With gas prices hovering around the $4 per gallon mark,
many motorists may be reconsidering taking that summer
road trip, and the
Tire
Industry Association (TIA) is providing six tips
that tire dealers can share with your customers help
them stay safe, reduce fuel consumption and thus make
that anticipated getaway a reality.
Perform a visual inspection and check tire pressure.
According to TIA Senior Vice President of Training Kevin
Rohlwing, improperly inflated tires are one of the
biggest contributors to a car's fuel inefficiency.
Drivers should check the owner’s manual or the placard
on the inside of the driver-side door to determine the
correct inflation, and always check the pressure first
thing in the morning, when tires are “cold.”
Additionally, look for any cracking and/or irregular
wear.
Be sure not to overload your tires. Many summertime
activities involve a lot of luggage and equipment. And
when you factor in the weight of the passengers, it can
be too much for your tires to safely handle. Overloaded
tires will also wear out faster, and will not be as
fuel-efficient, thus potentially costing you hundreds
of dollars on replacement tires. Make sure to check the
owner’s manual to ensure the maximum allowable limit is
not being exceeded.
Use the “penny test” to check for minimum tread depth.
The old test still works – place a penny in a major
tread groove of a tire with Lincoln’s head facing down.
If the top of the president’s head is visible at any
point in any major tread groove, it’s a good sign that
the tire needs to be replaced.
Rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Rotating tires
on this regular basis is one of the best ways to get
the maximum life out of your tires.
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If your tire is punctured, make sure the person who is
repairing it performs the repairs off the wheel. The
only proper way to repair tire damage is to remove the
tire from the wheel. On-the-wheel repairs are
dangerous, because there may be more damage to the tire
than what is visible when it is on the wheel.
Inspect your spare tire. Many people forget to
regularly check the condition of their spare tire
(including the inflation pressure) until one of their
main tires is not working, and then it’s too
late.
“Most people don’t realize that by following these
simple tips, they can greatly increase their fuel
economy, not to mention ensuring that they reach their
destinations safely,” Rohlwing says, encouraging
motorists to follow the advice throughout the entire
year.
For more information, visit www.tireindustry.org.
