National Tire Safety Week… how are your tires? Published June 2, 2010 By Rod Krause 5th Bomb Wing Ground Safety MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- June 6 to 12 is National Tire Safety Week, and many major tire brands are urging drivers not to wait for a special time of year to think about the safety of their tires. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than one-quarter of passenger vehicles on U.S. roadways have at least one substantially under inflated tire. A survey by the administration also found that up to nine percent of passenger vehicles are riding on at least one bald tire-with less than 2/32 inches of tread. Tire manufactures recommend drivers inspect their vehicle's tires at least once a month and before any long road trips, checking inflation pressure and looking for obvious signs of damage, cuts and excessive or uneven wear. The bottom line basic tire safety isn't rocket science. It takes five minutes each month to look over the vehicle's tires and check air pressure. It's that easy! Here are some basic tips for drivers to follow when inspecting their tires: · Set tires to the right pressure - Drivers should follow the recommended air pressure from the vehicle manufacturer as listed on a sticker located on the vehicle's door jamb, glove box door or in the owner's manual. · Check tire tread depth - In most states, the minimum legal tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. If a penny is placed upside down in the tire's shallowest groove and one can see the top of Abraham Lincoln's head, it's time to buy new tires. · Inspect tires monthly - Knowing what to look for is only useful if one actually takes the time to look. Get in the habit of frequently inspecting tires for proper inflation, damage or wear. If something doesn't look right, take the car to a tire dealer for closer inspection. · Replace tires properly - If a person only replaces two tires at a time, mount them on the rear axle. Otherwise, the car could lose rear traction in the rain and spin out. · Proper alignment is important - Have the car's suspension re-aligned when new tires are purchased, especially if it has been a while since the last alignment. A suspension that is not aligned properly can wear out new tires after only a few thousand miles and adversely affect gas mileage. Remember, tires are the only thing between the vehicle and the road, so it's important to make sure they're in good condition year round, and make an effort to follow these simple tips now could save time, money and maybe even a life in the long run.