Research from the Rubber Manufaturers Association (RMA) shows that only 19% of drivers properly check their tires--leaving an astounding 81% who are making mistakes. To counter these alarming facts, Toyota Knoxville is teaming up with RMA for National Tire Safety Week and conducting free tire safety checks.
We welcome all drivers to come and learn firsthand about proper tire care. Using RMA's simple tire care tips, consumers can maximize their vehicle safety, achieve better fuel ecomony and get the most wear from thier tires.
Federal Government Statistics
NHTSA estimates more than 23,000 tow away crashes were due to blow outs or flat tires. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, August 2001)
Under inflated tires are attributed to crashes that result in 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year. (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, September 2004)
27% of passenger cars and 32% of light trucks have at least one significantly under inflated tire. (National Highway Traffic Safety Adminstration survey, August 2001)
Tire Safety Tips
Proper tire care and safety is simple and easy. The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) recommends taking five minutes every month and before every long trip to check your tires, including the spare. Just remember to "Be Tire Smart - Play Your PART: Pressure, Alignment, Rotation, Tread."
Your Basic Tire Maintenance Checklist
Pressure - Under inflation results in unnecessary tire stress, irregular wear, loss of control and accidents. A tire can lose up to half of its inflation pressure and not appear to be flat!
Alignment - A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end out of alignment and damage your tires. Have Toyota Knoxville check the alignment periodically to ensure that your car is properly aligned.
Rotation - Regularly rotating your vehicle's tires will help you achieve more uniform wear. Unless your vehicle's owners manual has a specific recommendation, the guideline for tire rotation is approximately every 5,000-8,000 miles.
Tread - Advanced and unusual wear can reduce the ability of tread to grip the road in adverse conditions. Visually check your tires for uneven wear, looking for high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also check for signs of damage.
Don't Forget: Always practice good driving habits
Detailed Tire Maintenance Checklist
How to Check Inflation Pressure
Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for the proper level of inflation; it may also be posted on the door post or in the glove box.
When you check the inflation pressure, make sure the tires are cool - meaning they are not hot from driving even a mile. (Note: If you have to drive a distance to get air, check and record the tire pressure first and add the appropriate inflation pressure when you get to the pump. It is normal for tires to heat up and the inflation pressure inside increase as you drive. Never "bleed" or reduce inflation pressure when tires are hot.)
Remove the cap from the tire valve, firmly press a tire gauge onto the valve and note the reading. Add air to achieve recommended inflation pressure.
If you overfill the tire, you can release air by pushing on the metal stem in the center of the valve with a fingernail or the tip of a pen. Then recheck the pressure with your tire gauge. Replace the valve cap.
Repeat with each tire, including the spare (Note: Some spare tires require higher inflation pressure).
Why Check Your Alignment?
If your car's suspension system is out of alignment, your tires will wear unevenly and you may experience handling problems. Potholes and rough roads can contribute to problems with alignment.
Front-wheel drive vehicles, and those with independent rear suspension, require alignment of all four wheels. Have Toyota Knoxville check your alignment periodically as specified by your vehicle's owners manual or if handling problems develop, such as "pulling" or vibration.
Also have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear.
Why Rotate Your Tires?
Each tire on your car supports a different amount of weight; this unequal weight distribution causes your tires to wear at different rates. By rotating your tires, you can extend their useful life.
If your tires show uneven wear, ask your tire dealer to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.
Refer to your vehicle's owners manual for rotation recommendations. If no rotation period is specified, tires should be rotated approximately every 5,000-8,000 miles. Sometimes front and rear tires use different pressures. After rotation, adjust individual tire inflation pressure to the figures recommended for each wheel position by the vehicle manufacturer.
How to Check Tread
When the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch, tires must be replaced.
All tires have "wear bars," which are small, raised bars of rubber in the groove that indicate when tires are worn out. If your tread is worn down to the wear bars, it's time for a new tire.
A penny is a reliable tool to check tire tread.
1. Take a penny and put Abe's head into one of the grooves of the tire tread. If part of his head is covered by the tread, you're driving with the legal amount of tread.
2. If you can see all of Abe's head, it's time to replace the tire.
Visually check your tires for signs of uneven wear. You may have irregular tread wear if there are high and low areas or unusually smooth areas. Also make sure no nails or other objects are embedded in the tire. Consult your tire dealer as soon as possible if you see problems.
Other Important Information
Practice good driving habits, which will help keep your tires in good condition.
Obey posted speed limits.
Always buckle your seat belt.
Avoid fast starts, stops and turns.
Avoid potholes and other objects on the road.
Do not run over curbs or hit your tires against the curb when parking.
Do not overload your vehicle. Check your vehicle's tire information or owner's manual for the maximum recommended load for your vehicle.
Tire Safety Links
Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) Website:
Tire Safety Links:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA):
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/tiresafety/
