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Why Do Tires Wear Out Quickly on A Road Trip?

Closeup of tire clamped with aligner undergoing auto wheel align

There are few things better in the world than enjoying the open road as you jump from town to town and see the beautiful countryside, but there is nothing worse than having a flat in the middle of nowhere, hours away from the city. There are many factors that lead to flat tires along the road such as the size of the tires on the vehicle, the air pressure, and unmaintained roads with potholes. If you are planning a major road trip, you must consider several precautions before you hit the road. You must check your tires’ air pressure, alignment, and regularly inspect the wheels each time you stop for gas.

Here are some tips for you

Road Trip

Before you take to the road you must inspect your vehicle and make sure it is fit for the adventure. Get on the ground level and thoroughly inspect every inch of the tire for cracks, bulging, and debris stuck in the tire. You must also ensure that the car has enough tread to maintain traction on the road. If your tire has less than 1/16th of an inch of tread, then it’s time to replace your tires.

Maintain proper air pressure

Maintain proper air pressure

Air pressure is extremely important to maintaining a safe vehicle. Tires that are not inflated properly will have more unwanted stress which will create small cracks that spread very quickly and compromise the integrity of the tire. Tires lose about 1 pound per square inch of pressure each month; and, if you don’t check your tires throughout the year, they will go flat and unsafe to use. It’s important to regularly check your tire pressure during cold seasons, because low temperature will decrease the tire pressure.

Mind car tire alignment for a safe trip

Closeup of tire clamped with aligner undergoing auto wheel align

Any bump you hit in the road will cause damage to your car’s alignment that will affect the wear on the tires. This wear can be easy to spot, and severe alignment issues can cause rubbing on the tire that quickly whittles away at the tires. You should have your car’s alignment checked at least twice a year, and always before a long road trip. These small problems create lasting headaches that damage your car and make it run less efficiently, which ultimately costs you money. An alignment will allow you to drive in a straight line and will keep your family safe on its adventure.

Once you’re on the road, you must regularly inspect your car every time you stop for gas. Ideally, your car won’t require such extensive inspections each time you stop, but you should walk around your car and check for visible signs of damage and under inflated tires. It’s also good to know that your tires are designed to last long, but a road trip might push your tire beyond their limit. If you encounter a bumpy, filthy stretch of road littered with potholes, you should pull over when it’s safe and perform a visual inspection.

Article Submitted By Community Writer

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