NOTE:
It is important to check your vehicle’s tire pressure at
least once a month for the following reasons:
•
Most tires naturally lose air pressure over time.
•
Tires can lose air suddenly if you drive over a pot-
hole or strike the curb when parking.
•
With radial tires, it is usually not possible to deter-
mine under-inflation by visual inspection. For your
convenience, purchase a tire pressure gauge to
keep in your vehicle.
Tire Safety Tips
NOTE:
Preventing Tire Damage
•
Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other
object in the road.
•
Do not run over foreign objects in the roadway, and
try not to strike the curb when parking.
Tire Safety Tips
Preventing Tire Damage
•
Slow down if you have to go over a pothole or other
object in the road.
•
Do not run over foreign objects in the roadway, and
avoid striking the curb when parking.
Tire Safety and Maintenance Checklist
•
Check tire pressure regularly (at least once a
month), including the spare.
•
Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread,
cracks, foreign objects, or other signs of wear or
trauma.
•
Remove bits of glass and any other foreign objects
wedged in the tread.
•
Make sure your tire valves have valve caps.
•
Check tire pressure before going on a long trip.
•
Do not overload your vehicle. Check the tire infor-
mation placard for the maximum recommended load
for the vehicle.
•
If you are towing a car or trailer, remember that
some of the weight of the loaded car or trailer is
transferred to the towing vehicle.
•
Do not drive on a flat or severely under-inflated tire.
Driving on a flat tire for even a short distance can
ruin the tire even if there is no visible damage.
•
Using tire covers when your RV is stationary and
properly maintaining your tires can help slow tire
deterioration and prevent tire failure. Only use tire
cleaners and protectants that are approved by the
tire manufacturer. Many products marketed as tire
cleaners or dressing/protectants are actually harm-
ful to tire compounds.
Tire Fundamentals
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place stan-
dardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This
information identifies and describes the fundamental
characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire identi-
fication number for safety standard certification and in
case of a recall.
P
Indicates the tire is for passenger vehicles.
Next (3 digit) Number
Gives the width in millimeters of the tire from sidewall
edge to sidewall edge. In general, the larger the number,
the wider the tire.
Next (2 digit) Number
Gives the tire’s ratio of height to width (known as the
aspect ratio). Numbers of 70 or lower indicate a short
sidewall for improved steering response and better over-
all handling on dry pavement.
R
‘R’ stands for radial. Radial ply construction of tires has
been the industry standard for the past 20 years.
Next number
This two-digit number is the wheel or rim diameter in
inches. If you change your wheel size, you will have to
purchase new tires to match the new wheel diameter.
Next number
This two or three digit number is the tire’s load index. It
is a measurement of how much weight each tire can
support. If you are unsure, contact a local tire dealer.
NOTE:
You may not find this information on all tires since it is not
required by law.
IDENTIFICATION AND SAFETY
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