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tire safety tips

Any tire problem can affect handling, safety and comfort. Follow these simple tips to stay safe on the road.

  • Always replace a worn or damaged tire.
  • Check your tire pressure regularly as tires tend to lose air over time.
  • Buy a digital tire gauge and check your tires once a month and before a long trip. Find the proper inflation pressures in your owner's manual or on a sticker on the car (usually on the driver's doorjamb or fuel-filler lid).
  • Check tire pressure only after the car has been sitting for several hours, when the tires are cold.
  • Address under-inflated tires immediately because under-inflated tires have more rolling resistance, increasing fuel consumption.
  • When you check pressure, inspect the sides of the tires for nicks, bulges, cracks and cuts. If you see these problems, you probably need a new tire.
  • Inspect your spare as you would your other tires. If you have a compact spare, the inflation pressure will usually be written on the tire. Also check your jack or any other repair items that came with your car.
  • Check tread depth by placing the edge of a penny upside-down into the grooves of the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for a new set of tires.
  • When you check tread depth, check both the inside and outside edge of the tires. Uneven tire wear is usually a sign that your car is out of alignment.
  • Keep your car aligned for optimal handling and to prevent premature tire wear.
  • Never buy a single tire: It's best to replace all four tires at once. If you can’t, buy an axle pair (both fronts or both rears).
  • Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles so all four tires wear at the same rate.
  • If your car develops a shimmy or vibration you feel in the steering wheel, one of your tires may have lost its balance weight. Have your tires re-balanced – it’s quick and cheap.

Most cars come with all-season tires, but consider a set of dedicated snow tires for the winter if you live in that kind of climate. If you live where it's always warm and dry, look into buying special “summer tires” for improved handling.

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