SOUTH BEND, Indiana -- 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.
"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.
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.
