Do You Have Your Winter Tires Installed?
Winter has arrived! How are your winter tires looking? One of the most essential things you can do for your car this season is dropping by your local car shop and letting them take a look at your tires — even an average set can potentially set you back financially and put you at greater risk for a crash. If you’re not sure where to start (cars are complicated machines, after all), then look below to learn about vehicle neglect habits in the United States and all the little things you should know when visiting a car tire company.
Vehicle Neglect
It’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day life. However, neglecting your vehicle can have some serious long-term ramifications. Neglecting vehicles has been found to cost the American economy well over $2 billion every single year, whether it’s people putting off visiting the repair shop or forgetting to install their winter tires. Visiting tire companies is an easy first step anyone can take.
Tire Rotation
It’s not enough to just install a set of used tires. You need to keep an eye on the future and make sure they last as long as possible. Tire rotation involves altering the axis of your tires, ensuring that equal pressure is applied to all four every time you’re out on the open road. A tire rotation should be done every 7,500 miles or so — if you’re feeling extra concerned, check the recommendations on your car manufacturer manual. Experts recommend checking your tire alignment whenever you have your oil changed, as well.
Tire Tread
Worried your tires’ performance isn’t up to snuff? Get your tread checked. The grooves and texture on the bottom of your tire is designed to give you as much grip as possible so braking and turning is a breeze, not a hazard. When your tire tread has worn down to 6/32nd of an inch, it’s definitely time to get them replaced. Winter tires are explicitly designed to combat the slippery and unpredictable nature of roads during the snow, rain and hail.
Tire Inflation
Last, but not least, one of the most easily overlooked aspects of any tire. Inflation is necessary to keep your tire sturdy and firm — believe it or not, an under inflated tire looks incredibly similar to a fully inflated tire! Under inflation will result in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear and tear, loss of control and an increased rate for accidents. A tire that has lost up to 50% of its inflation pressure can still appear to the average eye to not be flat. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (shortened to NHTSA) determined that vehicles driving on tires under inflated by 25% are three times more likely to get into a crash than vehicles with proper equipment.
Car Insurance
Never let it be said you can’t save money while you spend money! Depending on your insurance provider, you can save up to 5% off your car insurance premium simply by equipping your vehicle with all four winter tires. Not only that, you taking a proactive attitude now and reducing your risk for an accident also means reducing the possibility of paying for car repairs and medical bills.
Giving Your Car A Check-Up
Winter makes the roads incredibly dangerous. Everything from unsteady slush to hazardous black ice can increase your possibility for a minor or severe accident, but you’ll be happy to know that taking good care of your tires significantly reduces this possibility. Regardless of whether or not you have all-wheel drive, front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive, it’s imperative you install four winter tires. Stay safe this season and be proactive — everyone will thank you for it!
