Why Should I Install All Four Winter Tires?
How’s your car faring? Simply checking your oil levels and occasionally cleaning off your front windows isn’t quite enough when you’ve got additional problems to worry about whenever you gear up for a long drive. With so many potential accidents waiting to happen, why not be as proactive as possible and nip some of the most common statistics in the bud? Vehicle neglect causes the American economy well over $2 billion every year in car repairs, lawsuits, medical bills and insurance charges. Let’s take a look at what visiting tire companies can do for you and everyone else on the open road.
What Is Vehicle Neglect?
Just as it says on the tin, vehicle neglect is when you don’t regularly tend to your car or truck and leave it open to a wide variety of minor or severe problems that can have minor or severe consequences. This can be not installing winter tires when it starts to snow, forgetting to change your oil and leaving a broken tail light on for too long. Neglecting vehicles costs the American economy billions of dollars every year, a cost that is shouldered by both the individuals involved and those that are caught in-between.
What Is Tire Tread?
Let’s talk a little bit about tires before you visit tire companies. Tire tread is the texture on your tires, designed with the express purpose of giving your car as much grip as necessary to navigate treacherous and unpredictable roads. When your tires’ tread has worn down to 6/32nds of an inch or less you need to get them replaced as soon as possible. Smooth and slippery tires do nothing but increase your risk for an accident, making turning difficult and braking almost non-existent! Retread tires are more than just an obligation — they’re a necessity.
What Is Tire Rotation And Alignment?
You can both reduce tire tread and save money by asking tire companies to give you a tire rotation check-up. A tire rotation should be done every 7,000 to 7,500 miles or so or as often as your individual car manufacturer recommends. Tire rotation makes sure all tires are experiencing the same amount of pressure and wear whenever you drive, making sure one doesn’t become more under inflated than the other and contribute to hazardous driving. Similarly, experts recommend checking your tire alignment every 6,000 miles or so.
How Expensive Are Check-Ups?
Visiting tire companies will be much cheaper in the long run than taking a chance and heading out onto the open road with an unprepared vehicle. Even insurance companies go the extra mile (pun intended!) to offer their clients specials for good behavior. Depending on your provider you can save up to 5% on your insurance premium, maybe even more, just for equipping all four winter tires. Additional features include regular safe driving and consistently getting your car checked at the local dealer.
Should I Visit Tire Companies?
The shortest answer? Yes! As for the longer answer, visiting tire companies will help immensely in saving you money and keeping you safe during the cold and frustrating winter season. A study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (also known as NHTSA) discovered that drivers using tires that are under inflated by 25% or more were three times more likely to be in a crash than drivers using a proper set of used tires or new tires. Whether you have all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive, equipping a set of four winter tires will keep both you and everybody else safe when you’re going to school or work.
