Any tire, no matter how well constructed, may fail in use as a result of punctures, impact damage, improper inflation, or other detrimental operating conditions. Tire failures, such as a blowout and/or separation of tread from the tire casing, may create a risk of personal injury or property damage. To reduce the risk of tire failure, we strongly recommend the following:

1. CHECK the air pressure in your tires at least monthly with an accurate air pressure gauge. This should be done when the tires are cool (after the vehicle has been stopped 3 hours or driven less than 1 mile). Adjust to the vehicle manufacturer’s specified pressure while the tires are cold. Never “bleed” or reduce pressure when the tires are hot. It is normal for pressure to build up as a result of rising internal heat as the tire is driven. A temporary spare tire requires a higher inflation pressure than a standard tire fitted to the vehicle. Under inflation is the most common cause of blowouts or sudden failure in any tire and may result in unexpected loss of vehicle control or accidents. It is often impossible to detect the presence of an under-inflated tire during normal driving.

2. NEVER overload your tires. The maximum load-carrying capability of your tires is molded on the sidewall of the tire.

3. MAKE every effort to avoid running over objects that may damage the tire through impact or cutting, such as chuckholes, glass, metal, etc.

4. INSPECT your tires frequently for punctures, scrapes, bulges, separations, cuts, snags, or impact damage resulting from use. Impact damage can occur to the inner portions of your tire without being visible on the outside. Read Section 3 under Safety Warning—Tire failure due to damage.

5. MAKE sure a specially trained person who knows proper repair and inspection procedures does all tire repairs. Never repair tires worn below the treadwear indicators (2/32nds of an inch of tread remaining). All tires repaired must be removed from the wheel for proper inspection and repair. Tires should not be repaired using a plug or other material inserted into a puncture from the outside of the tire. Flat repair materials consisting of a sealant and compressed gas should not be used since proper internal inspection of the tire cannot be done.

6. TIRE ROTATION See the vehicle owner’s manual for recommended rotation patterns for your vehicle. Rotate your tires at 5,000-mile intervals or sooner if uneven tread wear begins to appear. The purpose of regular rotation is to achieve more uniform treadwear on all tires on your vehicle. Ask the service person to check and/or correct any alignment or other mechanical problem before rotation if tires show uneven treadwear. Air pressure should also be set to the proper level as the technicians are rotating the tires. As a general rule tires in the free-rolling wheel positions should be cross-rotated to the alternate wheel position on the other side of the vehicle. Tires in a driven wheel position should be moved to the alternate wheel position on the same side of the vehicle.

7. NEVER drive on smooth tires. Tires should be removed when 2/32nds of an inch of tread depth remains, which is indicated by treadwear indicators molded into the tread grooves. In most states it is not legal to drive with less than 2/32nds of an inch of remaining tread depth.

8. NEVER operate your vehicle in excess of lawful speeds or in any other manner that is inappropriate for the driving conditions.

9. ONLY ONE temporary spare tire should be used on the vehicle at any given time.

10. The Motorist’s Tire Care and Safety Guide for auto and light truck tire care and safety is available by writing to the Rubber Manufacturers Association; 1400 K Street NW; Washington, DC 20005. The information may also be located on the “Publications” tab and downloaded from their web site, www.rma.org.

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