SIOUX FALLS, S. D. (KELO AM) – If you have taken a recent trip and noticed your car getting bad gas mileage or may be suffering alignment problems check the tires first. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can be the root cause to many of your car’s problems.
“It pays to be ‘tire smart,” said Dan Zielinski, Vice President, Rubber Manufacturers Association. “Being tire smart means being able to check tire pressure properly; and there are three elements to that. People should check their tire pressure monthly using the tire pressure on the label inside of the driver’s door and not the tire and you should check your tires when they are cold.”
Zielinski said over-inflated tires will wear in the middle faster because there is no grip from the outside part of the tire. It is important on a dry road, and even more important on a wet road. By taking a penny, you can check the tread depth on a tire by sticking Lincoln’s head on the tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to get new tires.
“Cars with a tire pressure monitoring system does not replace your tire gauge, said Zielinski. “The warning light doesn’t come on until 25-percent of the air in the tires is lost. Until then, you can be driving on severely under-inflated tires. Keeping tires properly inflated can save 10 to 12 cents a gallon which is quite a bargain.”
Zielinski says ‘Be tire smart and play your part.’ P.A.R.T. is an acronym that stands for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread. It promotes tire efficiency and safety.
“Safety is the most important element for the manufactures who build our tires in the US,” said Zielinski. “Improperly inflated tires can build up heat which weakens the tire and can lead to a blow-out. A properly inflated tire is your best bet for tire safety.”
Dan Zielinski was interviewed by Jack Taylor, KELO AM News June 4, 2013.