It’s the season for getting our vehicles in gear for 2006. Let’s begin with the only part of your car or truck that actually touches the highway-your tires.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says underinflation is the leading cause of tire failure-and tire failure can lead to accidents.
Be your own crew chief and follow these simple guidelines from the NHTSA and other experts:
• Take a peek at your tires: Visually inspect your tires on a regular basis. Consumer Reports says consult a professional if you see cracks or cuts on the sidewalls. If you see bulges or blisters, which signal potential weak spots that could lead to tire failure, replace the tire at once.
• Under pressure: A tire doesn’t have to be punctured to lose air. Tires naturally lose air over time. Check the pressure in all your tires -even the spare-at least once a month with a tire gauge.
• How much air?: Tires should be inflated to the psi, or pounds per square inch, recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer.
• Time matters: The best time for checking pressure is when a tire is...