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Car Care

Five Tire Safety Tips For Avoiding Blowouts

Posted: 8/5/2010

Underinflated tires and overloaded vehicles can lead to problems on the road.

(NAPSI) - To keep your car on the road to safety and savings, you need to stay on top of vehicle maintenance. Overlooking something as simple as your tire's air pressure can cause problems.

Underinflated tires are the leading cause of tire blowouts, according to the Rubber Manufacturers Association. Each year, there are over 650 fatalities due to car accidents with underinflated tires.

That's why at least once a month and before every long trip, you should look at all your tires, including the spare, and check the inflation pressure.

Here are five tips to keep your tires in shape for road trips:

1. Don't Wait to Inflate--Low tire pressure decreases fuel economy. The specific inflation pressure number can be found on the vehicle placard located on the driver's side doorpost, glove box door, fuel door or in the owner's manual. For accurate pressure, check tires when cool and don't forget the spare.

2. Lighten Your Load--Overloading decreases fuel economy due to increased wind drag and cargo weight. Handling, control and braking are also negatively affected.

3. Rotate Before Rollin'--Regular rotation helps achieve uniform tire wear and improve road performance. Tires rotated every 6,000−8,000 miles have longer life and help maximize your tire investment. It makes sense to get a tire inspection when you rotate.

4. Get It Straight--Proper tire alignment provides safe, predictable vehicle control, as well as a ride that is smooth, comfortable and free of pulling or vibration. Proper alignment helps tires wear evenly and last longer.

5. Bald Isn't Beautiful--Lack of tread affects the tire's ability to grip the road. Make sure tires don't have uneven wear, high or low areas or unusually smooth areas that can increase the risk of road accidents.

"Don't put off seeing your tire professional. Tire pressure affects many aspects of your car, including steering, braking and gas mileage," said Mark Ballard of Discount Tire Company, the world's largest tire and wheel retailer. "If your vehicle is properly serviced and your tire pressure is at the appropriate level before hitting the road, it will help you head off potential tire problems."

For more information on tire safety, visit www.Tires.com.

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