How well do you care for your vehicle? If you are like most folks, you might not think twice about car care unless your vehicle starts to break down. While car care can seem difficult for many people to master, the fact of the matter is that it is important to think long and hard about what you want and how you want your car to appear later on. I started making taking care of my cars a priority years ago, and the difference it made in my life was amazing. I was able to really streamline auto care in a new way, and it felt amazing. On this website, find out great tips for looking after the cars that you love.
When Should You Arrange For A Tire Tow?
Knowing when to call a tow truck can sometimes be tricky. Most people want to avoid the added cost of towing their car to their local mechanic. Still, there are many situations where forgoing this service can risk additional damage to your vehicle. By understanding when to call in a tow truck, you can save yourself from costly and preventable repairs.
Flat tires may be one of the trickier situations to resolve. If you've ever wondered whether you should be driving on a flat, then keep reading to discover three tire-related scenarios and whether they warrant a call for a tow truck.
Low Tire Pressure
Low tire pressure can have several adverse effects on your vehicle, including reduced fuel efficiency and sometimes dangerous handling. If your car has a tire pressure monitoring system, then you should never ignore a low-pressure warning. As long as your tires are only a few PSI below their recommended level, it is safe to drive your car to a gas station to add more air. A notable exception should be made for flat tires, however. If your tire pressure is low enough that your tires are visibly flat, then it's time to call in a tow truck. Driving on flat tires can weaken the sidewall, ultimately reducing tire lifespan and potentially leading to a blowout in the future. Driving on a flat tire is never safe, even for a small fraction of a mile.
Visible Damage
Tires are more exposed to road hazards than any other part of your car, and that exposure can sometimes result in severe damage to the tire. In addition to cuts and punctures, it's also crucial to monitor for bubbles in your sidewalls. If you see sidewall bubbles on any of your tires, It means that an impact has weakened the structural integrity of the tire. As a general rule, you should always avoid driving on a tire with visible damage. Even small punctures may cause tire pressure to drop dangerously low while driving, and that can ultimately destroy a tire that might be repairable. If you notice damage on one of your tires, always call for a tow.
Worn Tread
Driving on a completely bald tire is exceptionally dangerous. If you can no longer see the tread pattern on your tires, then they are no longer safe to drive on. You can make very short trips at low speeds on bald tires in dry conditions, but otherwise, you should avoid riding on them at all. If you can see your tire's internal structure or steel belt, call for a tow truck when you're ready to have new tires mounted.
Driving on flat, damaged, or bald tires is a risk that isn't worth taking. If your tires are too dangerous for the road, then make the smart move, call for a tow truck.