Jun 9, 2009

Don't Overlook Your Tires

While they don’t look like much, tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle and key to your personal safety. Yet they’re also one of the most overlooked auto components. According to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than one in four passenger vehicles and light trucks are driving with at least one significantly underinflated tire. Underinflation can cost you money in fuel costs, can negatively affect the handling of your vehicle and it could even cost you your life. The good news is that underinflation is easy to detect and costs virtually nothing to fix. But you do have to expend a little effort.

First, check your tire pressure. And do it today, not tomorrow or next week. Tires can lose one pound of air pressure per square inch (psi) every month and one psi for every 10 F temperature drop, so it’s important to check your tires with an accurate tire gauge at least monthly. To find out if your tires are properly inflated, locate the recommended tire inflation pressure listed on the sticker on the driver’s side door jamb, fuel filler lid, or in your glove box, trunk or owners manual. Make sure to check your tire pressure when the vehicle has been driven less than 1 mile or has been sitting for at least three hours.

So how do you check the tire pressure? First, remove the tire valve cap; place the end of the pressure gauge over the valve and press the gauge down straight and firmly until the scale extends. If needed, add air and recheck the tire pressure with the air gauge to make sure the pressure is right. (Don’t overfill, because that can have negative effects too.) Once you have the pressure right, replace the valve cap and move on to the next tire. You probably have four, plus the spare, but the process should take you less than five minutes. While you’re at it, check your tread depth at least monthly. Your tires should have at least 2/32 inch of tread depth. To easily determine if your tires are due for replacement, insert a penny in the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is worn and the tire probably needs to be replaced. If that’s the case, your next stop should be with a trusted service center.

Checking the tire pressure is critical, but you should also have your wheel alignment checked annually by a certified technician and have your tires rotated every 5,000 miles or according to your vehicle’s owners manual. Proper wheel alignment is important for correct vehicle handling, tire wear, braking stability and a smooth ride.