Automakers have introduced a number of safety innovations in recent years. Blind spot detection sensors, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings were all developed to help prevent crashes, and subsequently save lives.
Tire pressure monitors are another safety feature that enhance vehicle safety by alerting the drivers when a tire needs air. Driving on tires that have less than the manufacturers’ recommended pressure can cause more of the tire surface being in contact with the road. This lead to increased heat and a separation of the tire’s composition. When the materials separate, a dangerous blowout can occur.
Driving on worn or “bald” tires is also dangerous. As the tread of a tire wears away, the tires gradually lose their grip on the road surface. This lose of traction reduces the driver’s control of the vehicle and cause a collision.
While vehicles have numerous safety features such as Mazda’s traction control, dynamic stability and side-impact door beams, one of most basic safety feature is to have good tires on your vehicle. There are ways to determine if your tires need to be replaced.
Placing a quarter or penny between the tire tread can indicate tread life on your tires. If the top of the image’s head can be seen, the treads are too worn for the vehicle to be drives safely. Replace the tires as soon as possible.
Tires are manufactured with built-in wear bars. These rubber bars are placed perpendicular to the tire treads. When tires are new or have significant tread remaining, the wear bars can barely be seen. They progressively become more visible as the tire treads wear down. When a visual inspection reveals the wear bars have become even with the tire tread, the tires should be replaced.
While a tire may not be showing significant wear, drivers should be mindful of the tires age. Most vehicle manufacturers suggest replacing tires after six years of use while tire makers recommend buying new tires after ten years if no other signs of excessive wear are present. Tire lifespan can be shortened if the vehicle is most driven in very warm climates.
While the treads are an important part of the visual tire inspection, attention should be paid to the sidewalls of the tires. Age and exposure to the elements can cause the walls of a tire to dry and crack. These cracks can eventually weaken the tires and lead to a blowout. If these cracks are vehicle to the naked eye, the tires should be replaced.
Any sort of blister-like bulges may indicate a weak spot in the wall of the tire. Such a bump usually indicates a separation in the tire material and can cause a sudden, dangerous tire blowout.
Vibrations in the car can be normal when driving over rough surfaces. If this happens on different road surfaces, it could indicate a problem with the tires or another component of the vehicle. Even if the tires are fine, such a malfunction may cause the tires to wear prematurely or develop other defects. Any sort of vibration should be checked immediately.
Driver living in or near Chesapeake, Virginia may visit Cavalier Mazda for any tire work they may need. Cavalier can repair tires, complete alignments and rotate tires according to manufacturers’ recommended intervals. You can also purchase new tires to help keep you vehicle in peak operating condition.
Caviler Mazda is located at 1552 South Military Highway in Chesapeake.
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