National Tire Safety Week is June 27 through July 3, and that timing is no accident. The temperature can go up and down a lot well into summer in the Chicago area, and the difference in temperature can have an impact on your tire pressure. Summer rains can also cause accidents, so this is an important time to make sure your tires are in good condition and ready to keep you safe. The most important key to enjoying summer driving in Chicago is to avoid accidents. If you do get into a wreck, contact knowledgeable Illinois car accident lawyers as soon as possible.
Your tires play an important role in helping you avoid accidents while on the road. Here are some tips to help you prevent tire related accidents.
Buy the Right Tires
The perfect tires for you will depend on the type of car you drive, where you do most of your driving, and the season. All-season tires are a good place to start looking. These tires can perform adequately in almost any weather, and can even handle some slippery mud.
For Chicago winters, you may want to invest in winter tires. These are specially designed to maintain traction through deep snow, and will do better on ice. All-weather tires are alright in the winter, but definitely do not try to use summer tires during cold weather. Summer tires do not perform in freezing weather, and they cannot handle ice or snow.
If you stay in or around the city, those are all the main tires you should consider. If you ever go on off-road adventures, look into a good pair of all-terrain tires. They are great for four-wheel vehicles that you drive on the trail, and they work on the road too.
Ask About Tire Rating
Tire rating consists of three main categories, and the rating of the tire will tell you a lot about what it is capable of. The rating categories are temperature, tread-wear, and traction. You do not have to become an expert in tire ratings, but it is something you could ask an automotive professional about when you buy the tires. Also make sure you are buying the right size tire for your vehicle and needs.
How to Take Care of Your Tires
Even the best tires eventually wear out, so it is extremely important to pay attention to your tires and monitor their wear. Hundreds of people a year suffer injury in tire-related accidents, and most of those wrecks occur because the tires were not in good condition. Contact Illinois car accident lawyers if you have been in a tire-related accident.
The first step to taking care of your tires is making sure they maintain proper inflation. Your tire have labels with the ideal pressure, and you will also be able to find information about your specific tires online. If your tires are over-inflated or under-inflated, they will wear out too quickly. Bad tire pressure can also lead tires to blow out. Tire pressure can change quickly when the temperature changes, so check them often.
The next important way to take care of your tires is to have them rotated regularly. Tires wear differently depending on where they are on your vehicle. Make sure you rotate the tires around your vehicle to help the tread wear evenly. This will prevent flat tires and other tire problems. When you have your tires rotated, get your alignment checked too.
Stay on top of your tire pressure, alignment, and tire rotation to keep yourself safe. Not only do these habits help prevent accidents, they also make your car more efficient. Properly inflated tires will help your car get better gas mileage, which will save you money. These habits also help your tires last a lot longer, so you don’t have to buy new tires as often.
When Should I Replace My Tires?
It’s time to replace your tires if they have a hole, go flat quickly, or have low tread. Check the tread on your tire by placing a penny into your tread with Lincoln’s head facing in. Should you still be able to see his whole head, it’s time to replace your tires.
Illinois Car Accident Lawyers
In a wreck? Need a check? Contact Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys. We bring experience, skill, and passion to your case. Best of all, we offer free consultations, so there is no fee unless you win your case.
You can contact us online, or call us at 708-222-2222. Our office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but we are available 24/7 to take your call. We also have a LiveChat on our website, so you can start getting the answers you need right away. Do not hesitate to reach out to our Illinois car accident lawyers so you can get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today!