Tire Experts: Don't Leave It To Chance, Take Safety Into Your Own Hands

SOUTH BEND, Ind., April 26 -- Because of rampant tire neglect driving in America has become a game of chance, to the point where the government has taken action. Studies show every third car on the road has at least one dangerously underinflated tire that could fail, potentially causing a loss of vehicle control, and every ninth car has at least one bald tire that offers little resistance to hydroplaning and almost no traction in the rain. It was also discovered that less than one in four drivers check tire pressures at the minimum recommended once-a-month interval. With some 70,000,000 vehicles and nearly 46,000,000 drivers affected, it would seem just a matter of time until someone else's neglect becomes your problem -- that is, if you're not guilty yourself.

In an ongoing effort to emphasize the importance of proper tire care, safety, and new laws that affect new car buyers, The Tire Rack, the country's largest independent tire tester, is supporting National Tire Safety Week, which runs April 24-30, and encouraging all drivers to pay more attention to their tires -- the only things holding their vehicle to the road.

"Underinflated tires cause excessive heat build-up that shortens tire life, adversely affects fuel economy and increases the likelihood of tire failures including blowouts," said John Rastetter, lead tire tester at The Tire Rack, "as well as can lead to hydroplaning, longer stopping distances and loss of control on wet surfaces.

As a result of neglected tire maintenance being linked to SUV rollovers, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this month finalized a new motor vehicle safety ruling that will require all new passenger vehicles to have Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) that can detect when one or more of the vehicle's tires are 25 percent or more below recommended inflation pressure.

But Rastetter warns, "While TPMS are a step in the right direction for tire-safety initiatives they're not substitutes for proper tire pressure maintenance." He said TPMS cannot alert drivers to other tire related dangers such as damaged tires, uneven tread wear or worn out tires. Industry experts also agree that TPMS could actually increase tire neglect as drivers rely on these imperfect systems instead of their own air pressure gauges.

The Tire Rack encourages motorists not to rely solely on their eyes or TPMS, but to take safety matters into their hands by reading important tire safety information, self-help tips and tire maintenance must-dos at www.tirerack.com/techcenter , or by speaking to a tire expert at 888.541.1777.

With the summer travel season fast approaching there's no better time than now to protect your own safety and that of your passengers, so consult The Tire Rack for information today or follow these simple steps:

   * Pump Them Up -- With a quality air pressure gauge check that your tires
     are inflated to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressures.
     Inflation numbers can usually be found on a placard inside a door jamb,
     near the fuel filler or in the owner's manual.  Remember, tire pressure
     monitoring systems are not a replacement for conducting your own tire
     pressure checks.
   * Look Closely -- Visually inspect your tires for uneven wear, sidewall
     blisters, and road hazards such as cuts, nails or screws.  Also check
     your wheels for bends, which could indicate internal tire damage.  If
     you see anything, have the tire inspected by a professional and replace
     it if necessary.
   * Watch The Weight -- When loading your vehicle, whether it is with
     people, luggage or cargo, be aware of how much weight you're adding and
     understand the limits of your vehicle.  The addition of several extra
     passengers and large suitcases may require you to adjust tire pressure.
     Check your vehicle owner's manual's advice on optional tire pressure
     recommendations for heavy loads.
   * Find a Penny -- Tires with a tread depth approaching 2/32-inch will not
     grip wet pavement well and hydroplane easily.  They are more likely to
     fail and almost twice as likely to be under-inflated.  You can measure
     tread depth with a penny.  Place the penny, with Lincoln's head toward
     you and upside down, in a tread groove.  If you can see the top of his
     head, have the tires replaced immediately.  You can also use a tread
     depth gauge available at any auto parts store.
   * Check the Spare -- Most of us forget our cars and SUVs have five wheels
     and tires, not four.  The spare is often overlooked but since spare
     tires naturally lose pressure over time it's important to also check
     the spare tire's condition and pressure.  The last thing you'd want is
     to have a flat spare tire.