Have You Installed Your Winter Tires Yet?
How are your tires doing? Winter is only getting heavier from here, so it’s essential you check your retread tires and make sure they’re fit for the open road. Snow, ice and sleet make it notoriously hard to drive, even during the day, and a poor set of tires can significantly increase your risk for an accident. Below are the top five most essential factors in cultivating a healthy used tire, from alignment to rotation.
Tire Alignment
Let’s start off with an underrated aspect of the average tire — tire alignment! Most experts recommend you check your tire alignment every 6,000 miles or so or when you have your oil changed by a professional, since a lot can happen in that span of time. Keeping your tires properly aligned will make sure no single tire receives unnecessary pressure, that of which can lead to premature deflation, loss of tread and even popping.
Tire Rotation
Similar to tire alignment, tire rotation is a must after steady and constant driving. A tire rotation should be done every 7,500 miles according to most industry professionals. However, your car manufacturer may recommend a different date depending on the age and make of your vehicle. Neglecting vehicles costs the economy over $2 billion on a yearly basis, so make sure you do your part and regularly visit your car repair shop.
Tire Speed
The quality of your tires will impact your speed and ability to turn. According to recent test results, hydroplanning starts at 76 km/h (or 47 miles per hour) when cornering on worn out tires — compare this to new tires which average at 96 km/h (or 60 miles per hour). Another survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (shortened to NHTSA) determined that vehicles driving on tires underinflated by more than 25% are three times more likely to be involved in a crash related to tire problems than those with properly maintained tires.
Tire Inflation
Your tires need to be properly inflated at all times to keep you safe. Under inflation results in unnecessary and constant tire stress, irregular wear and an increased risk for loss of control and accidents. A tire can lose up to 50% of its inflation under pressure and still not appear to be flat, so keep in mind that looks can be deceiving! Retread tires operate on a similar foundation.
Tire Treads
Good retread tires are a necessary goal just like rotation, inflation and alignment. When your tires’ tread has worn down to 6/32nd of an inch, you need to get them replaced. Regardless of whether or not you have an all-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, you need to install all four winter tires. In fact, depending on your provider, you can save as much as 5% off of your car insurance premium just for equipping your winter tires in a timely fashion! Tire companies are able to give your tires the full check-up when you visit their shop, keeping you and others safe on the open road. How will you prepare for the winter season?