National Tire Safety Week
Posted by Colleen O'Toole on Mon, Jun 06, 2011 @ 03:45 PM
June 5-11, 2011 marks National Tire Safety Week. Now that warmer weather is here, it’s a great time to check your tires so your car is ready for wherever you may be going this summer.
There are several things to consider when it comes to your tires. When was the last time you checked the pressure, had tires rotated, aligned, or even looked at the tread? If you can’t answer any of the above, then it’s time to do so. Here are a few things you should know about tire safety:
Wheel Alignment
With winter road damage and construction there are potholes and patches in the road. When you hit one hard, or drive over many small ones repeatedly, the alignment in your car can be altered. When your wheels aren’t aligned properly, your vehicle can be more difficult to handle under stressful conditions such as quick turns or high-speed braking.
How to make a decision about tires?
When considering purchasing new tires there are many things to consider: road conditions in your area, seasonal changes, whether your car has front-wheel drive, and more. Sears Auto Center provides a resource to answer a few questions before purchasing tires to see what best fits your needs.
Summer and All Season Tires
Some drivers put winter tires on their car, but what about summer tires? There are handling benefits to each in different types of road conditions. According to Sullivan Tire and Auto Service, summer tires can be used in spring, summer, and fall because they are designed to have traction on wet and dry roads. These tires are not used in the winter because their composition and tread is not suitable for snow and ice. All season tires, though, can also be used in light snow.
New Tires
When purchasing only two out of four tires, there is an additional factor to consider when you decide whether you replace the front or the rear tires. Meineke Car Care Center recommends replacing the rear tires instead of the front because rear tires that are worn down in comparison to the front can cause the back of the vehicle to slide if they lose grip on wet roads. By replacing the rear tires, there is more hydroplaning resistance.
Tire Inflation
Make sure your tires are properly inflated at all times. Correctly inflated tires minimize tread wear and optimize the amount of tire surface that touches the road, providing for better road handling. Knowing how much to inflate your tires is easy – the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) is printed right on the sidewall of the tire. Tire pressure should be measured when the tires are warm, so drive around a bit before you check the pressure.
Savings Pass
As a Plymouth Rock customer you’ll receive our exclusive Savings Pass which offers a variety of auto-related discounts on tires, oil changes, accessories, car rentals and more from well-known retailers like Sullivan Tire and Auto Service, Meineke Car Care Center, and Sears Auto Center. Now, that’s more than just insurance!