Staying aware of tire wear

  • Published
  • Air Force Flight Test Center Safety Office
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Tire care, while important throughout the year, is especially critical during the hot months of summer. Many families travel away from Edwards during the summer for vacations. These long trips, heavy loads, high speeds, and higher temperatures all put additional stress on tires. 

· Check tires regularly to be sure there are no visible signs of wear or damage. 

· Be sure tires are properly inflated. Check tire pressure often with a gauge, especially on long trips. Measure when the tires are cold, before driving on them. One can find the recommended inflation pressure in the owner's manual, on a label frequently found in the glove box, near the door latch on the driver's side, or other locations on the vehicle. The recommended inflation pressure is not to be confused with the maximum inflation pressure shown on the side of the tire. At the recommended inflation pressure, tires will last longer, be less likely to fail, and the car will use less fuel. Serious injury can result from tire failure because of under or over inflation of the tires. 

· Never overload the vehicle. The car and tires are designed to operate safely only up to their load limits. These limits are shown in the owner's manual and on the certification plate on the edge of the driver's door. 

· Make sure there is enough tread on the tire to operate safely, and make sure the tires are wearing normally. All grooves should be visible and deep enough to at least touch the top of Lincoln's head on a penny inserted head first in the tread. Low tread or bald tires are unsafe and need to be replaced. 

· If some spots on the tire seem to be wearing faster than others, visit a service station or mechanic. the car could have misaligned wheels, worn shock absorbers, or other potential problems. Make sure the tires are aligned and balanced properly. 

· Don't drive at a high rate of speed for a long time, particularly in hot weather. Obey posted speed limits. Lower speeds also mean better gas mileage. 

Information collected from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Weather Service, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Federal Citizen Information Center, Washington State SAFE KIDS Coalition.