A new national survey conducted by Cooper Tires reveals that getting a spoon stuck in one’s tire is more likely to happen than most people think. Although it is an unusual hazard, driving without a care in some areas may potentially damage tires, which are essential for a vehicle’s safety.
The four tires connect a car to the road and their proper handling and maintenance play an influential role in braking and safety. The survey done by Auto Service Professional magazine also pointed out that more than 100 million Americans are expected to have gone on vacation before the end of the year through travel packages like AAA Travel or might have road travel plans this spring and summer.
Damaged tires are a problem year-round, with common causes being things like potholes, with 72% of survey respondents falling victim, nails with 70%, and tires that are too old, smooth, or bald with a rating of 48%.
As a result of these findings and the essential part that tires play in road safety, the company recommends that people take extra precautions when traveling to see to it that their tires are in good condition by continually checking tire pressure, rotating tires, and taking note of the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) light.
By exercising more care on the road, drivers can avoid hazardous and construction zones, which tend to experience spikes and injuries caused by wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers puncturing tires.
During the winter season, potholes and hidden road hazards make up the two biggest contributors to tire damage, with underinflated tires accounting for the most offenses in summer.
According to Jess Egerton, director of brand development at Cooper Tires, tires are the only parts of a vehicle that touch the road and keep drivers connected to it.
For this reason, motorists must be extra careful in their maintenance and inspection. This entails checking the tire pressure, replacing worn-out tires to a depth of 2/32 inches, and checking for components like uneven treads, missing caps, and foreign objects before hitting the road.
Tire damage can come from anywhere, such as pieces of toys or bones jammed in the tires, which may cause further damage if ignored completely. The survey’s author, Greg Smith, further pointed out that while unique items jammed in tires exist, the most significant threat to a vehicle’s tires may come from poor wear or maintenance.