As millions of Americans prepare to travel for the Fourth of July holiday, tire experts are urging drivers to take a few minutes to inspect their tires before hitting the road.
With National Tire Safety Week coinciding with one of the busiest travel weekends of the year, experts say a quick tire inspection can help prevent breakdowns, delays and potentially dangerous blowouts.
Luke Anderson, a manager with Discount Tire, said summer heat can cause tire pressure to fluctuate, making regular inspections even more important.
“The most important thing is just being aware of your tires, specifically the air pressure and the tread depth,” Anderson said. “Because it is as hot as it is, tire pressure will change based off the temperature. You want to make sure you’re checking your pressure.”
Anderson said many of the tire-related issues his team sees during the summer can be prevented before drivers ever leave home.
“The most popular issues that we see when people are traveling is getting foreign objects in their tires or, hopefully not, having blowouts,” Anderson said. “The best way to avoid that is just come in for a pre-inspection whenever you’re getting ready to hit the road. It takes two minutes for us to look at your tires and make sure you don’t have anything going on with them that could lead to a problem while you’re on your trip.”
Experts recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month when the tires are cool and always before a long road trip. Properly inflated tires can improve handling, fuel economy and reduce the risk of a tire failure.
Drivers should also inspect tread depth using the penny test. Place a penny upside down into one of the tire’s grooves. If the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head is visible, the tread is too worn and it’s time to replace the tire.
Another important safety check is the tire’s age. Every tire has a Department of Transportation (DOT) code stamped on its sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year the tire was manufactured. Experts recommend replacing tires that are six years old or older, even if they still appear to have adequate tread.
Other tire safety tips include:
- Rotate your tires about every 6,000 miles to help them wear evenly.
- Check for cracks, bulges, punctures or uneven wear before taking a long trip.
- Inspect your spare tire to make sure it’s properly inflated and in good condition. Many newer vehicles no longer come with a full-size spare, so drivers should know what emergency equipment their vehicle includes.
- Avoid overloading your vehicle, as excess weight can increase stress on your tires and reduce their lifespan.
With millions expected to travel this Independence Day, experts say spending just a few minutes checking your tires before leaving home can provide peace of mind and help ensure a safer holiday journey.
