Air Pressure

Low air pressure, whether due to poor maintenance or a tire puncture, causes more tire failures than all other factors combined. The symptoms are easily spotted—low or bulging sidewall accompanied by a pulling or vibrating feeling as you drive the vehicle. In this circumstance, pull over to the roadside, install your spare, and take the flat tire to your nearest tire dealer for inspection and repair. Maintain your tires by checking the pressure at least once a month and always before you go on a trip. If you do it yourself, check the pressure when the tire is "cold" (that is at least three hours since the vehicle has been stopped and before it's been driven one mile). Refer to the manufacturer's handbook or the tire placard in the vehicle for correct tire pressure.

Road Hazards

Objects in the road, potholes, curbs or any structure that impacts your tire can potentially damage it beyond repair. Check for any unusual tire appearance—especially in the sidewall—after impact. If a tire has been sufficiently damaged, a ride disturbance (pulling or vibration) will frequently develop. Even if you can't see any damage, have a trained professional inspect the tire by dismounting it and checking from inside.

Load Carrying

Overloading a tire can cause excessive heat buildup, leading to tire failure (most frequently a blowout). A tire's load carrying capacity is molded into the tire's sidewall; it is also stated in the Service Description, 92H for example. Many popular sizes have more than one load carrying capacity. If you are plus sizing, make sure the size you choose provides sufficient load carrying capacity for your vehicle.

Worn Tires

Treadwear indicators are built into every tire to signal the end of its useful treadlife. At this tread depth, a tire has lost virtually all wet weather traction and is also more vulnerable to puncture. Remember that a tire may be worn inconsistently from one edge to the other due to mechanical wear (alignment), and it is only as good as the area with the least tread. If the tread depth is 3/32" or less, the tire is due for replacement. Also, remember to have your tires properly rotated on a regular basis to avoid premature wear.

Spinning Tires

If you are stuck in the mud or snow, do not spin the tires excessively; this leads to rapid tire overheating and failure. Tire explosions and tread separations are the most common failures and can be disastrous under these conditions.

Tire Matching

When you decide to buy just two tires, make sure they have the same ratings (speed and load carrying); different tires can cause handling problems. If you choose to buy tires with lower speed ratings, have the higher speed rated tires rotated to the rear for optimum handling.

Mounting and Dismounting

Proper tire mounting is critical to safety and ride quality. When done correctly, factors such as sidewall height, drop-center width, match mounting and bead lubrication have been considered. More than one type of tire machine is required to handle the various tire designs. Discount Tire Co. technicians use the latest equipment and are trained in the latest techniques and safety standards to assure your tires are correctly mounted. If you have your tires mounted elsewhere, make sure the dealer does the job right for your own safety.