Keep Your Tires Safe and Ready for Driving

Maintaining your tires is as important as maintaining your car's engine.  Tires are always subject to wear and tear depending on driving situations, road conditions, and weather.  However, with proper checks and maintenance you can keep your tires safe and in the best working order.

How to Check Inflation Pressure

	Look for this information in your vehicle. Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for the proper level of inflation; it may also be posted on the door post or in the glove box.
	When you check the inflation pressure, make sure the tires are cool - meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. (Note: If you have to drive a distance to get air, check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate inflation pressure when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the inflation pressure inside to increase as you drive. Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.)
	Check inflation pressure once a month and before long trips.
	If you overfill the tire, you can release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with a fingernail or the tip of a pen. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge.
	Replace the valve cap.
	Remember to check the spare. (Note: Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure).

Why Check Your Alignment?

	If your car's suspension system is out of alignment, your tires will wear unevenly and you may experience handling problems. Potholes and rough roads can contribute to problems with alignment.
	Front-wheel drive vehicles, and those with independent rear suspension, require alignment of all four wheels.
	Have a tire dealer check your alignment periodically as specified by your vehicle owner's manual or if handling problems develop, such as "pulling."
	Also have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear or vibration.

Why Rotate Your Tires?

	Each tire on your car supports a different amount of weight; this unequal weight distribution causes your tires to wear at different rates. By rotating your tires, you can extend their useful life.
	If your tires show uneven wear, ask your tire dealer to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.
	Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000 miles.
	Sometimes front and rear tires use different pressures. After rotation, adjust tire inflation pressure to the figures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

How to Check Tread

	When the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, tires must be replaced.
	All tires have "wear bars," which are small, raised bars of rubber in the groove that indicate when tires are worn out. If your tread is worn down to the wear bars, it's time for a new tire.
	A penny is a reliable tool to check tire tread. 1. Take a penny and put Lincoln's head into one of the grooves of the tire tread. If part of his head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the legal amount of tread. 2. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tire.
	Visually check your tires for signs of uneven wear. You may have irregular tread wear if there are high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also make sure no nails or other objects are embedded in the tire. Consult your tire dealer as soon as possible if you see problems.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Vehicles equiped with Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) can help motorists detect loss of inlfation pressure. Federal regulations require TPMS to warn drivers when tires are 25% under inflated. For many vehicles this warning may be too late to prevent damage caused by under inflation. TPMS units are NOT a replacement for monthly tire pressure checks with a gauge.

Obey posted speed limits.

Always buckle your seat belt.

Avoid fast starts, stops and turns.

Avoid potholes and other objects on the road.

Do not run over curbs or hit your tires against the curb when parking.

Do not overload your vehicle. Check your vehicle's tire information or owner's manual for the maximum recommended load for your vehicle.

For more information go to RMA.org