Don’t Let Tires Flatten Your Summer Travel Plans

Getting a flat tire is no fun for anyone at any time, especially on vacation. To keep your summer road trip rolling along, the non-profit Car Care Council recommends a quick tire check before you leave the driveway.

“The excitement of summer vacation quickly deflates when your car has a flat tire,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “A quick four-step tire check will help you to avoid the aggravation of changing a flat tire on the side of the road.”

1. Check that all tires, including the spare, are inflated to recommended pressure levels.
2. Check tire tread depth with a simple penny test – if you see Lincoln’s head above the tread, then it is time for new tires.
3. Check for irregular wear as uneven wear indicates a need for wheel alignment.
4. Check tires for cuts, bruises, bulges, bald spots or other irregularities that can lead to a flat tire.

“AAA expects to get calls from over seven million stranded motorists this summer and a good portion of those vehicle troubles will be tire related,” said White. “A comprehensive pre-trip vehicle inspection, including the tires, is the best way to alert you of any potential issues so you can address them before you leave home and keep your road trip on track.”

For more information on tire safety and maintenance, visit www.ustires.org/safety.