Schlepping around in your beat-up Nikes may be comfortable, but after a while those worn-out sneakers will cause you to slip on sidewalks.
So, if you think of tires as ‘shoes’ for your car, you’ll understand how uneven treads, over- or underinflation, even flat spots can very well affect the car’s operation on roadways. Overinflated tires are dangerous because you can lose control of your car. Underinflated tires waste fuel. In both cases, your tires will wear out quickly.
During this time of limited travel, AAA Northeast urges drivers to tread light on old tires and provides these tips:
- Check your tire pressure regularly with a tire gauge, ideally once a week including the spare. Pressure checks should be performed when tires are cold, not after a drive. Find the proper inflation pressure in your vehicle manual or on the placard on the driver side pillar.
- Rotate your tires according to the manufacturer’s recommendation; check for even wear to catch any alignment issues early.
- Examine the tread – the ridges on your tires — including on the spare. Look for uneven wear or cupping. Uneven tire wear indicates alignment, wheel balance or suspension issues that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage. You can use a coin or special tool to determine proper tread depth of at least 2/32nd of an inch. Place a coin in the tread upside down: if you can see the president’s head, your tread is inadequate. Check various spots along the ridge. If you notice unusual wear, visit a trusted AAA approved auto repair facility to immediate assistance.
- Connecticut gas stations with installed air pressure units are required by law to offer free air – even if they have signs indicating payment. Ask the attendant to turn on the air unit for you when you need air. If an air unit doesn’t have a gauge, you’ll have to check the pressure using your own handheld digital or analog gauge. For some pumps, you can set the PSI and it’ll automatically turn off when the proper amount of pressure is in the tires.
For more information on tire care and all things automotive, visit www.aaa.com/cardoctor; or www.aaa.com/automotive.