Safety Tips
- Be sure to check inflation pressure when tires are cool
(minimum three hours after driving).
- Find the manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure
located on the vehicle doorjamb, glove box, fuel door or
the owner's manual. Note: the tire inflation pressure
listed on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure for
the tire, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle
- Remove the valve cap, take the tire gauge, and press
firmly on valve stem
- If the reading is lower than the recommended level, add
air and check again
- Over inflated? Push on the metal valve core in the
center of the valve with the nub on the back of the tire
gauge to release air, and check again
- Once recommended inflation pressure is reached, replace
valve cap
- Insert the edge of a coin in the tire tread, with the
head down and facing you
- If the top of the head is covered by tread, there is at
least a minimum acceptable amount of tread.
- If the top of the head is visible at any point around
the tire, it is time to replace the tire.
- Visually check for cuts, cracks, splits, punctures,
irregular wear and bulges.
- If any of these conditions are spotted, or if you are
doubtful about the condition of your tires, visit a
dealer for a professional inspection
When replacing tires on a vehicle, it is recommended and preferred that all four tires be replaced at the same time. However if you can only purchase two new tires at a time, the new pair should always be installed on the rear axle for both front and rear-wheel drive vehicles. By placing the new tires on the rear axle, the deeper tire tread will help drivers maintain control on 'wet roads, which can help to prevent the vehicle from a potentially hazardous over-steer handling condition especially during sudden maneuvers. Many drivers assume that new tires should go on the front, especially if they have a front-wheel drive vehicle, however, this is not correct. Tires should be checked at least once a month and before a long road trip for routine maintenance and safety. Checking your tires for proper maintenance and safety is a simple, do-it-yourself routine that will get you road ready. As the only part of your vehicle connecting it to the road, checking them monthly and before road trips is recommended.
Tires contain "wear bars" in the grooves of the tire tread which show up when only 2/32nds of an inch (1.6 mm) tread is remaining. At this stage, your tires must be replaced immediately. Tires worn beyond this stage are dangerous.
Avoid purchase or installation of used tires on your vehicle. It is recommended to not purchase or install used tires. Not all tire damage that can lead to tire failure is outwardly visible. Such damage can eventually lead to tire failure. Just remember, the previous driver removed those tires from their vehicle for a reason. Do you really want to put your own and your family's safety at risk without knowing why the tire was removed from service? Used tires, especially tires with an unknown history, should he considered dangerous!
A damaged tyre must be repaired as soon as possible as the moisture will cause the steel to rust, which means, moisture can come into contact with the tyre steel belt and rust attack which can cause separation between the steel and rubber to cause tyre failure. Always get tyre repairs done by authorized personnel who is well trained and equipped to repair tyres which are within repair limits.
It is recommended to rotate all tyres every 10,000 km or as per recommendations from vehicle manufacturer. Rotation is important because each tyre will wear differently due to steering, braking, cornering and weight distribution factors. If the vehicle operates in constant 4WD, all wheels are driving, but the front wheel will be subjected to steering forces as well. If the vehicle is either front or rear wheel drive, the driving wheels will wear faster. To achieve the best mileage out of the four tyres rotation is then required.