A flat tire is not only a hassle, but it also puts you and your passengers in danger. Your tires get a real workout, meaning they are one of the most vulnerable parts of your vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that flat tires and blowouts cause many dangerous and deadly car accidents across the USA every year. Thankfully, you can be proactive, practice safe driving, and reduce the risk of a flat or sudden blowout by doing the following:
Ensure proper tire inflation. Under-inflated tires are dangerous as more friction is created while you are driving, making the tires hotter and potentially leading to a dangerous blowout. Check the air pressure in your tires once a month. You can find the correct pressure rating in your vehicle’s manual. If you need help, a mechanic can assist you.
Check your treads. Your tires have what are called “wear bars.” These are visible marks between your tire treads. If the wear bars have worn to the same height as your treads, it is time to get new tires. If your treads appear to have uneven wear, you need to go to a mechanic to determine the cause. The most common problem is that your tires are out of alignment.
Rotate your tires. Tires wear unevenly, front and back, due to the weight and usage. They will last longer and be safer by rotating backs to fronts every six months. Make it part of your maintenance schedule and ask your mechanic to rotate your tires when you get an oil change.
Watch for any tire recalls. Many people don’t realize they are driving on tires that have been recalled. You can check for any recalls and even sign up for email alerts.
Avoid cone zones. Road construction zones are hard on tires. If you can circumvent road construction, do so. If you can’t then ensure you proceed at a much slower speed on uneven road surfaces to protect your tires and avoid a flat.
If you experience a sudden blowout that results in a collision, your auto insurance policy comes into play. You want to ensure you have adequate coverage and are protected, whether you or another driver was responsible. There are many reasons you could get a flat tire. It is worth reviewing the terms of your auto insurance policy on a yearly basis.
We focus on serving the people in our local community and helping them stay safe. Hopefully you will never need to access your auto insurance, but if you do, you want to have the right coverage. Call and speak with us about your auto insurance. We can answer all of your questions and help you find the policy that fits your budget.