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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INSPECT YOUR TIRES REGULARLY

At least once a month, inspect your tires closely for signs of uneven wear.

Uneven wear patterns may be caused by improper inflation pressures, misalignment, improper balance or suspension neglect. If not corrected, further tyre damage will occur. (See examples)

Most likely, the cause can be corrected at your tyre dealer/seller or other service facility. If you find a problem and correct it in time, your tires may be able to continue in service.

Certain uneven wear patterns may indicate that the tyre has suffered internal structural damage and requires the immediate attention of your tyre dealer/seller.

Always remove tires from service when they reach a remaining tread depth of two thirty-seconds of an inch (2/32"). If not corrected, wet weather accidents are more likely to happen due to skidding on bald or nearly bald tires. Also, excessively worn tires are more susceptible to damage from road hazards.

Built-in treadwear indicators, or "wear bars," which look like narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tread, will appear on the tyre when that point of wear is reached. When you see these wear bars, the tyre is worn out and it's time to replace it.

Inspect your tires frequently. Look for any stones, bits of glass, metal or other foreign objects wedged in the tread. These may work deeper into the tyre , cause air loss and allow moisture into the tyre structure, both of which can lead to tyre failure.

If any tyre continually needs more air, have it taken off the vehicle and checked to find out why it is leaking. Damage to the tyre , wheel or valve may be the problem.