(ARA) - More than 85 percent of drivers nationwide do NOT check their tires properly and regularly, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). The popular driving season is just around the corner, and as you hit the road for your spring and summer excursions, there are important tips you should know to help keep you safe.
It only takes five minutes a month to check your tires, so ‘Be Tire Smart - Play Your P.A.R T.’ Here are four tips to keep your tires safer:
1. Pressure - Underinflation results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control, decreased fuel economy, and accidents. Further, tires can lose up to half of the required air pressure and not appear flat. Therefore, check your tires once a month with a tire gauge. Remember to use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, not the inflation pressure listed on the tire sidewall. The recommended pressure is typically found in your vehicle on a sticker located on the driver’s door or doorpost or you can check your owner’s manual.
2. Alignment - A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end out of alignment and damage your tires. Have a tire dealer check the alignment periodically to ensure your car is properly aligned.
3. Rotation - Regularly rotating your vehicle’s tires will help achieve more uniform wear. Unless your vehicle owner's manual notes otherwise, tires should be rotated approximately every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
4. Tread - Unusual wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in adverse conditions. Take the penny test by inserting Lincoln’s head upside down into the groove of a tire. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you need a new tire. Also, visually check your tires for uneven wear and for signs of damage.
For additional tire safety tips visit www.rma.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
