Chances are, you bought your vehicle because you liked its appearance, read positive performance reviews or the price fit within your budget. However, no matter how well a vehicle handles or how quickly it accelerates, you need to consider what it takes to maintain safety on the road.
Take tires, for example. A light in your car may come on when you need to add air, and getting stranded on the side of the road would be an obvious sign that there is a problem in need of attention. Yet, when was the last time you checked the condition of your tires?
Three dangers of driving on bad tires
Tires come with an expectation to last a specific number of miles. Even so, you should be aware of complications that could surface.
If you can see President Lincoln’s head when you put a penny upside down between your treads, it is time to purchase a new set of tires. Likewise, bulges, cracks, or decreasing air pressure may indicate a safety concern, while uneven tire wear could indicate serious mechanical issues.
Financial constraints of the pandemic can place demands on seemingly more important matters than purchasing new tires. Though, you would be wise to consider alternatives such as:
- A blowout because of a puncture
- Stopping too slowly to avoid a crash
- Hydroplaning due to a lack of traction
Losing control of your vehicle could result in catastrophic injuries – either for yourself or those around you.