www.mdcusa.com
Ph: 833 632 8721
10
Tire Size
To maintain tire safety, purchase new tires that are the same size as the vehicle’s original tires, or another size
recommended by the manufacturer. Look at the tire information placard, the owner’s manual, or the sidewall of the tire
you are replacing to find this information. If you have any doubt about the correct size to choose, consult with the tire
dealer.
Tire Tread
The tire tread provides the gripping action and traction that prevent your vehicle from slipping or sliding, especially
when the road is wet or icy. In general, tires are not safe and should be replaced when the tread is worn down to 1/16 of
an inch. Tires have built-in treadwear indicators that let you know when it is time to replace your tires. These indicators
are raised sections spaced intermittently in the bottom of the tread grooves. When they appear “even” with the outside
of the tread, it is time to replace your tires. Another method for checking tread depth is to place a penny in the tread
with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, you are ready for new tires.
Tire balance and wheel alignment
To avoid vibration or shaking of the vehicle when a tire rotates, the tire must be properly balanced. This balance is
achieved by positioning weights on the wheel to counterbalance heavy spots on the wheel-and-tire assembly. A wheel
alignment adjusts the angles of the wheels so that they are positioned correctly relative to the vehicle’s frame. This
adjustment maximizes the life of your tires. These adjustments require special equipment and should be performed by a
qualified technician.
Tire repair
The proper repair of a punctured tire requires a plug for the hole and a patch for the area inside the tire that surrounds
the puncture hole. Punctures through the tread can be repaired if they are not too large, but punctures to the sidewall
should not be repaired. Tires must be removed from the rim to be properly inspected before being plugged and patched.
Tire fundamentals
Federal law requires tire manufacturers to place standardized information on the sidewall of all tires. This information
identifies and describes the fundamental characteristics of the tire and also provides a tire identification number for
safety standard certification and in case of a recall.
2.3.10.1 Information on Passenger Vehicle Tires