Put a Penny in your Tire!

As we bid another bone chilling February adieu, we welcome in the fresh spring air, basketball madness, and Girl Scout cookies of March. Although the ice and snow have left (fingers crossed) there are still some potential road discrepancies that drivers need to be conscious of to assert road safety.

We can expect plenty of cloudy days and nightly showers this month; hence we can expect to combat wet roads. One of the most important things to be mindful of during the rainy season is the tread and overall condition of your tires. Be aware of how your car alerts you of tire issues, or whether or not it does so at all. If your tires look low, you can find the manufacturers recommended tire pressure for your car on a sticker in the door jam or in your owner’s manual. If you don’t have any indication, the optimum pressure is normally between 30-35 psi.

Another imperative thing to be mindful of is the tread of your tires. Without proper tire tread, your car is much more liable to slide out of control on slick roads. An easy way to check this is to simply insert a penny into the groove of your tire with Lincolns head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincolns head, your tread is dangerously low and your tires should be replaced for optimum control on the road.

A key note for this season that’s just as important as tire quality is the effectiveness of your brakes. Working brakes are an imperative aspect of your car during any season, particularly so when road conditions vary day to day.  Brake wear is considered an indeterminate science because it varies between different vehicles, driving styles, and your general road conditions. Your brakes can last up to 70,000 miles, yet could need to be replaced as soon as 25,000 miles. Be nice to your brakes; gradually come to a stop whenever possible and refrain from holding your brakes for extended periods of time. If you feel your car jerking or can hear a squealing sound as your braking, it could be time to have them replaced.

Be mindful of your cars condition and the cues your car gives you so you can always maintain control on the road and ensure safe travels. It’s also up to you, dear driver, to watch the road and practice safe driving habits. 

Beware the Pothole

We’re all too familiar with the danger of potholes around here. After the continuous freezing and thawing of water under the road; the pavement weakens, causing cracks that will be worn down and corroded into potholes. Deep cracks and potholes can cause serious damage to your car- some of them comparable to an accident at 35 mph. In addition to damage to the tire itself, a pothole can cause further damage to your car if your tires are over or under inflated.

If you frequently find yourself driving over potholes, your car could be due for an alignment. Luckily, there are a couple of easy ways you can check the alignment of your car. Things to look for include; uneven tread wear, your vehicle pulling to the left or right, an off center steering wheel when driving straight, or peculiar steering wheel vibration. 

Getting your tires aligned can help your tires perform properly and help them last longer. It also improves handling and keeps your car from veering off to the side or vibrating strangely on the road. If you don’t have any immediate concerns, simply have it checked every 6,000 miles or so, give or take depending on your daily driving conditions.