Do you love road trips and frequently crave for going on one? Well, who doesn’t, right? But safety is a primary concern while planning road trips. So,, your car should be in a very good condition in terms of all possible aspects. Car tires are not just an integral part of the vehicle but also determine the level of safety as well as the fuel efficiency. So, here is a car tire safety checklist for you to consider before hitting the roads.

Check Car Tire Pressure
Just as the tires are the legs of your car, the air pressure is the heart of the tires. As such, it should be checked monthly, and more so, before a long journey. A proper pressure level maximizes the service life of the tires that otherwise lose pressure over the years. Now, you can find the correct pressure of the tires on a sticker on the doorjamb of the driver side of your car. You should also consult the manual for additional information. As rule of thumb, make sure to check the tire pressure when the tires are cold and have been parked for more than 3 hours. Experts suggest that you should not wait for the TPMS to alert you when the tires need air.

Check for Worn Spots and Tread Depth
The second most important point in the car tire safety checklist is checking the tread depth. For this, you just need to place a penny in a groove on your tire. Depending on how much you can see of the penny, you can determine whether the tire has enough tread left or if there is a wear concern. Uneven tire wear should also be checked as it results from misalignment or aggressive driving or improper inflation pressure. Go for an immediate tire replacement in case of a problem.

Check the Sidewalls
Another important but often ignored point in the car tire safety checklist is taking a look at the tire sidewalls. Driving over potholes or unfriendly objects on the road often leads to cuts and bulges in your tire. In case of these issues, you should not take your car on a long drive because of potential hazards. Replace the tires in such cases and get them from a retailer that offers free road-hazard warranties.

Check Tire Age
Before hitting the road with your car, do not forget to check the manufacturing date code of the tire. The last four digits in a line of several digits indicate the date. For instance, 1018 means the 10 ^th week of the year, 2018. Tires should ideally be replaced once in every six years even if they have not worn out as such.

So, now that you have gone through the car tire safety checklist, keep it handy and get set for that long-awaited road trip or easy everyday commute.