TireWise – A Tire Safety Tool
Safety is the number one priority at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). As such, the agency creates tools that help drivers avoid being involved in vehicle accidents. One such tool, TireWise, is a resource to help consumers make smart decisions with regard to the safety of the tires on their car or truck and to provide information as to what to look for when they are in the market for a new set of tires.
Being “TireWise” is an essential part of safe driving. When driving, tires are the only thing between you and the pavement. TireWise gives drivers information about buying tires, reading tire labels, conducting maintenance, and watching fuel efficiency. The program is also a resource for tire retailers, manufacturers, and other partners to provide consumers with essential information related to choosing new tires and maintaining the life of their current tires.
It’s a Good Time for Tire Maintenance
As we head into winter, and with many of us are still working from home and thus driving less, the NHTSA urges drivers to take the time now to make sure their tires are in good repair. Tires are one of the most important, but many times overlooked, aspects of vehicular safety. Tire neglect can be a very costly, even dangerous, mistake.
Proper Tire Inflation Saves Money
The NHTSA estimates that only about 20% of drivers inflate their tires to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Underinflation leads to increased fuel consumption. Properly inflating your tires can save about 10 cents per gallon of gas. When driving regularly, the average person purchases hundreds of gallons of gas per year. Properly inflated tires can save significant money in the long run.
Another important cost-saving measure is having your tires aligned, rotated, and balanced on a regular schedule. This will lengthen the lifespan of your tires.
Five Tire Maintenance Tips
The NHTSA offers these tire maintenance tips to keep your family safer on the roads:
- Pay Attention to Tire Pressure. Check your tire pressure monthly. To perform this task, wait until your vehicle has had a chance to sit for at least three hours after a drive, as the tires need to be “cold” to get a proper pressure reading. Check the edge of your driver’s side door for a sticker that indicates the “Tire and Loading Information” for your particular vehicle. The information will also be within your vehicle owner’s manual. Using a tire pressure gauge, inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Checking your tire pressure on a monthly basis is a good idea even if your vehicle is equipped with a low-pressure alert on the dashboard.
- Watch the Tire Tread. This can be done at the same time you check tire pressure. Treadwear indicators – raised sections that interweave between the tires’ threads – are a feature of modern tires. When those raised sections have been eroded to the same level as the tire tread, it is time to get new tires.
- Maintain Proper Alignment and Balance. It is important to take your vehicle to a professional technician to have your tires balanced and aligned. Most manufacturers recommend doing this after every 7,000 miles driven. Proper alignment and balance ensure that your wheels do not vibrate, and keeps your vehicle from veering to one side or the other. This can lead to a longer life for your tires.
- If Necessary, Have Your Tires Rotated. Not all vehicles require tire rotation, but if yours does, tire rotation can extend your tires’ lifespan by reducing irregularities in tread wear.
- Use the Proper Tire Size. When you do need to purchase new tires, be sure you get the size recommended by the auto manufacturer. This information can be found in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s side tire label. Additionally, tire retailers will be able to check a database to determine which size is right for your vehicle’s make and model.
Watch the YouTube Video. This short video from Discount Tire reviews the numbers you should know for tire maintenance.
Citrus Heights Personal Injury Lawyer
Thank you for reading. I’m Ed Smith, a personal injury lawyer in Citrus Heights, California. When driver negligence leads to an accident on the roads, a skilled car accident lawyer can help. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another person’s carelessness, call my office to receive free and friendly advice from one of our case managers or injury attorneys. Our local phone number is (916) 921-6400, and (800) 404-5400 is our toll-free line. If you prefer, you may also complete our online form.
Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/car-tire-car-hubcap-auto-tire-1031579/
mm llo [cs 773]