Tire Town Celebrates Tire Safety Month!
June is National Tire Safety Month and it’s arrived not a moment too soon! According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, only about 19% of consumers properly check and inflate their tires. That’s a scary number considering 738 people died in 2017 due to tire-related crashes.
If you’re reading this, chances are you live in the Greater New Orleans area, and that means trouble for car owners. The roads are hazardous and riddled with potholes and the sun, compounded by the intense summer heat, can cause premature rubber erosion.
Although a low tread is one of the most common reasons people have their tires replaced, there are still plenty of other things to look out for, such as underinflation, wear and tear and date of manufacture. If your tire is too old, it has probably degraded over time. The process of tire deterioration is called dry rot, which is especially dangerous because the breakdown of oils and chemicals causes the rubber to lose flexibility and become more brittle. Thankfully, there are a few questions you can ask to help you determine if it’s time to get your tires replaced:
Have you checked your tire pressure in the last month? (When checking tire pressure, make sure you’re also checking your spare tire!)
Have you inspected your tire for uneven wear, cracks or leaks? Pro Tip: Checking your tires for wear is easy if you have a penny! Place the penny, head towards you and facing down, in the groove of your tire. If you can see Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tire!
Do your valve stems have caps?
Have you checked your tires for proper size, speed rating and load range?
Are your tires 10 years or older from date of their manufacture?
Did you check the manual for maximum load capacity for your tires?
Have your tires been properly balanced and rotated within the last 5-6 thousand miles?
If your answer is “No” or “I’m Not Sure” to any of these questions, it’s probably time to let a professional look at your tires. And, when buying new tires, it’s important to make sure you’re buying the same size as your last set. Our friendly Tire Town technicians will help you find the right tires for your car.
Statistically, one in four cars has at least one underinflated tire, even though it’s suggested that motorists get their tires inspected annually. Don’t be a negative statistic! Make the most of your summer vacation by equipping your car with great tires that have been inspected by professionals. Before your next road trip, check your tires.
To do our part in keeping the roads safe and your vehicle in excellent condition, Tire Town Auto Service is running a Tire Safety Promotion from June 24th to June 30th. Buy TWO tires and get the second tire 25% off or buy THREE tires and get the FOURTH tire free! This special only lasts as long as tires are in stock, so hurry in (but don’t speed) and get your new tires today!
For more Tire Town Safety Tips, check out our L’Observateur article on road safety!
