Whether you’re fitting in a summer vacation or planning a short trip for Labor Day weekend, this time of year is a wonderful time for a road trip. To avoid any frustrating breakdowns that might leave you stranded on the road or in a small town while you wait for repairs, it’s crucial to inspect your car before you leave. The guide below explains why and how you should check your tires before a long trip.

Why You Should Inspect Tires

Tires that are aging or excessively worn will have a harder time dealing with rain, are more prone to bursting, and will make handling your car harder. Even minor problems can be amplified over the hundreds of miles you may drive on vacation. Additionally, tires that haven’t been rotated in a while may work against each other because of poor alignment, reducing your fuel efficiency and making it even harder to handle your vehicle.

How to Inspect Your Tires

Start with the tread by visually inspecting it. Do you notice any bald patches? Does the wear seem uneven between the front and back, or from side to side? Slip a quarter in the tread grooves, with Washington facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tire’s tread is too worn. You should also inspect the tire sidewalls—if you see any cracking, cuts, or bulges, have the tire replaced immediately.

Next, assess the tire pressure when the car hasn’t been driven in three hours or more. If the psi doesn’t match the owner’s manual recommendation, inflate them to the standard and check the pressure the next day. If it has dropped significantly, your tires may have slow leaks. To test for alignment, drive your car in a parking lot or empty street and let go of the wheel. If the car pulls to one side, you may need a realignment.

Get your car ready for a problem-free vacation by taking it to Oak Hollow Tire Car Care Center in High Point, NC. With an inventory of brand name tires and a team of skilled technicians, they can offer replacement tires, transmission service, oil changes, alignments, and AC work. To discuss your car’s needs, call (336) 841-6553. You can also visit their website to learn about all their services.