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(ARA) - Only 14 percent of drivers nationwide properly check their tires, leaving an astonishing 86 percent who are making mistakes. This from the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), which annually tracks tire care and maintenance habits among motorists. RMA research also reveals that 45 percent of drivers incorrectly believe that when taking a trip with a fully loaded vehicle, it’s better if their tires are a little bit underinflated.
“Properly inflated tires are safer, improve gas mileage and last longer,” said Donald B. Shea, RMA President and CEO. “But our research shows America’s drivers do not know enough about proper tire care.”
It only takes five minutes to check your tires, which you should do once a month and before every long trip. RMA offers four simple tips to keep your tires safer:
1. Pressure: Underinflation puts unnecessary stress on tires, which can cause irregular wear, loss of control, decreased fuel economy and accidents. And don’t be fooled by outward appearances -- 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. Use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, not the inflation pressure listed on the tire sidewall. The recommended pressure is typically found on a sticker located on the driver’s door, doorpost or in the 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 lead to more uniform tire wear. Unless your vehicle’s owner’s manual notes otherwise, tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.
4. Tread: Unusual wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in adverse conditions. Check your tires’ tread by taking the penny test: insert 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 signs of damage.
Courtesy of ARA Content