Why Proper Tire Maintenance Is Vital to Your Vehicle’s Safety
Going to a car repair shop for regular tire care is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your vehicle’s overall safety and drivability. Proper tire maintenance can also help to ensure that your gas mileage is not being robbed by worn or underinflated tires. Read on to explore three aspects of tire maintenance and how they affect your car’s overall safety.
Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure increases the amount of heat in your tires, reducing your vehicle’s traction and decreasing your ability to bring your vehicle to a complete stop. Underinflated tires are also not as stiff as properly inflated tires, so they are less effective at cornering. Low tire inflation also increases the chances of experiencing a tire blowout or a flat tire, both of which can be extremely unsafe, especially if you are driving at highway speeds.
Age
Older tires, even if they haven’t been driven more than a few thousand miles per year, are more likely to fall apart than tires with new rubber. This is because tires begin to crack as the result of sun damage and other weathering effects, revealing exposed wire and steel belts and causing sidewall separation. If your tires are approaching six years old, it’s time to replace them no matter how much tread they have left.
Uneven or Excessive Tread Wear
Tires with low tread or uneven tread provide dangerously low traction on slippery road surfaces and increase your chances of hydroplaning. Additionally, tires with uneven or low wear are more likely to blow out. As well as being a major safety hazard, a tire blow out can damage your wheels and require expensive repair service before you can get back on the road.
To get the tire maintenance that your car needs, head to Michael J’s Body Shop in San Jose. We’ve been serving the Bay Area for over 20 years and are happy to answer your questions about automotive maintenance or auto body repair. Call us at 408-279-2070 or visit our website to learn more about our services.