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
