Where the Rubber Meets the Road

Often times, the only part of a car that actually comes into contact with the road is the most overlooked, the tires.  With all of the moving components that are operating at full speed underneath the hood, tire maintenance is often forgotten.  A study done by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), found that only 1 out of 10 drivers check their tire pressure correctly.  But, air pressure is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to properly checking your tires.

Tire Maintenance

Physical Inspection
At least once a month you should take a quick walk around your car to take a look at the tires.  You should be looking for any damage or wear.

Air Pressure
Incorrect tire pressure can affect your car’s handling and breaking abilities.  You should check for proper pressure on a monthly basis to avoid any issues.

Know Your Limit
Chances are, you are not going to overload your tires, but it is important to know what the load capacity is for the tires on your vehicle.  If loaded beyond this capacity, they are at a much higher risk for failure.

Check the Tread
To make sure your tires are not too worn, there is a fast and easy way to check for proper tread depth.  Simply place a penny into a few treads around each tire.  If any part of Lincoln’s head is covered, you have at least the minimum requirement of 2/32” of tread depth remaining.

How much do tires really matter?

The most important thing that comes with properly maintained tires is safety.  In addition to safe driving, properly inflated tires can last you up to 20% longer than under or over inflated ones.  Under inflated tires also cause the car to work harder, impacting your car’s MPG.