Your tires are pretty much the only part of your vehicle to make contact with the road. What they do – or don’t do – can affect how well your vehicle handles, brakes, and rides. In extreme cases, if your tires don’t function the way they should, it can even be dangerous. Given this, it’s safe to say that tires are the unsung heroes of smooth, safe driving. They bear almost the entire weight of your vehicle, cushion the impact of bumps and potholes, and provide traction on all road surfaces. Yet, most drivers don’t give their tires much thought until something goes wrong — until they get a flat tire.
Before you hit the road for a cross-country road trip, make sure to follow the below-mentioned tips to ensure a safe driving experience.
Learn how To Change Tires
Your car can break down anywhere, even on a deserted road in the middle of the night. So, make sure that you’re prepared for emergencies by learning how to change a flat tire. Also, carry a tire repair kit in case you get a flat and need to fix it on the spot. You should also have a spare tire that’s in good condition; check it regularly for proper pressure and wear.
Check the Tread
You probably know that bald tires are dangerous. But did you know that worn tread is also a safety issue? In fact, tires with worn treads can be as dangerous as bald tires because they provide less traction and may hydroplane in wet conditions.
Weigh It Out
Overloading a car can cause its tires to wear out faster and make it harder to handle safely. If you’re planning on towing a trailer or hauling really heavy cargo for your road trip, check the maximum weight limit in your owner’s manual and don’t exceed it.
Check Tire Inflation
Tires frequently lose air pressure, so check them monthly and before any long trip. If they’re underinflated, you’ll get less fuel economy, and there’s a chance they could overheat. Check your owner’s manual or even the tire placard on the doorjamb for the proper inflation level, and use a reliable tire gauge to measure the pressure. Don’t trust gas stations or convenience stores — those gauges are often misleading. You can also find the proper inflation level in your vehicle owner’s manual or online.
