A long road trip might be relaxing and exciting to some, but the distance can take a toll on a car’s performance. This is why maintenance is critical. Apart from checking fluid levels and ensuring the clutch and brakes are working properly, you need to know if your tires can last the journey. Considering they’re the most abused components, an accident is more likely if you overlook effective tire care.
Here’s a guide to help you keep your tires in tip-top shape for an easier and safer road trip!
Table of Contents
1. Choose the right set of tires
Tires are designed to withstand high speeds and heavy loads, but not all brands and models are built for long road trips spanning days. Especially if you’re driving along rough roads and entering areas with extreme weather, it’s important to make sure you’re using the right set with the right tread patterns.
If you’re expecting rugged terrain along the way, consider tires that offer better grip, such as all-terrain tires that do well on dusty and slippery roads. On the other hand, high-speed roads require touring tires with wide treads that allow for better stability at top speeds. So, when choosing tires, consider the places you will be driving through.
2. Make sure to get the optimal pressure
Tire pressure is critical to avoiding a blowout in the middle of the road. You wouldn’t want to set it too high or too low, which will reduce your vehicle’s performance. Unless you have a tire monitoring system pre-installed in your vehicle, you may want to check your tires manually by feeling them when your vehicle has been idle for more than two hours.
In case you don’t know the optimal pressure to opt for, refer to the manufacturer’s manual or check the driver’s side door of your vehicle. It also pays to have an air compressor in your garage. If you’re going on frequent road trips, check out portable ARB air compressors so you won’t have to take your vehicle to a mechanic just to get your tires checked and properly inflated in the middle of your journey.
3. Pack only what’s necessary
Loading is a major factor causing tires to wear out sooner. This won’t be a problem if your vehicle is an off-road pickup truck with tires that can carry more than a thousand pounds. But if your vehicle isn’t meant for such loading, then you might want to avoid adding unnecessary weight.
No matter the number of miles you will be traveling, it’s always a good idea to pack light to prevent overloading and cause your tires to lose pressure. What’s more, too much weight could impact handling and fuel efficiency even if things go well and your tires stay intact throughout the trip.
4. Determine if a replacement is needed
With utmost care, standard tires could last for up to 40,000 miles. They could even last up to six years, but don’t get too confident and think that they’re still good for a long road trip. Tires will enter a phase when the material gives way and the rubber starts to thin out.
You will know this when you conduct a penny test by inserting a penny into the tread with Abraham Lincoln’s head turned upside down. If you see Lincoln’s head in full, consider replacing the tire with a new one. The sooner you do this, the better.
Before making any road trip plans this year, make sure to check your tires first for a smoother and accident-free ride!
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