How to Protect Your Tires Against Common Road Debris

Good tires are not cheap, so it is important that you do everything you can to extend the life of your tires. Because a vehicle’s tires are the first point of contact, road hazards such as small rocks, trash, debris, and salt and chemicals can be hazardous while driving. Attempting to avoid the debris is dangerous when driving because — both visually and mentally — it is hard to process the hazard level of an object in the few seconds a driver has to react. Drivers who encounter road debris, often don't have the time or space to avoid a collision, and these accidents can be quite serious.

Encountering several unfriendly obstacles on the road such as potholes, steel plates, uneven seams, branches, roadkill, gravel, glass, and more are common. Even if this debris does not puncture your tire, it can cause your tires to wear down unevenly. If you notice road debris, or if you have to drive over rocky paths or gravel, drive slowly and carefully. Avoid these obstacles as much as you can.

• Trees and Branches — One of the most problematic types of road hazards involves trees and their branches. Look far in front of you for road debris, and if you see any, slow down and try to change the lane safely away from debris.
• Potholes — When you see a pothole on the road, keep a firm grip on your steering wheel, slow down and, if it is safe, try to drive around the pothole. Hitting a pothole can puncture your tire or bend or crack your wheel.
• Metal Debris in the Roadway — Screws, nails, and other sharp objects are common culprits behind a sudden blowout or puncture while driving.
• Broken Glass — The most common glass in the roadway is from broken headlights and windshields at accident sites. Broken glass can damage a tire and cause it to fail prematurely.

Help safeguard your tires with a road hazard protection plan. This tire protection plan gives you added peace of mind while driving and can save you from getting stuck with a more expensive repair bill. A road hazard tire plan makes it easier for you to replace your vehicle’s tires, whether you have a total tire blowout, run over a nail, or encounter another tire hazard while driving.

If you find yourself in need of new tires, shop our inventory online or give us a call. We are proud to be the local source for quality tires near you. Let us help you find the perfect set of tires for your car, truck or SUV today!