According to RMA research, two out of three drivers do not know how to tell if their tires are bald while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that almost 10 percent of tires on the road are bald.
“A bald tire is not going to grip the road properly and that puts you and others at risk,” says Donald B. Shea, RMA president and CEO.”
RMA urges motorists to look at their tires every month.
* Get in the Groove. Check your tire tread grooves to make sure they are free of foreign objects. Also check the sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
* Sign Language. Built-in tread wear indicators, or “wear bars,” on every tire are narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread. They appear when tires are worn to 2/32 inch and signal to replace the tire.
* Penny for your Thoughts. Another way to test for bald tires is the penny test. Place a penny into a tread groove on your tires with Abe Lincoln’s head pointed down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it is time for a new tire.
Additionally, RMA says that proper tire pressure is critical to optimizing vehicle safety.
“Properly inflated tires also will help ensure a good grip on the road,” Shea says. “Check tire pressure every month with a tire gauge and use the correct pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. And don’t forget the spare.”
RMA says that proper tire care will help maximize vehicle safety, fuel economy and tire longevity. For more information visit www.betiresmart.org.
Courtesy of ARA Content
