Proper tire safety requires attention to inflation pressure, tread depth, and tire repair. Over inflated, they can burst due to cornering or ride disturbances. If under inflated, your tires can suddenly go flat, making your vehicle difficult to control. Excessive tire tread wear can reduce your steering and braking response.

To reduce the risk of tire failure, most automobile manufacturers recommend that you replace tires that are more than 6 years old.

Proper tire inflation is essential for safe driving and long tire life. It's wise to check your tires' inflation pressure at least once a month with an accurate tire pressure gauge. Make sure to check the pressure while your tires are cold. Even driving less than a mile can cause your tire pressure to increase, and give you an inaccurate reading.

If you experience a continuous loss of pressure in a tire, it could be an indication of a possible tire or wheel assembly problem. Even a very slow leak can be dangerous ...though inexpensive and quick to repair. Consult with your tire professional immediately if you encounter this situation.

One easy way to check your tires' tread depth is to use the penny test. As shown below, place a U.S. Lincoln head penny into a groove on the tire tread, upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, you need to replace the tire. Most tire manufacturers suggest that you check your tires' tread every 3,000 miles.

As tires wear, sometimes wear patterns appear that can indicate problems with your vehicle or tires. This not only reduces fuel economy, but also reduces your tires' strength. Abnormal tread wear can also be caused by misalignment or mechanical problems.

• Wear in Center
  If your tires are over inflated, the center tread becomes worn.
  
  
• Wear on Edges
  If your tires are under inflated, the outer tread becomes worn.
  
  
• Cupped
  If your tire tread has a cupped appearance, then your vehicle may have bad shocks or struts. This can also be a sign that your wheels are not properly balanced, or parts of the suspension or steering system are worn out.
  
  
• Sawtooth Edges
  If your tires have a sawtooth (or feathered) appearance, then your tires are not properly aligned.
  
  

If your tires are not properly balanced, your vehicle will vibrate. This can lead to driver fatigue, premature or irregular tire wear, and unnecessary wear to your vehicle's suspension. Your tires should be balanced when they are first mounted on the wheels or when they are remounted after any repairs. Make sure to consult with your tire professional if you experience this situation.

If you notice uneven tire tread wear, your tires may not be properly aligned. Make sure to consult with your trained tire professional.

Your owner's manual should specify the proper tire rotation pattern and schedule for your vehicle. If not, make sure to rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

To properly repair a tire, it must be dismounted from the wheel to be thoroughly inspected for damage. Always consult with a trained tire professional for any repairs.