Good Driving Habits
The way you drive has a great deal to do with your tire mileage and safety. So cultivate good driving habits
- Observe posted speed limits
- Avoid fast starts, stops and turns
- Avoid potholes and objects on the road
- Do not run over curbs or hit the tire against the curb when parking
When You’re Stuck
The forces created by a rapidly spinning tire can cause an explosion by literally tearing the tire apart. These forces impact the whole tire structure and can rupture the entire casing.
When stuck on ice, snow, mud, or wet grass, the vehicle should be rocked gently back and forth by repeatedly shifting the gear lever from drive to reverse on automatic transmissions, or reverse to second on manual transmissions. Vehicles with ABS systems need to follow the instructions in their owner’s manual. This should be done with the least amount of wheel spinning. Never exceed 35 mph. If that doesn’t free the vehicle, get a tow.
Highway Hazards
No matter how carefully you drive, there is always a possibility that you may eventually have a puncture and wind up with a flat on the highway. Drive slowly to the closest safe area out of traffic. This may further damage the flat tire, but your safety is more important.
If you feel a sudden vibration or ride disturbance while driving or you suspect your tire or vehicle has been damaged, immediately reduce your speed. Drive with caution until you can safely pull off the road. Stop and inspect the tire. If the tire is underinflated or damaged, deflate it, remove the tire and rim and replace it with your spare. If you cannot detect a cause, have the vehicle towed to the nearest vehicle or tire dealer to have the vehicle inspected.
Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions for jacking up the vehicle, taking off the wheel and putting on the spare. Then drive to a place where the flat tire can be inspected for possible repair or replacement.
After a tire has received a severe impact, such as hitting a curb or pothole, you must have it removed from the wheel and inspected both inside and out for impact damage.
An impact-damaged tire and rim may appear “normal” on the outside, but can fail later after the road hazard injury.
Spare Care
Many late model vehicles are equipped with temporary spare tires and wheels that are different from your regular tires and wheels. Some may require higher inflation pressure, or the use of special canisters to inflate the tire.
Do not exceed 50 mph with a temporary spare. You may operate a vehicle with such a tire within the limits indicated on the sidewall of the tire, until it is convenient to repair the disabled tire or replace it with one of the same size designation and construction as the other tires on the vehicle.
Consult your vehicle owner’s manual and the tire sidewall for instructions on proper use of a temporary spare.
Check the inflation in your spare tire every time you check all the others. A spare tire with no air in it is no help to you in an emergency. If you have an inflatable spare, be sure to check the aerosol air inflation pressure canister to be sure it has not been damaged. If so, have it checked by an expert.
Run Low Tires
Certain new automobiles may be equipped with tires that can be run with reduced or zero air pressure for a limited number of miles at reduced speeds. Once a tire has been run at reduced or zero pressure conditions, it must be replaced or demounted and inspected to determine if it is reusable, depending on the tire manufacturer.
Aerosol Inflators
Do not depend on aerosol sealants and inflators to fix a damaged tire permanently. These products are designed to provide only a temporary, emergency repair to help you get off the road and to the nearest tire repair facility.
Vehicle Conditions Affecting Tires
There is a close working relationship between your tires and several mechanical systems in your vehicle.
Balance
An unbalanced wheel and tire assembly may create an annoying vibration when you drive on a smooth road and may result in irregular alignment.
Alignment
Misalignment of wheels in the front or rear, improperly operating brakes or shock absorbers, bent wheels, worn bushings and other mechanical problems cause uneven and rapid treadwear and should be corrected by a qualified mechanic.
Tire Rotation
Some irregular tire wear can be corrected by rotating your tires. If your tires show uneven wear, ask your tire dealer to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.
Service Assistance
When you have a question about tires, or a problem, consult your tire dealer. The dealer is the best source of general information and professional service on tires. Let your dealer inspect your tires periodically, and diagnose any problem you may have.
Loss of Tire Pressure
When you discover a tire losing air, it must be removed from the wheel by a qualified service person for complete internal inspection to be sure it is not damaged. Tires run even short distances while severely underinflated may be damaged beyond repair.
Punctures up to ¼ inch, when confined to the tread, may be repaired by trained personnel. These tires must be removed from the wheel, inspected and repaired using industry-approved methods which call for an inside repair unit (patch and plug).
Plugs vs. Patches
A PLUG BY ITSELF IS AN UNACCEPTABLE REPAIR. The repair material used – for example, a “combination patch and plug” repair – must be seal the inner liner and fill the injury to be considered a permanent repair. Never use a tube in a tubeless tire as a substitute for a proper repair.
