Why Your Tires Matter with Your Road Safety
Your tires matter with your road safety.
There are two primary factors to check on a regular basis: Inflation & Tread. It only takes a minute to check your tread and tire pressure and that minute can make a difference in your safety on the road.
You can easily keep a quarter or a penny (or both) in your console to check your tire tread. AAA recommends using a quarter, but Virginia standards are satisfied with a penny. Check out the video below for more information.
Absolutely, tires play a crucial role in road safety. Here’s why:
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Traction: Tires provide the necessary traction between your vehicle and the road surface. Good traction is essential for effective braking, accelerating, and maneuvering, especially in adverse weather conditions like rain, snow, or ice.
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Handling and Stability: High-quality tires contribute to better handling and stability, allowing you to maintain control of your vehicle during cornering, sudden maneuvers, or emergency situations.
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Braking Distance: Worn-out or improperly inflated tires can significantly increase braking distance, meaning it takes longer for your vehicle to come to a complete stop. This can pose a serious safety risk, especially at higher speeds or in traffic.
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Hydroplaning Prevention: Tires with sufficient tread depth and proper tread design help prevent hydroplaning by channeling water away from the tire’s contact patch with the road. This improves grip and reduces the risk of losing control on wet roads.
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Impact Absorption: Quality tires can absorb impacts from road irregularities like potholes or debris, minimizing the risk of damage to your vehicle’s suspension components and maintaining stability while driving.
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Load Bearing Capacity: Tires are designed to support the weight of your vehicle and its occupants. Overloading a vehicle beyond its tire’s capacity can lead to tire failure, loss of control, and potential accidents.
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Temperature Resistance: Tires are subjected to heat buildup during prolonged driving. High-quality tires are engineered to withstand heat and maintain their structural integrity, reducing the risk of blowouts and tire failures.
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Tire Age and Condition: Pay attention to the age and condition of your tires. Even if tread depth appears adequate, tires deteriorate over time due to factors like heat, sunlight, and exposure to the elements. Replace tires that are more than six years old, regardless of tread depth, to ensure driving safety.
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Seasonal Tires: Consider using seasonal tires tailored to specific weather conditions. Winter tires offer superior traction in cold weather, snow, and ice, while all-season tires provide versatility for year-round driving. Choose tires appropriate for your climate and driving conditions to enhance safety and performance.
Regular inspection, maintenance, and timely replacement of tires are essential for road safety. Check tire pressure regularly, ensure proper alignment and balancing, and replace tires when tread depth reaches the minimum legal requirement or when signs of wear and damage are present. Investing in high-quality tires appropriate for your vehicle and driving conditions is an investment in your safety and the safety of others on the road.
The NHTSA has plenty to say on tires and safety.
How to Buy Tires: A Step-by-Step Guide
In addition to regular tire maintenance, it’s essential to be prepared for tire-related emergencies. Carry a spare tire, jack, lug wrench, and tire repair kit in your vehicle at all times. Familiarize yourself with proper tire-changing procedures and know how to safely navigate to a repair facility or call for roadside assistance if needed.
By prioritizing tire maintenance, investing in quality tires, and practicing safe driving habits, you can enhance driving safety, minimize the risk of accidents, and enjoy smoother, more reliable journeys on the road. Check out our two collision centers.
