Q COSTARICA — Tires, neumáticos in Spanish, are the only point of contact between your car and the road, and their condition can make the difference between a safe trip and an accident.
Despite their importance, many people forget to check them regularly, which increases risks.
Uneven or excessive tire wear is one of the most common problems in recent years, according to data from the Costa Rican vehicle inspection system.
Every year, there are tons of accidents all over caused by bad tires.
“Small everyday actions, such as checking tire pressure or tread wear, make a big difference. Adopting these habits not only improves vehicle performance but also promotes more reliable and efficient driving,” said Jorge Sánchez, sales manager for Ford Costa Rica, part of the Grupo Purdy.
Grupo Purdy has over 66 years in the Costa Rican market, specializing in the distribution and sale of new and used vehicles, as well as value-added services related to mobility.
Founded in 2959 by Xavier Quirós Oreamuno, Grupo Purdy is now led by his sons, Javier and Amadeo Quirós. In 2024, Toyota Tsusho, the investment arm of Toyota Motor Corporation, acquired a 25% stake in Grupo Purdy, becoming an important strategic partner.
Grupo Purdy brands include Toyota, Lexus, Ford, Volkswagen, Hino, Subaru, XPeng, Faw Trucks, Hino and Higer,
On the road, tires play a critical role because they are the only point that maintains the connection with the pavement. Constant monitoring and proper maintenance are key to preventing risks and ensuring safe journeys.
Grupo Purdy shares five key tips for proper tire maintenance to ensure safe driving:
1. Check tire pressure regularly.
The proper tire pressure is indicated in your driver’s manual or on the sticker located on the car door.
Low tire pressure increases braking distance and increases the risk of flat tires, while overinflation reduces traction on wet surfaces.
Technologies such as Ford’s Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alert you when a tire has an incorrect tire pressure.
2. Watch for uneven tire wear
Uneven tread wear can be a sign of alignment, balance, or suspension problems.
Detecting it early through regular checks prevents unstable handling and prolongs tire life.
3. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures
Heat accelerates deterioration and increases the possibility of flat tires, especially at high speeds.
In contrast, cold weather hardens rubber and reduces traction, so taking care of the environment where you park and drive is key to their durability.
4. Check the manufacturing date
Tires also expire; even if they’re not used, their materials degrade over time.
It’s recommended to replace them after five years of manufacture, even if they appear to be in good condition.
The date can be checked on the tire’s sidewalls: the first two numbers indicate the week of production, and the next two, the year.
“It’s not always taken into account that tires also have an expiration date. Even if they don’t show visible damage, an expired tire can lose its properties and compromise the safety of the vehicle,” added Sánchez.
5. Perform periodic inspections
A professional checkup at an authorized service center can detect problems that are invisible to the naked eye.
It’s also an opportunity to identify embedded objects such as nails or stones, which can cause leaks or structural damage.
In these cases, it is advisable to replace the tire, without resorting to repairs or retreading.
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