May 2010 Safety Tip

Tires

• If you don't keep enough air in your tires, they can wear irregularly, which in turn can make it harder to control your car.
• Don't eyeball your tires--use a pressure gauge.
• Check it every week, and before trips.
• Check the air pressure when the tires are cold.
• The recommended pressure is usually listed on a label in the glove compartment or on the driver's side door frame.
• The maximum inflation pressure appears on the side of the tire.
• Keep your wheels aligned. Pay attention if your car pulls to one side or shakes.
• Slow down if you have to drive over a pothole or debris. If you ram a curb or hit a big pothole, get your alignment checked.
• Rotate your tires every 6,000 miles, unless the owner's manual recommends a different interval.
• Measure the amount of tread in your tires, and inspect them every once in a while. Too little tread means less traction, especially when roads are slippery. A good rule of thumb is to insert a penny into the tread, with Lincoln's image head-first. If the top of Lincoln's head is in the groove, you still have enough.
• Modern tires have "warning bars" that appear across the tire when it is time for replacement.
• Don't overload your car or truck. The tire-information placard or owner's manual will have information about load limits.
• Inspect your tires for uneven wear, cracks, and foreign objects in the tread. If you find nails, screws or rocks in the tread, remove them.
• Make sure your tire valves are protected with valve caps.
• If you're towing a trailer, remember that some of the weight of the trailer is transferred to your car or truck.