Think You’re Under Pressure? Check Your Tires

(ARA) - Eighty-five percent of U.S. drivers are “stressing out” their tires by failing to properly check inflation pressure. To help keep tires in top shape and to reduce vehicle risks, the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) reminds drivers to check their vehicle’s tires as part of regular monthly maintenance. Spending five minutes once a month to check tire pressure can maximize vehicle safety, performance, fuel economy and tire life.

“Underinflated tires are dangerous,” says Donald B. Shea, RMA president and CEO. “They cause excessive heat buildup and heat is the enemy of a tire. Over time, this can cause internal damage that may lead to tire failure.”

Motorists can reduce tire stress with basic care - starting with air pressure. Properly checking tire pressure means checking at least once a month when tires are cold and using the correct inflation pressure. If properly cared for, tires can last a long time - usually from 40,000 to 80,000 miles, depending on the application. RMA offers these simple tips to keep your tires safer:

• Use a Tire Gauge. Your eyes are not a substitute for a tire gauge. Tires can lose up to half of the required air pressure and not appear flat. Use a gauge to check your tires once a month and before long trips.
• Find the Right Pressure. The correct inflation pressure for tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the vehicle door edge, doorpost, glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the vehicle owner’s manual. RMA, which annually tracks tire care and maintenance habits among motorists, also found that more than half of drivers - 53 percent - wrongly believe that the correct inflation pressure is printed on the tire sidewall.
• Keep Cool. When you check the air pressure, make sure the tires are cold - meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. Tires heat up and air pressure expands as you drive. If you have to drive a distance to get air, check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate air pressure when you get to the pump. Never "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot.

For additional information, visit www.betiresmart.org.

Courtesy of ARA Content