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Ensuring Road Safety: A Tire Manufacturer's Perspective on National Tire Safety Week

Introduction

It’s National Tire Safety Week, which means it’s the perfect time to discuss how many licks it takes to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. Okay fine we're talking about tire safety. But we like to remind people that tires are the only thing connecting your vehicle to the road. They’re the unsung heroes that bear the weight of our cars, trucks, SUVs, and crossovers, ensuring smooth rides and keeping us safe on the road. In this blog post, we aim to emphasize the significance of tire maintenance and offer up some valuable insights from our perspective as a tire manufacturer.

1. Regular Inspections: Kick Your Tires Every Once in a While

Regular tire inspections are the foundation of tire safety. Not all tire issues will be noticed by feel alone, so it’s a good idea to visually inspect your tires regularly for signs of wear and tear – such as cuts, bulges, or uneven tread wear. In addition to visual inspections, be sure to check your tire pressure at least once a month. Underinflated or overinflated tires are not only unsafe, but can also compromise fuel efficiency.

2. Proper Inflation: Balancing Safety and Performance

Tire inflation is always a hot topic for us. Both underinflated and overinflated tires, for different reasons, can reduce fuel efficiency, cause premature wear, and increase the risk of experiencing a blowout. This is why we suggest you consult your vehicle's owner's manual or the placard located on the driver's door jamb to find the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle. Remember to check the pressure when the tires are cold, as heat generated during driving can affect readings.

Pro Tip: This is a great resource if you’ve replaced your original tires with a different size tire altogether (i.e. upsizing your tires) - https://tiresize.com/pressure-calculator/.

3. Tire Rotation: Promoting Even Wear

Uneven tire wear is a common issue that can impact the safety, performance, and longevity of your tires. Regular tire rotation is essential to ensure even wear across all tires. We typically recommend drivers rotate their tires with every oil change, which is roughly every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or as advised by your vehicle manufacturer. This will maximize tire life and enhance overall safety by maintaining consistent traction and handling characteristics.

Credit: The Dirthead Shed on YouTube

4. Choosing the Right Tires: What’s Best for You and Your Vehicle

Not all tires are created equal, and choosing the right ones for your vehicle is crucial. Of course we’d like you to purchase a set of Falkens, but our main goal here is to make sure you choose the right tires for you and your vehicle. When it's time for replacement, consider factors such as climate, driving conditions, and vehicle specifications. Consult with a trusted tire dealer or refer to your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations to identify the most suitable tires for your needs. Higher-quality tires will not only last longer, they’ll deliver increased safety over the lower quality models. However, just because a tire is the most expensive doesn’t mean it’s the best performer. Do a bit of digging, read some reviews, and find the right tire for you.

Pro Tip: Find an online forum where people discuss your exact vehicle and what’s worked for them as far as replacement tires go. A tire can have great reviews, but different tires work well with different vehicle types. It’s possible the most expensive replacement product wasn’t a great fit for the RAV4, for example. Do a bit of specified research and you’ll find a ton of value.

Conclusion

As we celebrate National Tire Safety Week, we really want to highlight the role tires play in keeping all of us safe. From regular inspections to proper inflation and rotation, each step we take to care for our tires contributes to safer journeys. As a tire manufacturer, we encourage all drivers to prioritize tire maintenance and make informed decisions when buying a new set. By spending just a few minutes focusing on tire safety, we can collectively make an impact on road safety and protect ourselves, our passengers, and others on the road.

Learn More at www.ustires.org/safety