How are your tires holding up? If you haven’t replaced them lately you might want to drop by your local repair shop for a check-up. Winter isn’t getting any easier, after all, and a quality pair of used tires will go a long way in keeping you safe and your car in good shape every time you’re out on the open road. Retreating, inflating and winter models are all par for the course when it comes to keeping your car’s health in top shape. If you’re a little out of practice, never fear — below are the top five things you should know before you invest in a new set of used tires.
Tire Alignment And Adjustment
How familiar are you with the necessities of tire alignment? This is one of the lesser-known aspects of maintaining good tires, frequently forgotten by many a car owner when seeking out inflation or replacement. Experts recommend you check your tire alignment at least once every 6,000 miles or when you have your oil changed. Tire alignment is necessary to make sure all tires are receiving the same amount of pressure while you’re driving. Uneven pressure can lead to a host of problems such as under-inflation and even popping if left unchecked!
Tire Inflation And Check-Ups
Think your used tires look ready to go? Think again! Studies have shown tires under-inflated by up to 50% can still appear to be fully inflated to the naked eye, leading to many misdiagnosed tires when brought into the shop. Under-inflation results in everything from unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, a significant loss of control (made even worse by the winter season), wasted money and an increased risk for car accidents. Inflating your tires takes no time at all and is an essential part of your car’s health.
Tire Tread And Stability
Feel like your brakes aren’t working like they used to? How about your handling? Your tires may be lacking the tread they once had. Experts generally suggest you replace your tires’ tread after they’ve worn down to 6/32nds of an inch to be on the safe side, particularly during winter when roads are slick, icy and generally unreliable. Used tires are not only affordable but offer a similar amount of quality, perfect for those on a budget that still want to upgrade their car on a regular basis. If you noticed certain tires being worn out faster than others you may also need to consider tire rotation — similar to tire alignment this is done to make sure each tire is receiving an equal amount of pressure at all times.
Car Insurance And Tips
Want to save a little more money? Depending on your provider you can save up to 5% off on your car insurance premium for equipping all four winter tires. Some providers also offer discounts for regular safe driving, that of which is far easier to do when your car is in good shape. A study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (shortened to NHTSA) found that vehicles driving on tires that were under-inflated by a mere 25% were nearly three times more likely to be involved in a car crash.
Getting Your Car A Check-Up
Neglecting to keep your vehicles properly maintained costs the American economy a stunning $2 billion every year in damages, injuries and lawsuits. Are you ready to be part of the positive change? It all starts with taking your car for a check-up on a routine basis. Your tire tread should be strong and able to provide enough grip no matter the season, while tire alignment and rotation is necessary to make sure your used tires don’t wear out unnecessarily. Last, but not least, you can even save money by visiting tire companies and getting your winter tires installed as soon as possible. Taking care of your car may feel like a chore, but it’s a must to stay safe!
