5 Tips for Safer Passenger Car Tires

To ensure proper tire safety on a passenger car, fleet managers and drivers should keep a few very important safety tips in mind:

Tip 1: Understand how to inspect a tire. Before getting on the road, drivers should inspect all four passenger car tires for any damage, including nails, as well as look for tread depth and inflation.

Tip 2: Know how to check tire pressure. Even though many of today’s vehicles are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), driver’s still need to know how to check a tire’s pressure and where to find the OEM’s recommended tire pressure rating. Tires can lose one psi per month under normal conditions, and an additional 1 psi for every 10-degree F temperature drop.

Tip 3: Take the car in for regular tire maintenance. Taking a car in for periodic tire rotations, balancing, and alignment can help evenly spread wear and provide another check for damage.

Tip 4: Frequently check tire tread depth. A quick and easy way to check a tire’s tread depth is with a small tool made for the job, but a penny can also work to eyeball any concerns. If any part of Abe Lincoln’s head is covered by tire tread, you’re safe and good to go.

Tip 5: Understand how to read a tire’s sidewall. Finally, know how to read a tire’s sidewall. This skill allows a quick glance to know if the right tire is being used on a specific vehicle type.

Editor's note: This feature is part of a Special Fleet Safety Series Sponsored by Volvo Cars North America.