Tire Pressure -
Inflation
Monitor your
tire air pressure monthly and help avoid dangerous tire
conditions. Use a good tire gauge to check
pressure. Tires can loose 1 psi per month under normal
conditions.
Vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada are
required to have a label that shows the correct inflation
pressures for your tires when they're cold. Cold means your
vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven no
more than one mile.
Buying New Tires
One way to
decide if it's time for new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which will appear when your tires have only 1/16
inch (1.6 mm) or less of tread remaining.
You need a new tire if any of
the following statements are true:
You can see
the indicators at three or more places around the tire.
You can see
cord or fabric showing through the tire's 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 well
because of the size or location of the damage.
Tire Maintenance
Overloading
your tires can cause overheating as a result of too much
friction.
Underinflated
tires may be as dangerous as overloaded tires.
Overinflated
tires are more likely to give a hard ride and result in more
rapid tread wear at the center of the tire. Keep tires at the
recommended pressure.
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