When was the Last Time You Had Your Tires Checked?

Find out why it is essential to inspect your tires regularly and how this can save your life.

Your vehicle is made up of various parts that each play a very important role. Your engine allows your vehicle to run while your brakes allow it to stop. Your tires, on the other hand, serve as the foundation of your vehicle and allow it to drive on pavement and other surfaces. Without these parts, you wouldn’t be able to operate your vehicle. Given the fact that each part of your vehicle serves a purpose, it is important that you keep up with your maintenance checks and repair or replace anything that might be damaged, defective, or worn down.

Now, because we don’t always know when our engine is about to give out or if there is something wrong with our brakes, sometimes, unexpected problems arise. But the same doesn’t apply to your tires. The fact is, you have the ability to see your tires and inspect them thoroughly to ensure they are in good, working condition. However, far too many people neglect their tires or wear them down to the point that they pose as a hazard while driving. Did you know that in 2017, there were 738 motor vehicle traffic fatalities recorded as a result of tire-related crashes [Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration]?

Here are some other surprising facts the NHTSA has to offer that you may not have known about tires:

1. Only 19% of individuals properly check and inflate their tires.
2. One in four cars that are being driven today “have at least one tire that is significantly underinflated.”
3. Tires that are underinflated lower gas mileage by 0.3% for every one pound per square inch (psi) drop in pressure. While this might not seem significant, it can be when you drive each day and fail to inflate your tires resulting in the pressure continuing to drop.
4. Sunlight and heat can cause rubber breakdown so it is best to get your tires checked if you notice any signs of abnormal wear and tear.
5. When you keep your tires properly inflated, you can save up to $0.11 per gallon.

Based on the information provided above, it is evident that poorly maintained and underinflated tires not only make your commute more dangerous, but also costlier. So, here are a few things you can begin doing to ensure your ride is a smooth one and that you are taking all preventative measures to avoid a wreck.

1. Take your vehicle in to get serviced regularly. Depending on the type of vehicle you have will determine how often it needs to be taken in for service. The AAA Exchange shares some helpful information regarding how often cars need to be serviced so you are encouraged to read this at your earliest convenience.

1. Check your tire pressure every so often to ensure the psi levels are where they need to be. If you aren’t sure what your psi levels are, look inside your owner’s manual or on the sticker that is usually located on the inside of the driver’s door.

1. Check for tire recalls. There are times when defective tires are sold to the public and you need to know whether yours are affected by these. You can contact the company directly to find out whether a recall has been issued and also search the internet as this information is usually made public if issues have been detected or a recall has been issued.

1. Keep an eye out for aging tires. As much as we would like our tires to last forever, they don’t. Therefore, if you begin to notice that the tread depth in your tires is really starting to wear down, it might be time to replace the old ones with some safer and newer ones. To learn more about how to check your tire tread depth, visit Good Year Auto Service’s website.

While we have placed a great deal of emphasis on tires, the fact is, your entire vehicle does need to be inspected regularly, especially when you notice it isn’t running properly or you hear a strange noise.  Not only can this help save you money by getting the problem addressed early on, but it can also help alleviate you running into auto problems while you are driving which ultimately can lead up to a wreck occurring.

If you have been involved in a car wreck in Nashville, TN and have a few questions only a skilled and experienced Nashville accident lawyer can answer, then contact the Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. today. We would be happy to address any concerns you might have and even explain how we can help you get through this unfortunate and confusing time in your life.

The Law Office of George R. Fusner Jr. can be reached at
7104 Peach Court
Brentwood, TN 37027
Phone- 615-251-0005
Fax- 615-370-8447

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