When planning a road trip, it is a good idea to have your vehicle checked out thoroughly to ensure safe and smooth travel. The tires are one of the most important parts of your car to assess before heading out on the road. Here are some things to look for.
Mileage
If your tires have racked up high mileage, they should be checked to ensure they are still in good working condition. All of your tires should be solid, without bald spots or evidence of excessive wear. Many tire manufacturers estimate that their tires will last a specific number of miles before needing to be replaced. Check your tires’ warranty and manufacturer guidelines to see if it about time to have them replaced before they wear too thin.
Tread
A tire’s tread can be generally checked by inserting a penny into the tread groove to see how much of the Lincoln’s head remains visible. The more of the penny you can see, the greater the likelihood that the tread is wearing out. Even a casual glance at each tire can reveal the amount of tread that remains. If in doubt, have a tire technician at a local shop check your tires to see if the tread is no longer adequate for road driving.
Air Pressure
Tire manufacturers also recommend a certain air pressure for the tires to keep them properly inflated for safe driving. Use a reliable tire gauge to check the pressure and ensure the tires are not losing air or going flat. In cold weather, it’s a good idea to check your tire pressure more often, since they tend to lose air more quickly. While you can check the pressure using your own gauge, it is often helpful to have a tire expert double-check the air pressure before taking a road trip. You may want to buy a tire repair kit to keep in the trunk in case you need to fix a low tire or one that is going flat as you travel.
Balance
Your car’s tires should be rotated twice a year on average or during every other oil change. Tire rotation helps to maintain equal balance among the four tires over the road in all kinds of weather conditions. Tire balance may also aid in keeping the car’s steering in alignment.
Conclusively, when your tires are in good shape, you can have peace of mind during a road trip, assuming the rest of your car is working effectively. Check your tires thoroughly before taking your car on a long driving trip.
