Page 9 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – September/October 2021

Making safe driving decisions begins even before you start your vehicle. Is the car you are driving mechanically sound?
You take care of all the scheduled maintenance, but what else should be done? When was the last time you popped the hood and checked your vehicle’s vital fluids? By the time a dash warning light goes on, damage may be underway. One of the most important safety checks is your tires’ air pressure and condition. No matter how fancy or basic your ride is, we all depend on four small patches of rubber connecting our vehicle to the road surface. Much like a chain is no stronger than its weakest link, your tires are this vital link. From potholes to weather extremes, your tires take a beating and they are not maintenance-free. Driving on a bald or damaged tire can be dangerous.
Since 2008, all new cars sold in the U.S. have a tire pressure monitoring system. Some manufactures added this important safety feature even earlier. We’re not just talking about being stuck with a flat tire in a dangerous location. Incorrect tire pressure can lead to blow-outs, uneven tread wear, vehicle handling problems and even a possible rollover.
So, what should you do if you see this warning light on your dash? (Consult your vehicle owners manual for specific information.)
This is the low-pressure warning light. Pull over to a safe location. If all four tires still look normal (no flats), you can drive at moderate speeds (less than 40 mph) to a location with an air compressor. Once the sensors detect
Shutterstock: Mark Herreid
the correct pressure, the light should go out. On many vehicles, this will happen within a few miles of driving. Some models will require a manual reset button. Age or damage can cause these sensors to fail. If you manually check your tire pressure, the vehicle can continue to be driven safely until repairs can be made.
Here is a simple tire safety checklist (repeat monthly):
1. Find the correct tire pressure rating for your
vehicle. Use your owners manual or the sticker in
the driver’s door frame.
2. Check the pressure in all four tires, as well as the
spare if accessible.
3. Check the tire treads using a quarter. Tires
with less than 1/8 inch of tread should be replaced. Hydroplaning and significantly longer braking distances are serious hazards with balding tires.
4. Uneven treadwear may be caused by suspension, alignment or wheel balance issues.
5. Check the sidewall. Look for curb damage or cracks forming from “dry rot.”
Following this simple checklist will not only increase your safety, but also will keep money in your wallet. Today’s vehicles have larger and more expensive tires and wheels. Anti-lock brakes and stability control systems work best when all tires match. Avoiding expensive repairs while increasing your safety sounds like a win-win to me.
Mike Sweeney is a Traffic Safety Educator at AAA Hudson Valley.
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 I 9
CAR CARE HANDBOOK
Where the
Rubber Meets the Road