Tips For Safer Tires, Safer Driving

Friday, March 1, 2002

Tips For Safer Tires, Safer Driving (NAPSA)—Did you know that more than 29 million drivers don’t believe their tires need regular maintenance? Furthermore, only 11 percent of drivers check their tires properly and regularly, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA). To help drivers understand the importance of tire maintenance and safety, RMA has created National Tire Safety Week. During that time, RMA will work with its partners within thetire industry to offer free tire safety checks at select tire dealerships. At these events, drivers can pick upfree tire gauges and educational brochures. Also during the week, RMA will release results from a national survey that demonstrate the lack of proper tire care awareness among our nation’s drivers. 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 safe: 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. 2. Alignment—A badjolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end outof alignment and damage your tires. Can you tell whichtire is properly inflated? These tires are at two different inflation levels, and it’s impossible to tell that tires are improperly inflated just by looking at them. That’s why it’s important to check your tires using an accurate tire gauge. Havea 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. Visually check your tires for uneven wear and for signs of damage. For additional tire safety tips, or to learn more about National Tire Safety Week, which will be held April 29 to May 8, visit www.rma.org.

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