{"id":2259,"date":"2024-10-09T01:50:07","date_gmt":"2024-10-09T08:50:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.tires-easy.com\/blog\/?p=2259---0d256228-7183-4ccd-b2e7-90b9712c68af"},"modified":"2025-08-01T00:54:29","modified_gmt":"2025-08-01T07:54:29","slug":"tire-safety-check","status":"publish","type":null,"link":"https:\/\/www.tires-easy.com\/blog\/tire-safety-check\/","title":null,"content":{"rendered":"Reading Time: <\/span> 6<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>

Quick and Effective Tire Safety Inspection Guide<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

Many parts of the U.S. will soon be hit by winter weather, so now is the time to learn how to do a tire safety check. A quick review of the air pressure and a visual inspection of the tread and sidewall of the tire are proactive steps to avoid a blowout. This blog will guide you through a simple tire safety check to ensure your tires are in top shape.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tire Safety Check in 4 Easy Steps<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Ensuring your tires are safe is essential for a worry-free ride. In four easy steps, you can learn how to check your tires and secure your journeys. Let’s get started on the road to tire safety!<\/span><\/p>\n

1) Do a visual inspection of the tires. Things to look for :<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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  • Damage to tire sidewall:<\/strong> This could be in the form of chunks of missing rubber, deep abrasions from hitting curbs, or a bulge in the sidewall. A lump in the sidewall is likely related to a broken cord inside the tire. This severe condition will almost certainly lead to tire failure\u2014any chunking larger than a dime or abrasion that has exposed the textile cords warrants further inspection. Larger cracks may indicate hitting a curb or an impact with a road hazard. All these conditions can be assessed at a tire dealership or auto service center to determine the damage’s severity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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    • Worn tire tread:<\/strong> No tire safety check is complete without measuring the impression. All tires have a bar in the grooves molded to a height of 2\/32nds of an inch. If this bridge in the track is level with the top of the tread, you know it is time to change your tires. You can also measure the depth of the way using a penny. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then the tire is due to be replaced.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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      • Check the tread for areas<\/strong> that are worn unevenly. This could signify mechanical issues such as worn suspension parts or wheel misalignment. Irregular wear is more common on the front tires. To inspect the tread, turn the steering wheel to one side to see the entire track surface and see if there is a wear pattern like the one on the left. It would be best to have your tires rotated and the vehicle inspected for mechanical issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        2) Check the air pressure in all four tires. Adjust as needed :<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

        Regular inflation pressure checks:<\/strong> This is an often neglected but essential part of any tire safety check. Most late-model vehicles have tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS for short). These systems alert you to low tire air pressure via dashboard indicator lights. If this happens, check the tires immediately, including the spare tire.<\/span><\/p>\n

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        An inexpensive, stick-style pressure gauge like the one on the right should be kept in the vehicle and used periodically. This is a good idea even if you have TPMS. The indicator will not alert you if the tires are overinflated. Tires should be checked after a few miles of travel when they are warm. This is particularly important if the ambient temperature is below 40 degrees.<\/span><\/p>\n

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        Compared to the recommended inflation:<\/strong> This information can always be found on the vehicle placard inside the driver’s door. Usually, there is one pressure for all four wheel positions, but occasionally, the vehicle manufacturer recommends different stress on the front and rear axles.<\/span><\/p>\n

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        Adjust tire air pressure as needed:<\/strong> If it is too high, air pressure can be bled out of the tire using the backside of most pressure gauges. You can also insert the top of the valve cap into the valve stem. If the pressure in the tire is too low, most tire dealers or auto service centers will top up your air at no charge. Be sure not to overfill the tires. The tires will perform best and last the longest at the recommended air pressure.<\/span><\/p>\n

        3) Use the recommended tires for your vehicle and weather:<\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
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        • Tire size and speed rating<\/strong>: If you are not the vehicle’s original owner, it is a good idea to check that the correct size was installed. You also want to ensure the tire has the right service description (load and speed rating). The guide on the left makes it easy to find the size and load rating on the side of your tire. Once you have noted the tire information, you can compare it to the tire size and specifications on the placard.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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          • If the wheels were changed for a larger size (often done for a sportier look), the air pressure recommendation remains the same. The speed rating and load capacity should always equal or exceed the original tire. Even if you never intend to travel at the maximum speed, a lower speed rating impacts how the vehicle handles at all speeds.<\/span><\/li>\n
          • For example<\/strong>, a vehicle designed for V-rated performance tires equipped with T-rated replacement tires would have degraded handling. It would also not break and would be less responsive to steering input. This is particularly problematic in winter driving conditions like heavy rain, snow, and ice. Watch this short video for a full explanation of how to read the size off the side of the tire.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n