SAFETY TIPS
- Do not drive around with underinflated tires.
Underinflated tires could separate from the wheel (rim) in quick maneuvers,
thereby causing loss of vehicle control. Underinflated tires also reduce
stopping and handling abilities, increase gasoline consumption (about 0.5 mpg
for every 4 psi of underinflation) through higher
rolling resistance, and reduce
tread life. They build up excessive heat from additional sidewall flexing and
cannot carry the same weight as a normally inflated tire can. Your car may even
hydroplane on wet surfaces. An underinflated tire driven just a short distance
could be irreparably damaged.
- If stuck on a slippery surface, do not spin your
tires. If you have an automatic transmission, rock the car back and
forth using the reverse and drive gears. With a manual transmission, use the
reverse and second gears. In both cases, use the accelerator gently. Do not
exceed 35 mph on the speedometer, or the tires could explode from unrestrained
centrifugal force. The axle
could also fail. Do not allow anyone to stand near a spinning tire. If your
car is equipped with ABS, consult your owner's manual first. Finally, do not
release air from stuck tires to increase road contact area and possibly
traction. The tires will be severely damaged from use while underinflated.
- If selecting alternative tires of different size
than the originals, only use tires that will fit on the original wheels (tire
rims). Use of radically different tire and wheel combinations will
affect load carrying capacity, ride comfort, tire/body clearance for steering,
and wheel bearing life. The safety and control of the vehicle will be reduced.
For example, converting vehicles to "low riders" with abnormally low
profile tires and wide wheels is not recommended. Note that use of a
significantly wider substitute tire may potentially interfere with operation of
steering at full left or full right. Furthermore, wide tires create greater
rolling resistance and decrease fuel economy.
- Never, under any circumstance, lubricate the
threaded lug nuts or bolts with
grease or oil before or after wheel installation in order to permit easy removal
of the tire/wheel assembly at a future date. The lubricant may cause the
lug nuts to become loose and fall off the studs. If this occurs, the wheel will
fall off the car while it is traveling, resulting in loss of control.
- When replacing a flat tire with a spare, be certain
the mounting surfaces of the wheel and brake hub or brake drum are smooth,
clean, and free of dirt, corrosion, or foreign matter. If the spare tire
is not tightened squarely to the mounting surface, the wheel lug nuts could work
themselves loose during travel. If this happens, the wheel will fall off and
cause loss of vehicle control.
- Some space saving spare tires require inflation with an aerosol can prior
to use. If your spare has been filled with flammable
aerosol, notify the tire technician replacing your tire.
- If a tire puncture has been successfully repaired,
the nominal speed rating on the sidewall no longer applies. Treat your
tire as if the speed rating has been effectively reduced 2 levels.
- Do not use recapped tires (retreads) in order to
save money. Under extreme stress or loads, the tread could separate from
the tire plies and cause loss of
vehicle control.
- Do not use the compact spare tire as a long term
replacement for a flat tire. The compact spare is not meant for long
distance or highway speeds.
SYSTEMS
TIRES
TIRE QUALITY
LONGEVITY TIPS