Blow Outs And Tires Keeping You And Your Car Safe
National Tire Safety Week may be over, but now that summer is here, ongoing tire maintenance is essential. Keeping tires properly inflated not only reduces the likelihood of a blowout, it also improves fuel economy and keeps them from wearing out. Blowouts are a scary reality, but as many as 80% are due to improperly inflated tires. Keeping an eye on the pressure gauge is a worthwhile routine to get into.
Checking pressure seasonally is recommended. Getting a good quality tire gauge is the second most important step in tire maintenance, after actually taking it out of the glove compartment once in a while to use it. In 2009, a law went into effect requiring new cars in the United States to have radio transponders in the wheels to let the onboard diagnostic systems alert the driver to any problems with tire pressure. Systems like this can be added to older cars for about $130 plus installation. A good digital or analog dial pressure gauge costs a mere $15-$20. The only way to get an accurate reading is off cold tires, preferably from ones that have been shaded as well.
Checking all 5 tires is a good habit to start, but getting access to a spare can be a hassle. Keeping a small cigarette lighter-powered air compressor to top up off a squishy spare is an inexpensive way to hedge against a pair of flat tires after a blowout or flat. At the very least, check all of the tires that touch the ground. Trucks and motorhomes should pay especially close attention to proper inflation, as under-inflation can lead to tire sidewalls rubbing. If you need to replace one or more, search at tirebuyer.com for tire deals.
Proper inflation
Keeping tires inflated to vehicle manufacturer recommendations, rather than the maximum pressure defined on the side of the tire, is the advised procedure. For those with upgraded tires or no appropriate manufacturer label in the car, be sure not to over inflate the tires. Over-inflating tires by 6 lbs. is just as bad as under-inflation by the same amount when it comes to blowouts. The late Hunter S. Thompson boasted of running his Cadillac tires at 75PSI in his book "The Great Shark Hunt," knowing full well he was playing with fate (again). Hard tires give less rolling resistance, but the unpleasant likelihood of having the entire tread rip off becomes higher. Using a 12v compressor is a time consuming way to top off tires, compared to the quick-fill systems at gas stations.
In short, stick to the manufacturer’s suggestions. Tire wear can be increased by 25% if these parameters are deviated from, meaning more expense in the form of replacement tires, not to mention the downtime from a blowout, breakdown or related accident. Check your tire's age. On the sides of the tires is the year that the tires were made. If you're unsure, take your car to your local garage and ask a mechanic to check for wear, and then get the tires properly inflated.
Something commonly misunderstood and overlooked are the tire valve caps — they aren’t there to keep air in, but instead to keep contamination out. Dirt can get into the air valve of the tire, causing it to lose its seal and leak. They are inexpensive to replace if missing, and are definitely worth having as spares. Sometimes they are even free at local tire shops.
Changing tires safely
Changing a tire is messy job, and a serious danger if done on a public road. Popular Mechanics has great tips for changing a tire. It’s not too hard, and it’s usually faster than calling for roadside assistance. While challenging, a few small investments beforehand can make the ordeal a lot easier, should one ever come up. Keeping Tyvek painter's overalls, some gloves, rags, a 12V air compressor and a flashlight in the trunk are all sound suggestions. A 4-way wrench greatly simplifies the lugnut interface, while reducing the work a single armed lug wrench would otherwise require. Always check the tire-changing procedure in the owner’s manual, as well. Modern unibody cars are designed to be lifted only at designated points on the chassis.
Blowouts aren’t the only concern for drivers to be aware of. Tire wear, even on properly inflated tires can cause problems. Tire rotations every few thousand miles ensures even wear across all 4 of the tires and prolongs the life of the tire set. Vehicle alignment is the critical factor in tread life, as any maladjustment places the massive forces of the vehicle unevenly upon the tire surface. Damaged tread can cause loss of control, especially on wet roads.
Here are four tips to managing your car tires maintenance:
Doublecheck proper tire pressure — Look in your vehicle owner’s manual for the correct specs on the right amount of air for your tires. In many cars, you can always check the label inside the car door sill.
Measure air pressure on cool tires — Hot weather conditions are not the best to check tire pressure. Make sure you check pressure when the air is cool and tires have not been rolling for a while.
Use a pressure gauge accurately — The right way to assess a tire's inflation is to use an air pressure gauge, which is available at any local auto supply store or your nearest car garage.
Maintain regular air pressure — Remind yourself to check your tire's air pressure every 3-4 weeks or so. Particularly in hot weather, you might want to check more frequently. Just a simple check with an air pressure gauge should do the trick to keep your mind at ease on proper inflation of your tires.
Checking pressure seasonally is recommended. Getting a good quality tire gauge is the second most important step in tire maintenance, after actually taking it out of the glove compartment once in a while to use it. In 2009, a law went into effect requiring new cars in the United States to have radio transponders in the wheels to let the onboard diagnostic systems alert the driver to any problems with tire pressure. Systems like this can be added to older cars for about $130 plus installation. A good digital or analog dial pressure gauge costs a mere $15-$20. The only way to get an accurate reading is off cold tires, preferably from ones that have been shaded as well.
Checking all 5 tires is a good habit to start, but getting access to a spare can be a hassle. Keeping a small cigarette lighter-powered air compressor to top up off a squishy spare is an inexpensive way to hedge against a pair of flat tires after a blowout or flat. At the very least, check all of the tires that touch the ground. Trucks and motorhomes should pay especially close attention to proper inflation, as under-inflation can lead to tire sidewalls rubbing. If you need to replace one or more, search at tirebuyer.com for tire deals.
Proper inflation
Keeping tires inflated to vehicle manufacturer recommendations, rather than the maximum pressure defined on the side of the tire, is the advised procedure. For those with upgraded tires or no appropriate manufacturer label in the car, be sure not to over inflate the tires. Over-inflating tires by 6 lbs. is just as bad as under-inflation by the same amount when it comes to blowouts. The late Hunter S. Thompson boasted of running his Cadillac tires at 75PSI in his book "The Great Shark Hunt," knowing full well he was playing with fate (again). Hard tires give less rolling resistance, but the unpleasant likelihood of having the entire tread rip off becomes higher. Using a 12v compressor is a time consuming way to top off tires, compared to the quick-fill systems at gas stations.
In short, stick to the manufacturer’s suggestions. Tire wear can be increased by 25% if these parameters are deviated from, meaning more expense in the form of replacement tires, not to mention the downtime from a blowout, breakdown or related accident. Check your tire's age. On the sides of the tires is the year that the tires were made. If you're unsure, take your car to your local garage and ask a mechanic to check for wear, and then get the tires properly inflated.
Something commonly misunderstood and overlooked are the tire valve caps — they aren’t there to keep air in, but instead to keep contamination out. Dirt can get into the air valve of the tire, causing it to lose its seal and leak. They are inexpensive to replace if missing, and are definitely worth having as spares. Sometimes they are even free at local tire shops.
Changing tires safely
Changing a tire is messy job, and a serious danger if done on a public road. Popular Mechanics has great tips for changing a tire. It’s not too hard, and it’s usually faster than calling for roadside assistance. While challenging, a few small investments beforehand can make the ordeal a lot easier, should one ever come up. Keeping Tyvek painter's overalls, some gloves, rags, a 12V air compressor and a flashlight in the trunk are all sound suggestions. A 4-way wrench greatly simplifies the lugnut interface, while reducing the work a single armed lug wrench would otherwise require. Always check the tire-changing procedure in the owner’s manual, as well. Modern unibody cars are designed to be lifted only at designated points on the chassis.
Blowouts aren’t the only concern for drivers to be aware of. Tire wear, even on properly inflated tires can cause problems. Tire rotations every few thousand miles ensures even wear across all 4 of the tires and prolongs the life of the tire set. Vehicle alignment is the critical factor in tread life, as any maladjustment places the massive forces of the vehicle unevenly upon the tire surface. Damaged tread can cause loss of control, especially on wet roads.
Here are four tips to managing your car tires maintenance:
Doublecheck proper tire pressure — Look in your vehicle owner’s manual for the correct specs on the right amount of air for your tires. In many cars, you can always check the label inside the car door sill.
Measure air pressure on cool tires — Hot weather conditions are not the best to check tire pressure. Make sure you check pressure when the air is cool and tires have not been rolling for a while.
Use a pressure gauge accurately — The right way to assess a tire's inflation is to use an air pressure gauge, which is available at any local auto supply store or your nearest car garage.
Maintain regular air pressure — Remind yourself to check your tire's air pressure every 3-4 weeks or so. Particularly in hot weather, you might want to check more frequently. Just a simple check with an air pressure gauge should do the trick to keep your mind at ease on proper inflation of your tires.
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