Top Five Tire Care Tips From AutoMD.com

CARSON, Calif., Jan. 25, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AutoMD.com (www.automd.com) today released its Top Five Tire Care Tips to help people save money – and quite possibly their lives – by following simple tips to keep their tires properly maintained.  The company's car repair experts say these tips are especially important in winter months, when the proper performance of your tires is critical in hazardous driving conditions.  

Consider the following statistics:

• Americans travel trillions of miles each year in their vehicles(1)
• The average life of a tire is between 40,000 and 60,000 miles(2)
• The cost of new tires is between $35 - $160 per tire, depending on size and quality(3)
• Consumers can improve gas mileage by 3.3% simply by having properly inflated tires(4)
• Nearly 700 highway fatalities are caused each year by improperly maintained tires(5)

"Being tire aware simply makes sense. And being a responsible driver means practicing safe driving habits and performing regular maintenance on your vehicle – tires and all," said Shane Evangelist, president of AutoMD.com.  "It's easy for drivers to overlook tire problems if no warning light flashes.  However, there are simple tire maintenance tips people can follow to help ensure a smooth and safe ride – while also saving money by extending tire life."

Top Five Tire Care Tips from AutoMD.com:

1. Keep tires properly inflated.

Get into the habit of looking at your tires every time you stop for gas. If you spot bulging sidewalls during a visual inspection, this could indicate low tire pressure. You should also check the tire pressure once a month with a pressure gauge. On vehicles equipped  with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), the warning light on the dash notifies you when a tire is low.  Be sure to refer to your vehicle's owner's manual or tire sticker on the door jamb for manufacturer-recommended tire pressure settings.  Be especially diligent about tire pressure when driving in snow, rain and sleet, since correct pressure is essential to good handling and traction.

See AutoMD's guide: How to Check Tire Pressure

2. Rotate and balance tires every other oil change.

AutoMD.com recommends that you rotate and balance your tires  every other oil change (7,000 – 10,000 miles).  Most tire shops offer this service free-of-charge if the tires were purchased from them.  Rotating your tires increases their lifespan because the front tires wear faster than the rear, and keeping the tires balanced reduces vibration.

See AutoMD's guide: How to Rotate Tires

See AutoMD's guide: How to Balance Tires

3. Avoid road hazards.

Driving too fast, not keeping a safe distance, and driving on rough or damaged roads can lead to tire damage from road hazards.  Hitting a pothole at forty miles per hour can cause tire and wheel trauma, including sidewall damage which is non-repairable.  Be careful after heavy rains or inclement weather when new potholes typically appear.  Whenever possible, drive on well-maintained roads.

4. Routinely check your tires for uneven wear.

A tire wearing on the outside edge can be a sign that the wheels are not aligned. Wheel alignment can be checked by simply looking at the wear pattern on tires or by a trained technician with the use of an alignment rack. Misalignment (camber and toe-in) can reduce the life of your tires, so be sure to routinely inspect for uneven tread wear. If the tires are wearing unevenly, have the wheels aligned by a trained technician.  

See AutoMD's guide: How to Perform a Wheel Alignment

5. Clean and cover your tires.

Use a tire protectant to prevent the tires from UV or ozone damage in the summer and harsh weather conditions in the winter.  Be sure to clean tire sidewalls with Armor All® or a similar product. Whenever your vehicle is stored for long periods of time (i.e., a trailer or classic car), cover your tires and remove the vehicle's weight or load to help prevent sidewall cracks from forming.

Keep in mind that tire lifespan is affected by the quality of your tires, tire maintenance, type of vehicle, and driving habits.  

For motorists who want tips about how to inspect or repair their tires on-the-go, the AutoMD Mobile app (available from iTunes) offers "How-To Guides" and a Repair Shop Locator.

More AutoMD.com vehicle maintenance tips can be found here.

About AutoMD.com

AutoMD.com™ (www.automd.com), a wholly-owned subsidiary of US Auto Parts Network, Inc., (Nasdaq: PRTS), is the most comprehensive and unbiased free online automotive repair resource designed to empower car owners with the best way to repair their vehicles. Backed by a team of automotive data specialists and certified auto mechanics who are advocates for the car owner, AutoMD.com allows both car owners and DIYers to 1. Troubleshoot car problems, 2. Get accurate auto repair estimates, 3. Understand the steps needed and the time it should take for repairs with online Auto Repair manuals, 4. Find the right local auto repair shop at the right price, and 5. Get auto repair questions answered by the AutoMD.com community. AutoMD.com was named Best Automotive Website in the 8th annual American Business Awards, also known as the as the Stevie® Awards. AutoMD Mobile is available for the iPhone at iTunes.

(1) The Department of Transportation estimated that U.S. residents traveled 2.922 trillion miles in 2008, and 3.030 trillion miles in 2007 (http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/news/news_detail.cfm/news_id=12283)

(2) According to AutoMD.com expert mechanics, lifespan of a tire is between 40,000 – 60,000 miles. For the industry, average passenger tire life is about 47,000 miles. (http://www.newcarbuyingguide.com/index.php/news/main/2295/event=view/page=2)

(3) According to Consumer Reports, an All-season tire can run $35-$80, ultra-high-performance tires can run $90-$160 and tires for SUVs and pickups can run $55-$125 (http://www.costhelper.com/cost/cars/tires.html)

(4) You can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure (http://www.fueleconomy.org/feg/maintain.shtml)

(5) Tires and Auto Safety Facts, Rubber Manufacturers Association (http://rma.org/tire_safety/tire_maintenance_and_safety/tire_and_auto_safety_facts/)

AutoMD.com disclaims all liability for any damages, injury or other liability arising from error, omission or inaccuracy in its advice or diagnoses.

SOURCE US Auto Parts Network, Inc.