Most car drivers never consider the importance of their tires to stay safe.
When was the last time you and any car owner you know sat down and said, “hmmm, I think it is time for me to change my tires, I have used them for 3 years now and I do believe that the thread wear is high”?
Never we are sure. Well, we are also some what the same. The tire happens to be the most neglected item in the car and only when you have a puncture or your tire is very low on air do you bother to take a close look at them.
1. Routinely check your tires.
Make sure you do the following routine maintenance on your tire. Keep your tires properly inflated. The correct air pressure for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle door edge, door-post, and glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner’s manual.
The number listed on the side of the tire is not the recommended air pressure for your tire – it is the maximum air pressure for the tire. You should check your tire’s air pressure at least once a month.
Check the tires tread depth. Proper tread depth will help prevent skids, aquaplaning and blow-outs.
2. Slow down.
Going too slow can be hazardous, but whenever you find yourself in difficult conditions like heavy mist in the early morning on a drive up to Gentings or Camerons, heavy rain or the glare from on coming vehicles with their high beam on, reduce your speed. Don’t rush or lose patience.
3. Become a good night time driver.
Night driving can be a pleasure if you are aware of the special alertness demanded by low visibility. A few fundamentals: Keep your headlights and tail lights switched on for the entire period between sunset and sunrise.
Put your headlights on low-beam when another vehicle is within 200 metres, also when driving behind another vehicle. If your car breaks down at night, make sure other drivers can see your car and stop in time.
Turn on the hazard warning lights. If possible, pull off the road. Avoid stopping just over a hill or just around a curve. Take good notice of roadside reflectors and any other helpful visual signals to stay on the road at night.
Cities and urban areas have the highest concentrations and varieties of traffic, so you need to pay great attention to what is going on in front, to the sides and behind your vehicle.
