C H E C K

T Y R E S

This booklet provides an understanding of the many factors essential to proper care and service of automobile and light truck tires. However, the RMA makes no pretense that this booklet is all inclusive. Questions pertaining to specific product should be addressed to the tyre dealer or tyre manufacturer.

Inflation Pressure Inspect Your Tires Regularly Good Driving Habits Vehicle Conditions Affecting Tires The Sidewall Story

Replacement tyre Selection Cold-Weather Driving Service Assistance Storage Tips TISC Home Page

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COLD WEATHER DRIVING

Many parts of the U.S. have cold-weather driving conditions at least part of the year. Here are some things you should know about cold-weather driving.

How Cold Temperature Affects Tires

Every time the outside temperature drops 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the air pressure inside your tires goes down about one or two pounds per square inch.

You should check your tyre pressures frequently during cold weather and add the necessary air to keep them at recommended levels of inflation at all times.

Never reduce tyre pressures in an attempt to increase traction on snow or ice. It does not work and your tires will be so seriously underinflated that driving will damage them.

If one of the drive wheels becomes stuck, the centrifugal forces created by a rapidly spinning tyre can cause an explosion by literally tearing the tyre apart. Never exceed the 35 mph indicated speedometer speed. Do not stand near the spinning tyre .

If your vehicle is stuck and a tow truck is not readily available, gently rock your vehicle back and forth, repeatedly shifting the gear lever from drive to reverse on automatic transmissions, or reverse to second on manual transmissions, while applying gentle pressure to the accelerator. Caution: If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS) in your car, follow the operational instructions in your owner's manual.

Winter Tires

In snowy areas, many cities and counties have "snow emergency" regulations which are invoked during heavy snowfalls. Check with authorities for the rules in your area. Under some rules, motorists are subject to fines if they block traffic and do not have snow tires on their vehicles.

You can avoid this by equipping your vehicle with snow tires marked with "MS," "M&S," or "M + S" on the sidewall.

If you change to snow tires, be sure they are the same size and construction type as the other tires on the vehicle.

Snow tires should be used in pairs (or as duals) on the drive axle (whether front or rear) or on all four wheel positions. Never put non-radial snow tires on the rear if radials are on the front, except when the vehicle has duals on the rear. On front-wheel-drive or performance vehicles, it may be advisable to install snow or all season tires on all wheel positions to maintain consistent handling in snowy conditions.

In areas where heavy snowfalls are frequent, many drivers carry chains for use in emergencies, or have their tyre dealer apply studded snow tires or install tires for use in severe snow conditions.

Most states have time limits on the use of studs. Before installing studded tires, check the regulations in your area. If studded tires are applied to the front axle, they also must be applied to the rear axle.

If you use chains, make sure they are the proper size and type for your tires, otherwise they may damage the tyre sidewall and cause tyre failure.

Tires designed for use in severe snow conditions generally have tread patterns, structure and materials to give superior performance. These tires are marked with the "M+S" designation plus a mountain/snowflake symbol.