(BPT) - The thrill of the road is never the road itself.
The beauty of a journey comes from enjoying the views before you, not the surface beneath you. When you're on an adventure, the last thing you want to worry about is your tires. You want to focus on the experience and enjoy the ride.
But to enjoy vacation magic, sometimes you have to endure the mundane. Here are some easy ways you can focus on your tires now, so you can focus on adventure down the road this summer.
Choose the right tires
When you're driving, you want to be able to predict how your vehicle will handle. You want to trust your tires to grip the road and keep you safe.
That starts with choosing the right rubber. It's important to make sure you're driving tires that are responsive to all possible road conditions, strong enough to protect from road hazards, and energy-efficient.
Headed to high altitudes where snow might make a sudden appearance? All-season tires won't cut it in frosty weather; all-weather tires, however, are certified with the three-peak mountain snowflake to guide you through unpredictable conditions. Yes, there's a difference between all-season and all-weather! Just ask your tire dealer.
Many tiremakers put materials in their tire compounds to help avoid blowouts. Nokian Tyres infuses the latest generations of its products with durable Aramid fibers, which provide lightweight protection from punctures and blowouts.
And the right tires can save serious gas money. Rubber with low rolling resistance gives your car better fuel mileage and lowers emissions, increasing your range while helping protect the environment.
Get inflated and feel the pressure
Once you've determined whether you're riding the right set of rubber, it's time to inspect your tires before you hit the road.
You should check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long road trips. Low tire pressure can lead to poor fuel efficiency and premature tire wear. Make sure you're rotating your tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
And inspect your tires regularly for signs of wear such as uneven tread wear, cracks, bulges or punctures. If you notice any of these signs, take your vehicle to a tire service professional for inspection.
Know your turf
What surfaces will your tires be touching? Do you plan to tackle tough terrain, plod through pothole-filled roads or escalate to high elevations? Researching road (and off-road) conditions will help you know whether your tires are up to the task.
If you're venturing into a place with rough roads like Quebec, like the winner of Nokian Tyres' 2023 Worst Roads in North America contest, then it's especially important to make sure your tires are properly inflated and equipped with durable technology like Aramid sidewalls.
If you're headed toward elevation, be sure to check weather conditions, as they can change on a dime. You'll also want to add a little extra juice to your tires, since tire pressure decreases at high altitudes.
So, if you're planning an adventure, don't overlook the importance of your tires. Choose rubber that offers the reliability and safety you need to enjoy the ride. And remember, when it comes to tires, boring is a good thing.
To learn more, visit NokianTires.com.