• Top 10 Tire Care Tips
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, under inflated tires are attributed to crashes that result in 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries each year.

Recent research sponsored by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) conducted surveys of 1,000 drivers nationwide and found that:

• 63 percent of motorists cite tire pressure as the most effective way to increase gas mileage.
• Only 19 percent of drivers properly check their tire inflation pressure.
• Each month, three out of four drivers wash their cars while only about one in five correctly checks their tire pressure.

You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent and save up to $0.09/gallon by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure.

Here are 10 tire care tips:

1. Don't wait until it's too late - Make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once per month and before every long trip. Under inflated tires causes excess heat build-up that can damage tires and lead to a failure.
2. Know your pressure point - The correct tire pressure is found on a sticker on the driver's door, doorpost or owner's manual NOT on the tire sidewall - that's the maximum pressure for the tire.
3. Keep your cool - To accurately measure your tire pressure, check tires when they are cold. Wait at least three hours after driving.
4. Take care of your spare - Check your spare tire each month and keep it properly inflated so it's ready to go when you need it most.
5. Penny for your thoughts - A penny can tell you if your tire is bald. Place a penny upside down into a tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for a new tire.
6. Keep yourself in line - Be aware of potholes that can not only damage your tire but can also jar your car's alignment.
7. Pick a date and rotate - Make sure you rotate your tires every 6,000 miles to promote uniform wear and longer tire life.
8. Don't take a spin without a cap - Driving without your tire valve cap allows for a slow leak of air from the tire and eventual underinflation.
9. Don't lose your balance - It is important to have your tire balance checked periodically to avoid irregular wear.
10. Be a weight-watcher - Overloading your vehicle stresses your tires and can lead to damage.

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