Auto Maintenance > Tires & Wheels
The importance of properly maintaining your tires cannot be overemphasized. Remember, tires are the only contact between your vehicle and the road. Under inflation is the leading cause of tire failure. Not only are under inflated tires more prone to damage and failure, but they can lead to higher fuel costs by as much as 3 to 5¢ per gallon. Normal wear and tear to tires can also lead to tire failure, and possibly total control loss leading to an accident.
 Tire Pressure
Proper inflation pressure is essential for achieving maximum performance and mileage. Improper tire inflation pressure can cause severe internal tire damage, which can lead to sudden tire failure and resulting in serious personal injury or death. Improper inflation pressure may result in rapid or irregular wear. Pressures should always be checked when the tires are cold and at least monthly. Under normal tire operation, approximately 1psi of tire pressure will escape every month. Also, for every 10 degrees F change in ambient temperature, tire pressure will change by approximately 1psi.
Recommended Inflation Pressure
Follow your car manual for proper inflation. If your car does not have a manual, following the car inflation guidelines posted
When do I need new tires?
Tire wear depends on several factors, including your driving style and tire maintenance habits. Wrong size load and speed rating can void your warranty. But one sure way to know when to replace your tires is when tread wear indicators appear. A tire's built-in tread wear indicators are "wear bars" that look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread and appear when it's time to replace the tire.
You also need a new tire if:
- You can see three or more tread wear indicators around the tire
- Cord or fabric is showing through the rubber
- The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep enough to show cord or fabric
- The tire has a bulge or split
- The tire has a puncture, cut, or other damage that can't be repaired correctly
Tire Repair
Tread punctures or penetrations left un-repaired may cause irreversible tire damage. Any repairs to a tire should be temporary until you can visit your local tire store. Any tires that show signs of missing rubber or any large damage to the rubber should be replaced as soon as possible.
Determining if the Tire is Repairable - Limits
- Never repair a tire worn below 2/32"(.16cm)
- Never repair tires with tread punctures larger than 1/4"(.635cm)
- Never use an inner tube as a substitute for proper repair.
- The maximum number of nail holes is limited to two per tire and these must be separated by at least 15"(38cm).
- No more than one cord per radial ply can be damaged.
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