Check the Tires Before Your Trip

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):

• There were 738 total motor vehicle traffic fatalities in 2017 due to tire-related crashes. 
• Properly inflating your tires can save you as much as 11 cents per gallon on fuel. 
• Despite this, only 19 percent of consumers properly inflate their tires. 
• Additional proper tire maintenance, such as rotation, balance, and alignment, can help your tires last longer, which will, in turn, save you money. 
• Properly inflated tires can extend the average life of a tire by 4,700 miles.

Driving on bad tires is quite dangerous. If you are involved in an automobile accident during the holiday season, contact a Florida accident lawyer at Searcy Denney for a free consultation.

Tips for Keeping Your Tires Safe for Travel

Performing a few simple tire maintenance tasks can make a world of difference for you and your family’s safety. Before you take off for your vacation, be sure to:

• Visually Inspect All of Your Tires. Look for cuts, cracks, or splits in the tread and sidewalls. Also, check for bumps or bulges, which could mean separation within the tire body.

• Check Your Tires’ Tread. Tires should have at least 2/32-inch tread depth. Use a tread depth gauge, or check the old-fashioned way: Insert a penny into each tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tire needs to be replaced. Check for uneven wear, such as one-sided wear and flat spots.

• Check Your Tires’ Air Pressure. Driving on tires with improper inflation pressure is dangerous and can very quickly damage your tires. Improper inflation can also affect your vehicle’s ride, handling, and fuel economy. Most modern vehicles have automated sensors that alert you when your tire pressure is low. Not only should each tire be fully inflated, but they should be evenly inflated as well.

• Rotate Your Tires. Before taking off for the holidays, rotate your vehicle’s tires. As recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, rotating your tires regularly or every 5,000 miles promotes even tread wear.

• Avoid Overpacking. A heavy vehicle puts added pressure on your tires and makes your vehicle sluggish and more challenging to drive. Every vehicle has a Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) that specifies the maximum total weight rating of the vehicle, passengers, and cargo that it can carry. 

Contact a Florida Accident Lawyer for More Information

Quite literally, everything rides on your tires. Keeping your tires properly maintained is critical for safe driving, particularly during the holidays when the family vehicle is tightly packed, and the whole family is riding along. If you get hurt in an accident over the holidays, contact a Florida accident lawyer at Searcy Denney. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. If you need our help, contact us online today.