On the Way Home... Be Sure to Check Your Tires First

You Should Check Not Only the Tire's Appearance but Also Its Wear Condition

[Asia Economy Reporter Kiho Sung] Although the Chuseok holiday is coming to an end, many drivers still have long-distance driving ahead before returning home. Whether it is the journey home or domestic travel, long-distance driving involves carrying more luggage with companions, increasing the average load on the vehicle compared to regular commuting. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly inspect the vehicle. In particular, tires, which are the only part of the car in contact with the ground, must be checked before driving.

According to Michelin Korea on the 12th, the first thing to check is the tire’s exterior. Visually inspect the entire tire and feel suspicious areas with your hands to see if there are any cracks on the tire tread or sidewall, or if any foreign objects like nails are embedded. Driving with cracked tires or tires with embedded foreign objects can lead to sudden tire punctures or, in the worst case, tire blowouts causing the vehicle to overturn. If foreign objects are found, they should be removed and the tire repaired; if cracks are present, it is best to replace the tire with a new one.

Next, check the degree of tire wear. The wear level can be confirmed by following the marks on the side of the tire and checking the wear limit line between the tire tread grooves. If the tire is worn down to the wear limit line (1.6mm), it is time to replace the tire. Even if the tire has not worn down to the limit, if uneven wear (one-sided wear) has occurred, it is advisable to have an alignment check and consider rotating or replacing the tires.

Maintaining proper tire air pressure is one of the most important aspects of tire care. Since there is an optimal air pressure depending on the vehicle’s usage conditions (maximum load, speed), it is recommended to check whether the air pressure is appropriate for the vehicle. Driving with overinflated or underinflated tires can cause damage to the vehicle’s durability, so air pressure should be checked when the tires are cold before driving. The correct air pressure is indicated in the vehicle’s manual or on the vehicle itself.

Just as we regularly check our health, tires also require regular inspections. If you drive frequently, it is good to check the tire condition often. Tire inspections are recommended at least once a month. Regular tire checks can help identify personal driving habits based on tire wear and prevent misalignment issues. Especially when the seasons change or before long-distance trips such as holidays, it is advisable to have a professional inspection.

If a problem occurs with the tire while driving, it is best to move the vehicle to a safe place and then take action. If you have car insurance, you can receive assistance through the insurer’s emergency dispatch service.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.