Low tire pressure harms mileage and raises blowout risk.
Replace tires when tread depth falls below 4/32″.
Inspect spare tires for inflation and wear before long road trips.
We know you’ve probably heard or read stories on road trips and relevant safety tips countless times in the past. Even so, we would be remiss if we didn’t take a few moments to boil these tire tips down into their absolute simplest form to make sure you safely get to and from your destination this summer.
Canadian motorists are preparing for summer road travel, in Canada, we want to gently urge them to check their tire pressure and tread depth, to reduce the risk of blowouts and improve fuel efficiency, before heading out. Underinflated tires and worn treads will compromise vehicle control and increase safety hazards, particularly in adverse driving conditions.
Here’s what you need to know.
Routine Tire Maintenance Reduces Risk of Blowouts
To prevent tire failures, drivers are advised to inspect their tire pressure regularly. Routine inspections should also include checking for uneven wear patterns. Measuring tread depth would also be a good idea. Obviously, avoiding potholes and other road hazards also helps extend tire life.
Nokian Tyres zLINE A/S tread wear | Photo: Matt St-PierreWhy Tread Depth Matters
Tire tread is critical for safe driving. Deeper grooves help maintain traction, especially on wet or snowy roads, by channelling water and debris away from the tire surface. Low tread depth reduces braking efficiency and increases the risk of hydroplaning and loss of control.
How to Check and Interpret Tread Depth
Legal tread depth limits in many regions, including Canada, stand at 2/32 of an inch (1.6 mm). However, performance takes a hit well before reaching that point. Experts recommend replacing tires when tread depth reaches 4/32 inch (3.2 mm).
Nokian Tyres provides a driving safety indicator (DSI) on its products to visually measure tread depth. For a manual check, drivers can use a simple coin test by inserting a quarter into the tread with the caribou’s head facing down. If the tread does not cover the caribou’s nose, the tires are worn and need to be replaced.
When to Replace and the Importance of the Spare
Tires should be replaced not only based on tread depth but also if there is visible cracking, signs of uneven wear, or aging rubber. Even unused tires can degrade over time; replacement is generally recommended after six to seven years.
Drivers should also inspect their spare tire, ensuring it is properly inflated and has adequate tread depth to function safely in an emergency, just in case…
Happy motoring!
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