Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, and for many Colorado families, that means road trips, mountain getaways, and more time spent on the road. Whether you’re traveling through the Denver metro area, heading into the mountains, or driving across the state, or driving out of state, taking a few extra minutes to prepare your vehicle before leaving can make a major difference in your safety and prevent leaving you stranded.
While oil changes and fluid checks are important, one of the most overlooked parts of vehicle safety is tire maintenance. Colorado’s unpredictable spring weather, rough roads, potholes, and winter wear can all take a toll on your tires and affect how your vehicle handles on the road.
Before heading out this Memorial Day weekend, here are a few important tire safety checks every driver should know.
Do a Tire Inspection Before You Drive
Your tires play a major role in your vehicle’s safety, fuel economy, and overall performance. A quick visual inspection before your trip can help identify issues before they become dangerous.
Look for:
- Cracks in the rubber
- Punctures or damage
- Uneven tread wear
- Low tread depth
Do the Penny Test: One simple way to check tread depth is with a penny test. Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, it may be time to replace your tires.
Don’t forget to inspect your spare tire as well. Many drivers overlook the spare until they actually need it.
Colorado Weather Can Affect Tire Pressure
If you live in Colorado, you know that the weather conditions can change quickly, and those temperature swings can directly affect your tire pressure.
Cold temperatures can lower tire pressure, while heat can increase it. Driving with improper tire pressure can impact traction, handling, fuel economy, and the overall life of your tires.
Underinflated tires can:
- Overheat
- Wear out faster
- Reduce fuel efficiency
Overinflated tires can:
- Reduce traction
- Create a rougher ride
- Increase uneven wear
Most vehicles include a recommended PSI guide located inside the driver’s side door or in the owner’s manual. Keeping a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle makes it easy to quickly check each tire before a long drive.
Properly inflated tires can also improve fuel economy, which can make a difference during long holiday weekend trips.
Watch for Alignment Issues After Winter Driving
Colorado roads can be tough on vehicles. Between potholes, uneven pavement, dirt roads, and winter road conditions, it’s common for wheel alignment to shift over time.
Your alignment may be off if:
- Your vehicle pulls to one side
- Your steering wheel feels uneven
- You notice uneven tire wear
Even small alignment issues can affect how your vehicle handles and can cause tires to wear down more quickly.
Routine tire maintenance, including tire rotations, balancing, and alignments, can help extend the life of your tires and improve overall vehicle performance.
Understand Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Most modern vehicles are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts drivers when tire pressure drops below a safe level.
These systems use sensors to monitor tire pressure and trigger a dashboard warning light if there is a problem.
While TPMS systems are helpful, they should not replace regular tire inspections and pressure checks. It’s still important to manually inspect your tires before long trips.
What to Do If You Experience a Tire Blowout
A tire blowout can be frightening, especially at highway speeds. The most important thing is to stay calm and avoid overreacting.
If a tire blowout happens while driving:
- Hold the steering wheel firmly with both hands
- Maintain your speed as much as safely possible
- Gradually ease off the accelerator
- Avoid slamming on the brakes
- Steer carefully to stabilize the vehicle
- Once the vehicle is under control, slowly pull off the road when it is safe to do so
Sudden braking or jerking the steering wheel can make it more difficult to maintain control of the vehicle.
Take a Few Minutes Before Your Memorial Day Road Trip
Before heading out this Memorial Day weekend, taking a few minutes to inspect your tires can help reduce the risk of unexpected issues on the road.
Whether you’re traveling through the city, driving across Colorado or out of state, or heading into the mountains, proper tire maintenance can help create a safer and less stressful trip for you and your passengers.
And if you or someone you know is injured in a Colorado car accident this holiday weekend, it’s important to understand your options and protect your rights as early as possible. At LS Injury Law, we advocate for individuals and families across Colorado and help them navigate the legal process after serious accidents and injuries. Contact our team for a free consultation.