Checking Your Tires

Regular attention to the tires on your automobile will save you money, improve vehicle handling, and improve safety.

Tires should be rotated every second oil change; that is, tires should be moved to a different position on the car. This will ensure that the tires wear evenly and provide their maximum life.

Inspect the tread on your tires. They should be wearing evenly and not be too worn. If the tread is disappearing, or has worn away entirely, then the tires are unsafe to drive on as they may burst while driving. Visible threads are a sure indication that you need new tires. If the tread is wearing unevenly this may be a sign that your wheels are out of alignment. Other indications are that the car pulls to one side or the other, or simply feels "squirly" on the road.

Keeping your tires properly inflated is essential to extending their longevity and saving you money. Under inflated tires increase road friction and therefore hurt your gas mileage. They also flex more than properly inflated tires and this makes them more likely to fail. Consult your owner's manual for proper tire pressures.

When shopping for new tires, keep in mind that cheap tires will affect your gas mileage and may not be as safe. Also be sure to get tires that are appropriate for your local weather conditions. The tires that originally came on the vehicle may not be the best for your area. Blowouts are dangerous, and looking after your tires will help insure the safety of you and your family.