Worn Motorcycle Tires Can Cause Fatal Accidents – Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Tires

Bikers experience a level of exhilaration and freedom like few others ever have the opportunity to. There’s nothing quite like hitting the road and burning rubber on two wheels with a group of skilled riders who share your passion. Part of the excitement that comes from riding bikes is the speed and air contact, but you still want to practice bike safety.

A blown tire can turn a thrilling weekend expedition into a visit to the emergency room and a follow-up with a car accident lawyer toronto-based. It can even result in a fatal accident. Blown tires are potential catastrophes that can and should be avoided at all costs.

You should always make sure that your tires are road-ready before hitting the trails. Continue reading to learn what the signs are that you need to change your tires.

Tire pressure

One of the key indicators of the health of your motorcycle’s tires is the level of pressure in them. Actually, you should check the pressure of your tires regularly. If you notice that your tires are constantly losing pressure, or if you have to air them up frequently, then you likely have a slow leak.

If you are unaware of a slow leak in your tires and continue to ride on them, that can have devastating consequences. As they lose pressure, your bike will become harder to control, as even the slightest bumps can send you and your bike reeling into oblivion. Check your tire pressure regularly, and if they aren’t maintaining the proper inflation, replace them with new ones.

Punctures, cuts, and cupping

The more you ride your bike, then, of course, the more wear-and-tear you will put on your tires. You don’t have to spring for a new set of tires the moment you start to notice that the road is taking a toll on them, but don’t ignore signs of wear, either.

If you notice that there are numerous cracks or cuts in your tires, it may be time to retire them. This degrading of your tires can eventually lead to them becoming misshapen which will eventually affect how they make contact with the road.

If your tires aren’t gripping the road the way they’re intended to, then you’re playing roulette with your life every time you ride on them. It is better to shell out the cash for new Michelin motorcycle tires than to shell out a fortune for medical bills after a wreck caused by faulty tires.

The age of your tires matters

All things wear down with age and use. Even if you don’t recognize any of the signs of wear-and-tear on your tires, if you’ve had the same ones for a while, then it may be time for a change. No matter how good your tires look, you need to consider them as having an expiration date.

Expert bikers say that tires should be changed every five years regardless of their condition. Over time, the oils in the rubber evaporate causing the tires to dry out and harden. When your tires age, even if they look fine, they are susceptible to a blowout.

Carry out regular pre-trip inspections

Contrary to what you may be led to believe, what you don’t know can definitely hurt you. Bike riding is an adrenaline-pumping activity, but you still don’t want any surprises while you’re on your bike. The more you know before hitting the road, the better.

With that in mind, you should always perform a pre-trip inspection. While this may seem like a tedious task, the moment you catch something that could endanger your ride, you’ll be glad you did it.

You may be in a rush to ride, but it’s crucial to ensure that your bike is ready to take on the highway with you. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.