Heading out for the Fourth? What to know about holiday travel safety

IMPERIAL COUNTY, Calif. (KYMA) - As millions pack up their vehicles to hit the highway for a record-breaking Fourth of July weekend, local officials are warning that the most critical part of holiday preparation starts where the rubber meets the road.

With the nation gearing up to celebrate its 250th birthday, travel volume is expected to hit an all-time high.

However, emergency responders and automotive technicians warn that safety preparation all too often takes a back seat to packing and planning.

Drivers in the Imperial Valley face an additional hurdle during summer travel: punishing seasonal temperatures.

Local safety officials note that extreme desert heat acts as a catalyst for catastrophic tire failures.

"During this time, it's very hot outside, so drivers need to be aware of their vehicle and how it's operating so that they don't get stranded on the side of the road," said Lt. Mike Mistriel of the Imperial County Sheriff's Office. "It actually happens quite a bit more frequently during this time of the year because of the heat, and we see it more because there’s even more cars on the road."

Automotive pros echo that sentiment, noting that high pavement temperatures accelerate rubber degradation and alter tire pressure, dramatically increasing the risk of a high-speed highway blowout.

"Heat is like the most brutal thing for a tire," explained Joel Nuñez, a Discount Tire store manager. "So it's very important that when you do check the air pressure, you're checking them when they are cool."

Experts urge drivers to spend five minutes inspecting their vehicles before leaving the driveway. Nuñez recommends three simple checks every driver can perform:

• The Pressure Check: Check tire pressure at least once a month and always before a long road trip. Always check the pressure when the tires are cool—driving even a few miles heats up the tires and gives an inaccurate reading.
• The Penny Test: If you are unsure about your tread depth, grab a standard copper penny. Insert it upside down into the deepest groove of your tire tread block. If Lincoln’s entire head is visible, your tread is dead, and it is time for a replacement.
• The Age Inspection: Tires degrade over time regardless of how much tread is left. Look for the Department of Transportation (DOT) stamping on the tire sidewall. The numbers at the very end of the stamp indicate the exact week and year the tire was manufactured. Industry standards recommend replacing tires that are six years or older.

"We always wait till the last minute to check our tires," Nuñez said. "We're putting our lives in these vehicles, and to not have safe tires…it's kind of crazy."

If you are uncomfortable inspecting your vehicle yourself, local officials say you shouldn't guess.

"Make sure that you do check your vehicle," Lt. Mistriel advised. "If you’re not sure how to do that, take it to a tire center. Have them look at your tires, check the air pressure... maybe even go to one of the lube shops so they can check your oils and fluids to make sure that car is ready to be on the road."

For residents looking for professional help, Discount Tire offers several complimentary maintenance services to ensure vehicles are road-trip ready. Drivers can visit any location for:

• Free tire pressure checks and air top-offs
• Free tire safety and tread depth inspections
• Free tire rotation and balancing consultations

To schedule a complimentary safety inspection or look up local store availability visit the official website HERE.