With the majority of winter still ahead, and an increasing number of calls coming in, AAA is urging motorists to pay attention to the two tire issues most likely to result in the need for emergency roadside service.

“In just the first few weeks of the year we have seen tire-related calls that amount to more than 25% of the total volume for all of last winter – and we still have almost two months to go,” says Bob Kazmierczak, Director of Auto Repair for AAA Club Alliance. “Drivers must make sure their tires are properly inflated and that they have sufficient tread to grip wet or snow-covered roads.”

At this time, AAA is seeing tire-related call volume nearing, or in many regions exceeding, what it was pre-pandemic so drivers are being encouraged to pay attention to their tires - or pay a price.

“Neglecting basic vehicle maintenance, such as rotating tires, has been far too common throughout the pandemic, resulting in more wear and tear - and additional expense,” says Richard Kyre, Manager of the AAA Car Care. “Routines may have changed but routine car care is still critical.”

Tires that have not been properly inflated to adjust for colder temperatures are more likely to result in a flat or blowout and tires with a worn tread are more likely to result in a crash. The good news, though, is that both of these tire troubles are easy to resolve.

Check Tire Pressure

Keeping your vehicle’s tires properly inflated to the automaker’s recommended pressures is a critical element of tire maintenance. Tires that contain the specified amount of air pressure last longer and contribute to vehicle safety.

• Check tire inflation pressure on all four tires and the spare.
• As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures – typically by one PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The proper tire pressure levels can be found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jamb (Do not use the pressure molded into the tire sidewall). 

Check Tire Tread

Adequate tread depth is necessary for a tire to maintain traction on slippery roads. You can measure tread depth with an inexpensive gauge available at any auto parts store or… you can use the traditional quarter test demonstrated in the photo.

Insert a quarter into a tread groove with the top of Washington's head facing down. If the top of his head is not visible, your tires are fine for continued use. If you can see above the top of Washington's head, it is time to start shopping for new tires. Take multiple measurements across the tread to help ensure accurate results.

• Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, according to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
• Previous AAA research indicates that driving on worn tires at highway speeds increase stopping distance by a staggering 43% compared to new tires, putting drivers, and their passengers, at increased risk.
• AAA urges drivers to check tread depth, replace tires proactively, and increase following distances significantly when roadways are wet or snow-covered.

AAA Car Care

In an effort to encourage basic vehicle maintenance and avoid the need for emergency roadside service, most AAA Car Care, Insurance and Travel Centers are running tire specials through the month of January.

Find your nearest AAA Car Care or AAA Approved Auto Repair location here.

For more tips to ensure the performance and safety of your tires, visit AAA.com/TheExtraMile.

For More information and local interviews:

Connecticut – Tracy Noble, TNoble@aaamidatlantic.com

Delaware – Jana Tidwell, JTidwell@aaamidatlantic.com

Indiana – Kara Hitchens, khitchens@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Kansas – Shawn Steward, ssteward@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Kentucky – Lori Weaver Hawkins, lweaverhawkins@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Maryland – Ragina Ali, RAli@aaamidatlantic.com

New Jersey – Tracy Noble, TNoble@aaamidatlantic.com

Ohio – Kara Hitchens, khitchens@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Oklahoma – Leslie Gamble, Leslie.Gamble@aaaok.org

Pennsylvania – Jana Tidwell, JTidwell@aaamidatlantic.com

South Dakota – Shawn Steward, ssteward@aaa-alliedgroup.com

Virginia – Morgan Dean, Morgan MDean@aaamidatlantic.com

Washington, DC – Ragina Ali, RAli@aaamidatlantic.com

West Virginia – Lori Weaver Hawkins, lweaverhawkins@aaa-alliedgroup.com