trip, you must take some pre-road trip safety precautions. Checking the tire pressure is critical before stepping out. Air pressure is the lifeline of your tire, and maintaining appropriate pressure will increase the lifespan. You can refer to the owner’s manual of the car to understand how to check air pressure. Remember to check tire pressure when the tires are cold and haven’t been driven for a couple of hours. - Check the sidewalls
Roads are not always smooth and any encounters with curbs, uneven speed breakers, and potholes can leave bulges and cuts in the tires. Before setting out to drive, you must check the sidewalls of the tire. If your tires have too many cuts, you may want to consider replacing them. - Check the tire’s age
Checking your tire’s age is one of the most important pre-road trip safety precautions you must take. All tires have the date encoded in them. The “DOT” embedded on the tires is usually followed by several digits, which indicate the year it was manufactured. Many automobile companies recommend changing the tires every five years, even if it has not worn out. - Avoid unnecessary luggage
This may seem trivial, but unnecessary luggage can add extra load to your tires. Most vehicles have prescribed weight recommendations mentioned in the owner’s manual. You can also see the load rating on the sidewalls of the tires. Avoid taking unnecessary luggage along with you to ensure maximum tire efficiency.
Listed above are some pre-road trip safety precautions you must take before you go on your road trip. You can also make tire check part of your regular car maintenance routine because it can boost your car’s fuel economy. Ensuring that your car is in excellent condition before you step out will make your journey enjoyable and memorable. After all, safety is everyone’s priority!