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Under inflation can lead to tire failure. It results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and accidents.A tire can lose up to half its air pressure and not appear to be flat!
Advanced and unusual wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in adverse conditions. Visually check your tire for uneven wear, looking for high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also check for signs of damage.
Pressure
It is important to have the proper air pressure in your tires, as under inflation can lead to tire failure.
1) The ‘right amount’ of air for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and is shown on the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door, or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner’s manual.
2) When you check the air pressure, make sure the tires are cool. That means they are not hot from driving—not 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 air pressure when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the air pressure inside to go up as you drive. Never ‘bleed’ or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.)
3) Remove the cap from the valve on one tire. Firmly press a tire gauge on the valve.
4) Add air to achieve recommended air pressure.
5) If you overfill the tire, 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.
6) Replace the valve cap.
7) Repeat with each tire, including the spare.(NOTE: Some spare tires may require higher inflation pressure.)
8) Visually inspect the tires to make sure there are no nails or other objects embedded that could poke a hole ion the tire and cause an air leak.
9) Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
NOTE: Air pressure in a tire goes up (in warm weather) or down (in cold weather) 1 to 2 pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
Alignment
Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear can cause uneven and rapid tread wear and should be corrected by a tire dealer.
Front wheel drive vehicles, and those with independent rear suspension, require alignment of all four wheels. Have your alignment checked periodically as specified by the vehicle owner’s manual or whenever you have an indication of trouble such as uneven wear, ‘pulling’, or vibration.
Also have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear.
Rotation
Sometimes irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating you tires.Consult your vehicle owner’s manual, the tire manufacturer or your tire dealer for the appropriate rotation pattern for your vehicle.
NOTE: If your tires show uneven wear, ask your tire dealer to check for and correct misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problems involved before rotation.
Before rotating your tires, always refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tire should be rotated approximately every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
Tread
Tires must be replaced when worn down to 1/16 of an inchin order to prevent skidding and hydroplaning.
One easy test: Place a penny into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread, you are driving with the proper amount of tread. If you can see all of his head, it is time to replace the tire.
Built-in tread wear indicators, or ‘wear bars’, which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread will appear on the tire when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of an inch. When you see these ‘wear bars’, the tire is worn out and should be replaced.
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. Consult your tire deal as soon as possible.
Other IMPORTANT info...
Always buckle your seat belt.
Practice good driving habits,which will help keep your tires in good condition.
If properly cared for, tires can last a long time—usually from 40,000 to 80,000 miles depending on the application.
Please visit https://www.ustires.org/ for more information about tire safety.
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