Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of National Tire Safety Week, May 28- June 3, as millions of motorists take to the road.
During National Tire Safety Week, the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) and its members remind motorists how they can help keep their tires performing at peak safety levels. This includes basic tire care motorists can perform themselves and scheduling routine services.
USTMA outlines that motorists can take simple steps for tire safety, such as:
- Checking tire pressure monthly, including the spare, based on the vehicle manufacturer’s pressure settings.
- Checking tire tread regularly. All tires have “wear bars” that are visible once tread has worn to a 2/32nds tread depth. At this point, tires pose a safety risk and must be replaced.
- Having professional maintenance completed such as tire rotations every 5,000 to 8,000 miles and wheel alignments, especially after striking a pothole, to prevent uneven or rapid tread wear.
USTMA notes that tires have become safer over the years through innovation, with the most recent government data analysis showing tire-related crashes decreased by more than 50% between 2007 and 2010.
For more information on National Tire Safety Week, visit USTMA’s website.
