DARCARS Nissan of Rockville

1. Choose your tires carefully, basing selection on the correct size recommended for the vehicle and its loading recommendations. Consult with a tire or automobile dealer about selecting the proper tire for your typical driving patterns.
2. Buy a tire gauge and keep it handy in your car. It will inform you if you need to add air to your tires.
3. Check your tire pressure at least once per month, and especially before a long trip. Under inflation can cause damage that may lead to tire faliure. Over inflation can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems.
4. Slow down during wet weather. As your speed decreases, the tire footprint increases, providing better traction. You also reduce the risk of hydroplaning.
5. Rotate your tires every 6,000 miles. If your tires show uneven wear, ask your service professional to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance, or other mechanical problem before rotation.
6. Check your vehicle alignment periodically. Have a service professional check alignment if the vehicle is pulling to one side when you're driving.
7. Inspect and measure your tire tread. Put a penny in the tread groove; if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tires.
8. Check the tire sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges, or other irregularities.
9. Make sure you do not overload your vehicle. Overloading can create excessive heat inside the tires, and lead to damage and failure.
10. Consider replacing your tires every six years, even if the treads are not worn out. Some research indicated that tires deteriorate as they age.

Brought to you by DARCARS as part of the 2005 "Be Tire Smart-Play Your Part" campaign sponsored by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA).