National Tire Safety Week

As part of National Tire Safety Week (June 3-9), leading tire maker Michelin and The Weather Channel^® are encouraging motorists to stay safe on the road this travel season by following simple, yet effective tips designed to prepare even the most seasoned driver for a worry-free journey. 

Michelin offers the following tire safety tips:

Check Tire Inflation

• Proper inflation is essential for the performance and longevity of a tire. Under-inflated tires will wear unevenly and negatively impact performance. In addition, keeping tire pressure at the recommended level can boost fuel efficiency by one mile per gallon. The Department of Transportation estimates that 5 million gallons of fuel per day are wasted due to low tire pressure.

• Be sure to properly check all four tires once a month and before a long trip - it’s difficult to tell if a tire is under inflated just by looking at it. If it actually looks under inflated, it is severely under inflated.

• Do not inflate tires to the maximum pressure listed on the tire's sidewall.  The optimum tire pressure required can be found on a sticker in the vehicle’s door jamb, on the inside of the glove compartment door or in the owner's manual. 

• Check the pressure when the tires are cold - first thing in the morning is best. Many gas stations have free tire pressure gauges and air-filling facilities or, purchase your own tire gauge (a digital pressure gauge is recommended).

Rotate Tires Regularly

• Regular rotation helps extend tire life, saving time and money in the long run.  For rotation, each tire and wheel is removed from the vehicle and moved to a different position.  Tires should be rotated every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. Full-size spare tires should be included in the rotation process. Rotations can be done at oil lube stations or mechanic shops. 

Keep Proper Vehicle Alignment

• Alignment generally refers to the adjustment of a vehicle's front and rear suspension parts. Proper alignment helps ensure that the vehicle handles correctly and will help increase the life and performance of the tires. Alignments can be done in conjunction with a tire rotation at oil lube stations or mechanic shops. 

Check Tire Tread Depth

• In most states, the minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. If you place a penny with the top of Abraham Lincoln's head facing down into your tires' shallowest groove and you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln's head, it's time to replace your tires.

About National Tire Safety Week

National Tire Safety Week is an initiative of the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) and its members that aims to educate consumers nationwide about essential tire safety maintenance practices. In its 11^th  year, the annual event is part of the "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART" program, a year-round effort designed to help drivers learn the simple steps they can take to ensure that their tires are in good working condition.

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