Cheap Insurance.

Whoever said an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure may not have been entirely off the mark. This is especially true when one considers that taking the right action now can save costly problems in the future, and for an example of how this works, look no further than the trunk of your car.Why? Because that is most likely where your spare tire is. Most of today’s cars come with what is often referred to as a “donut,” or “space-saver” spare tire, much smaller in diameter and tread-width that the car’s other tires. As the name implies, this type of spare tire was designed literally to save space and to provide more trunk room, especially as modern cars became smaller, and is supposed to be used only on a temporary basis.While many people may be aware that their spare tire is smaller, they are unaware that donut spare tires are for only temporary, limited use. Unlike the full-sized spare tires of the past, these smaller tires are not designed to be used for a prolonged period of time, or as a replacement for a regular tire. Their sidewall and tread are smaller and thinner than a regular tire, and much more prone to damage and accelerated wear.Another thing most drivers may not realize is that donut spare tires are only safe to use at lower speeds, usually at no more than 50 MPH. Again, this is because the tire was designed to be used temporarily to enable the motorist to get their car safely off the road and to the shop for the repair or replacement of the service tire.However, there is one thing almost all drivers fail to recognize, and that is that the air pressure in these spare tires needs to be checked and adjusted periodically, just as with any tire. Space-saver tires typically require a much higher pressure than a conventional tire does. The recommended pressure is provided on the sidewall of the tire, and may be as high as 60 PSI. Maintaining the correct air pressure is crucial to the performance and safety of any tire, but with these smaller donut spare tires it is critical. Already smaller and lighter in design, low air pressure will definitely cause them to fail prematurely. Hidden out of sight under a cover in the bottom of the trunk, most people forget about them until they have a flat tire and need to use them. Having a flat tire is always an inconvenience, but it can become a disaster if your spare tire is flat. What do you do then?To avoid such a scenario from happening to you, make it a point to periodically check the pressure in your donut tire, or have your mechanic do it for you. Doing so could very well save you from the added aggravation and expense of having to have your car towed. This is called “preventive maintenance.”This same principle applies to your oral health, too. Scheduling regular check-ups by your dentist will ensure healthy teeth and gums. Unlike your car’s tires, the care of your teeth and gums is important to both your natural good looks and your overall health. Waiting until a tooth hurts to see your dentist is a bad idea. Pain is your body’s way of letting you know something is wrong. Having regular check-ups will enable your dentist to treat any oral health problems before they become major, and often before there is a problem at all. Neglecting your oral care could not only adversely affect your overall health, but could also result in serious tooth and gum issues, and additional discomfort and costs, which is why we encourage you to schedule regular check-ups. Our offices are open seven days a week, every day of the year, including holidays. In order to accommodate the personal schedules of our patients, our hours are 8:00 am to 9:00 pm Monday through Friday, and 9:00 am to 6:00 pm Saturday and Sunday. So, an ounce of prevention can really be worth at least as much as a pound of cure. Whether it is checking the pressure of your spare tire or having your dentist check the health of your teeth, taking the right action now before there is a problem saves a lot of trouble later. Call it cheap insurance.