Ever had a flat tire? If you have a vehicle, you probably have, or will at some point. Here are three easy ways to take care of your car and ensure your safety on the road.
Flat tires aren’t only an inconvenience, they’re also a major hazard to you and other vehicles on the road. Check out the following tips on how to care for your tires and avoid the headache of a flat tire.
3 Common (And Avoidable) Ways You Can Get A Flat Tire
1 | Wear and Tear
The main culprit for a flat tire isn’t always running over a sharp object. As simple as it sounds, everyday wear and tear can cause flat tires, especially if you’re putting lots of kilometres on your car. Think about your tires’ lifespan and if it might be time to have a new set put on.
Speaking of kilometres, have you started planning a summer road trip? Check out these important maintenance tips before heading out on the road.Ways to prolong your tires’ lifespan:
- Drive carefully, stopping and starting slowly
- Make regular visits to the mechanic a priority for professional wheel alignment and rotation appointments
- Stay diligent with your recommended tire pressure
- Store your tires in storage bags and in a dry, cool environment
- Have your tires professionally inspected before replacing your winter tires, and know when to make that switch
2 | Poor Inflation
Driving too long with low inflated or over-pumped tires may cause tires to wear or fail pre-maturely. It can even reduce your gas mileage. Tire pressure is measured in PSI (pounds per square inch) and ranges depending on the vehicle. To find out what your car’s PSI is, check in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside your driver door.
Ways to ensure proper tire pressure:
- Check your tire pressure once a month
- Listen to the warning light from the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) in your vehicle
- Replace worn tires, especially all-seasons
- Drive with matched tires in a complete set of four
3 | Poor Road Conditions
We all know the panicked feeling when you’ve ran over a pothole or heard a crunch sound when driving over debris left on the road. Damaged, unpaved and unfamiliar roads can be hard to avoid, but since your tires absorb most of the impact, they take the biggest hit.
Ways to avoid the consequences of “ugly” driving conditions:
- Drive slowly
- Don’t break while driving over a pothole
- Where there’s cracks, there’s likely potholes; avoid roads with cracks and cuts in the pavement
- Give space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you
- Make the trip in safe weather conditions
- Safely swerve around pot-holes or sharp debris and avoid deadly driving distractions
Tires are your car’s lifeline and can impact your road safety the most. A flat tire can happen to anyone – stay on top of these tips to make sure it doesn’t happen to you!
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