With all of your travels this summer, please don’t neglect your tires. The mix of long miles and high temperatures can cause some serious damage, and you don’t want to find out the extent of that damage while on vacation.
It’s a good idea to check your tires before you hit the road on your next road trip. Over the Fourth of July, AAA responded to over 5,000 tire-related rescue calls. They recommend the T.I.R.E. method to to ensure you’re doing it correctly.
Tread and Pressure: Ensuring that your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure will guarantee that they last longer. In order to test the tread, stick a penny into it with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see his entire head, it’s time to replace the tire.
Inspect: Keep an eye out for things like bald spots, errant nails, worn areas, and cracks in your tires as they can be indications of a serious problem. AAA also recommends a monthly inspection of tire air pressure.
Rotate: Have your tires rotated at every other oil change. This will help your tires to wear evenly over time, decreasing the likelihood of a blowout.
Extra: Always make sure you have a spare tire before taking any trips. Many newer model cars no longer come with spares, and it’s not something we often think about until we need it. Be sure to inspect the extra tire the same way you would the others.
We hope that these tips help your summer run a little smoother!