Research conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that tire problems and failures account for a significant percentage of car crashes, with around 11,000 car crash instances each year. To avoid such experiences, the agency advises every car owner to make a habit of performing a quick tire inspection on a regular or monthly basis, and doing a quick checkup before commencing a trip.
Car owners are encouraged to look for early signs indicating a need for tire replacement (with
a brand new tire), including:
1- Bulges or Cracks
Bulging at the sides, grooves, cuts, and cracks are all signs that it’s time for a tire change. Bulges can indicate that the outer surface of the tire is weakening, which may cause the tire to explode. A regular tire check-up is necessary to help detect bulges or cracks early, thereby reducing risk.
2- Change in Temperature
Temperature can directly effect the pressure of your tire, If the temperature is low, the tire’s pressure decreases. In the summer, tires can get worn out as tire pressure builds up during this time. Experts advise car owners to avoid traveling long distances during summer as much as possible, as the potential heat buildup can trigger accidents.
3- Tire Pressure
The deflation of tires happens at a rate of one PSI or pound per square inch monthly. Manufactured tires usually work at an optimum at 30 to 35 PSI.
Before a long-distance trip, it would be best to have your tire pressure
gauged—make sure to measure it when the tire is cold, as this ensures that there
is no extra tire pressure caused by friction or heat.
4- Tread Depth and Tread Wear
The depth of your tire’s tread must not fall below 1.6 millimeters or 1/16 of an inch in depth. Experts advise drivers to be extra cautious when driving on wet, slick surfaces.
Treadwear can be gauged in terms of tear bars or rubber bits woven into the pattern at a certain depth. These bars are barely noticeable if the tire is new, but as the tread wears down, these bars will gradually surface. If you do not see any bars on your tire, but your instinct is that it is worn out, you can test the tread wear with the Lincoln-head penny test. To do so, place a penny into the tread head-down. If Lincoln’s head is noticeable, then your tread level is failing and you have to replace them with new tires as soon as possible.
5- Vibration
If your tires are causing too much vibration, intensifying as you accelerate, then it’s a sign you need new tires. This likely means your shock absorbers are failing.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can also speed up the depreciation of your tire, as they can cause structural changes. If you are in an area with a moderate climate, then the sun may not be at threat.
Lastly, it is also recommended that all four tires must have the same tread design, size, brand, tread depth, and construction to ensure they work with the same outer diameter. Otherwise, even a small difference can cause a mechanical malfunction or drivetrain damage.
If prevention isn’t possible and you are stuck somewhere in or around Allentown, do not hesitate to give Tow Truck Allentown a call. In minutes, our reliable, highly skilled team will be there to replace the tire for you. In addition to our tire change service, Tow Truck Allentown can also be relied on for other prompt and premium quality roadside assistance and tow service. Although we are a newbie in the industry, we have received overwhelming patronage from the Lehigh Valley community because of our top-quality car recovery services. Our records do not lie. Call us now!