Proper Tire Care MeansSafety, Fuel Savings _ (NAPSA)—Before hitting the road, take a few minutes to check the condition of your tires. Wellmaintained tires keep your car al safer, help it last longer and save you money at the gas pump, too. These tips from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) will help to keep your tires in good shape and your travels safe all year long: Choose yourtires carefully. Tire selection should be based on the correct size recommendedfor the vehicle and its loading recom- mendations. Consult with a knowl- edgeable tire or automobile dealer about selecting the proper tire for your typical driving patterns. Buy a tire gauge and keepit handy in your car at all times. It Performing periodic tire checks can be an effective way to stay safe on the road and reducefuel costs. alignment if you notice your vehi- will inform you if you need to add cle is pulling to one side. Check your tire pressure at least once per month, and especially before a long trip. Underin- tire tread. You can do this yourself by placing a penny in the tread eroove and if you can see the top lead to tire failure. And overinflation can cause uneven wearplus handling and stopping problems. replace yourtires. Check the tire sidewalls to more air to yourtires. flation can cause damage that may Use the manufacturer’s recom- mendedair pressure as a guide. During wet weather, slow down. As your speed decreases, the tire footprint (the amount of the tire’s tread contacting the road surface) increases, providing better traction. e Rotate your tires every 6,000 miles. If your tires show uneven wear, ask your automotive service professional to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation. Check your vehicle alignment periodically. Have an automotive professional check your Inspect and measure your of Lincoln’s head, then it is time to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities. Don’t overload your vehicle as it can create excessive heat inside yourtires. e Have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear. Remember, by checking your tires regularly, you can keep your vacation drives safe, enjoyable and affordable. NADAis a member of the “Be Tire Smart—Play Your Part” national safety campaign, sponsored by the Rubber Manufacturers Association. For more information, visit www.nada.org.