Serviceable Tire Injuries
Injuries larger than ¼ inch must be referred to a full-service repair facility. No repairs to the sidewall of the a tire should be made without consulting the tire manufacturer. Improper repairs can cause sudden tire failure.
Air loss due to punctures can ruin tires that might have been saved had they been removed in time for proper repair. Gradual air loss raises a tire’s operating temperature. This can cause some of the components to separate, or damage the tire body in ways that create sudden or rapid air loss.
Such internal damage may not always be readily apparent and rapid loss of air may still occur despite the later installation of a proper repair.
Storage Tips
Tires should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from sunlight and sources of ozone, such as electric motors.
If you must store tires flat (one on top of another), make sure you don’t stack too many on top of each other. Too much weight can damage the bottom tire.
Also, be sure to allow air to circulate around all sides of the tires, including underneath, to prevent moisture damage.
If storing tires outdoors, protect them with an opaque waterproof covering and elevate them from the ground. Do not store tires on or over black asphalt or other heat-absorbent or reflective surfaces, such as snow-covered ground or sand.
Inflation Pressure
Tires are designed and built with great care to provide thousands of miles of excellent service. But for maximum benefit they must be maintained properly. The most important factors in tire care are:
- Proper Inflation Pressure
- Proper Tire Wear
- Good Driving Habits
- Proper Vehicle Loading
- Regular Inspection
- Vehicle Condition
Benefits of Proper Inflation
With the right amount of air pressure, you will achieve optimum tire performance. This means your tire wears longer, save fuel and help prevent accidents. The “right amount” of air is the pressure specified by the vehicle manufacturer, which may be different on the front than the rear tires on your particular model car or light truck. The correct air pressure is shown on the tire placard (or sticker) attached to the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box door or fuel door.
If you don’t take proper care of your tires, the results can be serious. Most tire companies are either supplying a handbook or are molding a safety warning right onto the tire sidewall.
Your Own Tire Pressure Gauge
If is difficult to tell just by looking at radial tires whether they are underinflated. It is important tires by properly inflated. Failure to maintain correct inflation pressure may result in rapid wear and uneven tread wear, improper vehicle handling and excessive heat buildup which may result in tire failure.
Air pressure enables a tire to support the load, so proper inflation is critical. It is impossible to determine whether tires are properly inflated by just looking at them. That’s why it’s important to check your tires using an accurate tire gauge which can be purchased at your tire dealer, auto supply store or other retailer.
Inflation Tips
Check tire inflation pressure (including the spare) at least once a month and before every long trip. Tires must be checked when they are cold; that is, before they have been run a mile. If you must drive over one mile for air, before you leave home, measure the cold inflation pressure of each tire and record the actual under inflation amount for each tire.
Upon arriving at the service station, measure the inflation pressure of each tire again then inflate the warm tire(s) to a level equal to the warm pressure plus the underinflated amount you measured when the tire was cold. If the cold tire inflation pressure matches the placard recommendation, then no further adjustment is necessary for the warm tire.
Underinflation
When operating a vehicle equipped with radial tire's, it is difficult to notice when a tire has lost air, or is near flat.
Tires lose air normally through the process of permeation. Changes in outdoor temperature can affect the rate in which your tire loses air. This change is more pronounced in hot weather. Generally speaking, a tire may lose one or two pounds of air pressure per month in cool weather, and even more in warmer weather. Underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure, so check inflation pressure regularly.
Never “bleed” or reduce air pressure when tires are hot. It is normal for pressures to build up as a result of driving.
Underinflation or overloading creates excessive stresses and heat, and can lead to tire failure. This could result in vehicle damage and/or serious injury or death. Proper inflation extends tire life and saves fuel.
Proper Vehicle Loading
In addition to showing the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold inflation pressure, the tire placard also shows the maximum load of the vehicle. Do not overload your vehicle. Remember, baggage carried on top of any vehicle counts as additional load.
Inspect Your Tires Regularly
At least once a month, inspect your tires closely for signs of uneven wear.
Uneven wear patterns may be caused by improper inflation pressures, misalignment, improper balance or suspension neglect. If not corrected, further tire damage will occur.
Most likely, the cause can be corrected at your tire dealer/seller or other service facility. If you find a problem and correct it in time, your tires may be able to continue in service.
Certain uneven wear patterns may indicate that the tire has suffered internal structural damage and requires the immediate attention of your tire dealer/seller.
How to Take Care of Your Tires
Proper tire care and safety is simple and easy. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) recommends getting in the habit of taking five minutes every month to check your tires, including the spare.
If you think you may have a tire problem or are unsure of the condition of your tires, consult a tire dealer as soon as possible.
