Since they act as the only link between the vehicle and the ground on which it runs, it’s not surprising that tires are often the first parts to wear out on a new car. Just a few seasons are sometimes enough to get the better of even the toughest rubber.
However, it’s not just because of the weather. All too often, wheel damage is caused by a completely different phenomenon: human error. Even among the most seasoned drivers, some everyday manoeuvres can be difficult and sometimes lead to breakage or punctures.
Here are three of the most dangerous manoeuvres that you could definitely benefit from perfecting, for your safety and the health of your tires.
Parking on the side of the road
Parallel or not, this manoeuvre is often hated by young (and not so young) drivers, and with good reason! Proximity to other cars, but especially to the sidewalk, is the source of many broken rims and tires. This phenomenon is particularly evident in winter, when ice on the ground reduces the vehicle’s grip.
After the first frost, underestimating the turning radius or overestimating the braking capacity can have serious consequences. To counteract this common problem, you need to be able to know how your car behaves. Does it brake hard or soft? How does it react on ice?
By being able to recognize abnormal behaviour in advance, you can react before you step on the gas and make a mistake that could cost you dearly!
Driving Over a Pothole Gently
A typical problem of big cities, but also present in the countryside, these holes due to the contraction and expansion of the road due to the temperature and pressure of cars are sometimes difficult to avoid. Unfortunately, the shock endured by the car when it hits a pothole head-on can cause serious damage to its wheels and suspension.
To avoid causing unnecessary damage, a few techniques can be applied. Before leaving, check your tire pressure regularly. A tire that is not properly inflated is at greater risk of impact damage. On the road, when the car is near the pothole and you cannot avoid it, make sure you are at a reasonable distance from other road users.
Once this is done, slow down to an adequate speed and then, holding your steering wheel firmly with both hands, keep your wheels perfectly straight. By doing so, you will greatly reduce the chances of having to visit your mechanical expert!
Towing without heating up
Whether it’s helping a friend get his car out of a ditch or pulling objects from hard-to-reach places, it can sometimes be tempting to tow in suboptimal conditions. What’s the problem? Lifting loads too heavy or in the wrong way can sometimes cause a complete loss of traction for your vehicle.
However, this common phenomenon, by causing friction, can sometimes seriously damage the wheels of your car. To avoid this problem, simply follow the manufacturer’s recommendations (and your common sense). It is easy to overestimate the towing capacity of a vehicle.
So, at the first signs of loss of traction, it is important to analyze the situation carefully so that you know how to react. If you can’t tow without spinning your wheels unnecessarily, consider abandoning the maneuver. Your tires will thank you!
These tips may seem simple, even intuitive, but in a tense situation, it’s easy to lose your grip. With these basic tips in mind, your risk of unpleasant surprises will be greatly reduced… and so will your mechanic’s bill! And, too bad for us, you won’t need a visit at Blackcircles.ca!
