Glendale Knights Auto Club

Technical news!

Jan 11, 2007

HAVE YOU CHECKED YOUR TIRES LATELY?

It has been said that tires are made so good these days that very few people pay attention to them and, that could be a serious or even fatal mistake. While it is astonishing how the tire industry has advanced over past three decades, like all the other parts of your car, they need adjusting. Although today, most tires offer 60,000 miles of life or more, that doesn't mean they don't need to be maintained. Ironically, the key maintenance that has to be done on your tires is as simple as the air you breathe. Your tires need air to properly function. Maintaining tires costs you virtually nothing except your time which is why it is so often neglected.

Why risk your own safety and the safety of your family? You should do a tire check monthly to make certain your tires are carrying the vehicle manufacturer recommended air pressure. An air pressure gauge and less than two minutes of your time is all it takes. The benefits are substantial. Properly inflated tires give you better fuel economy, ride quality and handling ability. Your ability to maneuver your vehicle will be enhanced, helping to keep you out of dangerous situations.

Of course, one dangerous situation arises from tires being under inflated. Under inflated tires generate heat from internal friction that can shorten the life of the tires or even cause sudden tire failure. This internal wear is exacerbated by heat and heavy loads, which means a tire that can carry a load in total safety on a 50-degree day when properly inflated could be prone to failure on an 80-degree day when inflation pressure is below manufacturer recommendations. We all think our eyes can be the judge, but if your tire looks low, odds are it is seriously under inflated and could be causing dangerous variations in your vehicle's handling ability.

To keep the public informed, National Tire Safety Week was created. Most tire centers participate in the public awareness program by the distribution of educational brochures and other efforts to promote tire and auto safety. Bridgestone and Firestone have teamed together to advise the public in tire construction, maintenance and safety efforts through their newly created website www.tiresafety.com. You can sign up for free monthly email reminders that tell you when it is time to check your air pressure. The site provides up-to-date information on proper tire maintenance as well as tire construction, sizes, classifications, replacement and driving tips. So before you take your car oiut for its next drive, stop and complete a 2 minute check on your tires, then sign up for your free email reminders, so that you can be assured of your safety.