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Consumer Tips for Tire Safety
- Choose your tires carefully, basing selection on the correct size recommended for the vehicle and its loading recommendations. Consult with a tire or automobile dealer about selecting the proper tire for your typical driving patterns.
- Buy a tire gauge and keep it handy in your car. It will inform you if you need to add air to your tires.
- Check your tire pressure at least once a month, and especially before a long trip. Under-inflation can cause damage that may lead to tire failure. Over-inflation can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems.
- Slow down during wet weather. As your speed decreases, the tire footprint increases, providing better traction. You also reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
- Rotate your tires every 6,000 miles. If your tires show uneven wear, ask your service professional to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance, or other mechanical problem before rotation.
- Check your vehicle alignment periodically. Have a service professional check alignment if the vehicle is pulling to one side when you're driving.
- Check the tire sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.
- Make sure you do not overload your vehicle. Overloading can create excessive heat inside the tires and lead to tire damage and failure.
- Consider replacing your tires every six years, even if the treads are not worn out. Some research has indicated that tires deteriorate as they age.
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