Tire Tips From NASCAR Legend and Auto Club

NORWALK, Conn., Jan. 31, 2006; Now that the checkered flag has dropped on the racing and holiday travel season, many drivers are getting their vehicles in gear for 2006. NASCAR legend and AutoVantage spokesman Bobby Hamilton says it's a good idea to start at the bottom.

"On and off the track, I know how important it is to take care of your tires since they're the only thing between your vehicle and the road," said Hamilton. "The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure. And tire failure can lead to accidents. No one wants that. Whether I'm racing on the track or have my family in tow on the highway, a little tire maintenance goes a long way toward a safer ride."

Brad Eggleston, vice president of AutoVantage, said, "As we continue in the winter driving season, one of the best precautions is proper tire maintenance, which keeps your vehicle humming during the often hazardous winter road conditions. In addition to proper tire maintenance, AutoVantage helps you save money on winterizing your car, tune-ups and any necessary repairs for the changing seasons."

Hamilton says there are some simple tips to keep your tires in tow for a safer ride:

1. Under Pressure: A tire doesn't have to be punctured to lose air. Tires naturally lose air over time. NHTSA advises checking the pressure in all your tires (even the spare) at least once a month with a tire gauge. Some circumstances may call for more frequent checks, such as before you set out on a long trip or if you've just traveled on uneven or bumpy surfaces.

2. How Much Air?: NHTSA says your tires should be inflated to the psi, or pounds per square inch, recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. This number can be found on a placard on the inside of the driver's side door frame, the inside of the glove box or trunk lid. Filling your tires above the recommended psi can affect maneuverability, make the ride harsher, and sometimes lead to loss of control and crashes. Underinflating can result in tire stress caused by overheating, irregular wear of tread, tire failure and sometimes loss of driver control and crashes.

3. Time Matters: When you check your tire's pressure is almost as important as how often you check. To get an accurate reading, you should always check pressure when a tire is "cold." That has nothing to do with the temperature outside; it means when a tire has been sitting still. NHTSA says the optimal time for checking pressure is at least three hours after your vehicle has been driven. Even if you only drive your car around the block, the tire still needs to rest for three hours to get an accurate reading.

4. Tread Test: Since tires are the only thing between you and the highway, you'll want to make sure your tires have the proper amount of tread. Many tires have tread wear indicator bars molded into the tread. If you can see a solid bar of rubber across the width of the tread, it's time to buy new tires. Also, you can do the "penny test" by placing a penny, Lincoln head down, into the tread groove. You need new tires if you can see the top of Lincoln's head.

5. Rotation, Rotation, Rotation: Most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. However, some four-wheel drive vehicles require rotation even sooner, such as every 4,000 miles. When in doubt, always check your owner's manual.

6. "X" Marks the Spot: Some tire manufacturers recommend all-season tires be rotated in a "modified X" pattern to help promote a more even and uniform treadwear pattern for all four tires. That means only the tires being moved to the drive axle are crossed to the opposite side of the vehicles. The remaining two tires are moved from the drive axle to the free-rolling axle, remaining on the same side of the vehicle. Ask a tire professional about other rotation strategies.

7. Spare Your Spare: For a quick fix of an underinflated tire or flat tire, buy a small air compressor that plugs into your cigarette lighter. It costs about $20 and can be found in most auto parts stores.

8. Goodbye Flats: Never change a flat on the side of a busy highway. Many tire companies are offering run-flat tires since studies show 70 percent of all drivers have had a flat at one point or another. Run- flat tire technology allows you to continue driving on a flat tire for many miles so you'll have a better chance to get off the busy highway and into a service station. A tire-pressure monitoring system alerts you when you have a flat.

9. Take a Peek at Your Tires: It's important to visually inspect your tire's well being on a regular basis, too. Consumer Reports says consult a professional if you see cracks or cuts on the sidewalls. The magazine suggests replacing a tire at once if you see bulges or blisters, which signal potential weak spots that could lead to tire failure.

10. Blowout Beware: If you experience a blowout or rapid loss of tire pressure, it's important to know what to do and what NOT to do. NHTSA says don't step on the brake and don't abruptly take your foot off the accelerator, the two most instinctive things to do. Both can lead to loss of control. Instead, stay calm and gradually release the gas pedal, correct the steering and continue to slow down and pull off the road once your vehicle has stabilized.