Your tires are an incredibly important part of your vehicle, as they support the weight, provide traction and braking, and absorb shocks from the road. Choosing the wrong tires or failing to make sure your tires are in good condition is not only unsafe for you and your passengers, but also for anyone else on the road around you.
We don’t want anyone to become involved in a car accident, so here are three safety tips that we recommend as tire professionals:
- Change your tires every six years. Tire professionals and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommend that you change your vehicles tires at least every six years regardless of how many miles you have driven on them. This is because tires degrade even when they are not being used. To ensure your safety and the safety of others, find out how old your tires are and purchase new ones if yours are old.
- Visually inspect your tires before you drive. A great safety habit is to inspect your tires before you get into the car each time you drive. It only takes a few seconds, and if you find punctures, scrapes, cracks, or uneven wear, then you know you need a new tire or tires before you can return to the road safely. It may be inconvenient, but saving lives is more important.
- Get regular tire maintenance. Changing your tires every once in a while isn’t enough to ensure your safety. Make sure you get regular tire maintenance whether you take your vehicle to a shop or call a mobile service. Tire professionals can rotate your tires, check the pressure, and provide other helpful services and information.