Proper tire care is an important and often overlooked maintenance item for many motorists. Our tires work hard to keep us in control of our vehicles and safely glued to the road when cornering and braking. Here in Metro Detroit, attention to tire care is of increased importance due to the daily assault our tires are subjected to.
Michigan's roads consistently rank among the nation's worst. Our combination of freeze-thaw cycles, use of salt to treat icy conditions, liberal weight allowances for large trucks and poor economic conditions spells bad news for our roads. According to a drivemi.org online map of reported potholes throughout the state, Metro Detroit has more than its fair share of potholes. These potholes affect our vehicle's tires both directly and indirectly.
While the direct impact a pothole can have on a tire is relatively straight-forward, the indirect affects can be a bit more elusive. Poor road conditions result in excessive wear and tear on a vehicle's suspension components such as shocks & struts, control arm bushings, etc. When these components become worn or damaged, there can be significant adverse affects on the vehicle's tires.
The following tire care tips will help ensure your tires are well-prepared for the demands of everyday driving:
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Visibly inspect the condition of the tires - Cuts or cracks visible in the sidewall of a tire pose a significant concern and should be addressed promptly. Uneven tread wear, such as excessive inner or outer wear, feathering, or cupping of the tread may indicate improper tire inflation, more serious problems with suspension components, or wheel alignment that is out of specification.
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Inspect tread depth – Most any motorist can easily inspect tread depth on their own by using a penny. By inserting the penny into the tire's tread with Lincoln's head toward the tire (see photo in slideshow), check to see if the top of Lincoln's head is visible. If it is, the tire has served its useful life and should be replaced. If the top of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, however, the tire still has some time remaining.
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Keep tires properly inflated – This should be done on a monthly basis. Adhering to the recommended inflation pressure for your vehicle will help ensure a safe, comfortable ride and maximize fuel economy. Improper tire inflation can cause premature tread wear and adversely affect how the vehicle handles.
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Adhere to a regular tire rotation schedule – Keeping tires rotated helps maximize the life of the tires and helps to ensure even tread wear.
By including tire care in our regular vehicle maintenance schedule, we can ensure our tires will be there for us when we need them. There are secondary benefits to proper tire care as well, including improved fuel economy, better vehicle handling and ride comfort, and a more enjoyable vehicle driving experience.
Happy Motoring!
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