WICHITA – AAA Kansas is encouraging motorists to use President’s Day – and George Washington’s head – to check their tires, reducing risks on the road, including the potential damage to their tires and vehicles caused by potholes.
Regularly checking tire pressure and tread depth are the two checks AAA says can help motorists keep tires in optimal condition.
“The two most important tire safety checks – a pressure reading and tread depth measurement – are very simple to do,” according to Shawn Steward, spokesman for AAA Kansas. “If motorists spend about two minutes on each tire, they will keep their tires at peak performance.”
Here’s where George Washington comes in.
Checking tire tread depth
Measure tread depth with a quarter. When the top of Washington's head is exposed (see photo, it’s time to start shopping for new tires.
Another simple way to check tire tread health is using the tread wear indicators ("wear bars", which are found at the base of the main tread grooves and are equally spaced around the tire. When you see your tire tread getting close to the depth of these wear bars, the tire is worn out and it's time to replace the tire. AAA recommends that tires are replaced when tread reaches 4/32”. Waiting until the tread reaches the “wear bar” is too late.
Checking tire pressure
Use a quality gauge to check tire pressure.
For proper results, make sure tires are cold.
Look for the recommended air pressure in the vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the tire information decal located inside the driver’s side door or in the glove compartment. (NOTE: The number molded into the tire sidewall is not recommended for normal operating condition; this specification is for a tire that is carrying its maximum rated payload.)
AAA reminds motorists not to forget to also periodically check the air in your spare tire, so it’s road ready in case of an emergency.
“Under-inflated tires can cause driving hazards and severely decrease the life of your tires,” said AAA Kansas’ Steward. “Worn tires are a significant safety risk due to lack of traction and the threat of tire failure, so they should be replaced immediately.”
AAA testing has shown that tires with only half of their tread depth can take up six feet longer to stop from 40 miles-per-hour on a wet surface, even with the anti-lock braking system engaged.
AAA Kansas offers the following maintenance tips to extend tire life:
Recognize Noises/Vibrations– February can be notorious for potholes. A hard pothole impact can dislodge wheel weights, damage a tire or wheel, and bend or even break suspension components. Any new or unusual noises or vibrations that appear after hitting a pothole should be inspected immediately by a certified technician.
Alignment– Check the alignment every six months. Potholes and road imperfections can cause alignment adjustments to change. Large potholes are also known for damaging tires and rims.
Rotation– A four-wheel tire rotation is recommended by most tire manufacturers after every 6,000 miles. Rotating tires every other oil change is an easy way to keep track of this service.
Inspection– Inspect tires when checking tire pressure. Inspect tire tread for wear, damage, or heavy cracking. Inspect sidewalls for cracks, cuts, bulges, bubbles, and slices. Any damage to the sidewall would render the tire unsafe. Blemishes from tire manufacturing, one or more indentations in the sidewall from tire assembly, or scrapes/bruises from light curb rubs are not major issues. Have any noticeable damage to the tire inspected by a trained professional as soon as possible.
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to 60 million members nationwide and nearly 349,000 members in Kansas. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, non-profit corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.AAA.com.