Tire pressure, including the spare, should be checked at least once a month before

driving, when the tires are cold. Tires can be considered cold after the vehicle has been immobile for three hours or if the vehicle was driven less than one mile.

Do not attempt to reduce air pressure when tires are hot.

Use a tire gauge to check pressure and to maintain it at the level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. If a tire loses more than one pound of air pressure per month, have your dealer check the tire for leakage.

Proper inflation pressure is very important to the life of the tire and affects vehicle handling and comfort in driving; therefore, you should always maintain the correct inflation pressure for your tires according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. In addition, your vehicle has a Tire Information Placard which indicates the proper tire size and inflation pressure for your particular car model.

Wheel alignment and balance are important aspects to consider in order to have a comfortable driving experience and to get the maximum mileage from your tires. Check how your tires are wearing out at least once a month. If your tires are wearing out unevenly, perhaps so that the inside shoulder of the tire is wearing out faster than the

rest of the tread, your vehicle's tires may be out of alignment. This condition not only shortens the life of the tires but also adversely affects the handling characteristics of your vehicle - this is dangerous! If irregular and uneven wear is noticed, have your alignment checked immediately. More wear on the shoulders than in the center of the tread indicate under inflation of the tires. Such under inflation may cause damage to the overall tire structure. When in doubt, have your tires inspected by the dealer to prolong tire life and ensure safe driving conditions.

(Tread)

The tread is an external rubber layer protecting the carcass from wear and from external damage caused by the road surface. It is the part of the tire that makes direct contact with the road and generates the frictional resistance needed in order to turn corners with greater control. This frictional resistance from the tread allows for safe driving and efficient braking. The tread pattern, which consists of grooves mounded into the tread surface, is designed to help the tire transmit these forces to the road effectively.

(Sidewall)

The sidewall is a term used to indicate the rubber layers that cover the sides of the tire. The sidewall's main function is to flex under the applied loads and adapt continuously to the changing stresses during travel. Additionally, the sidewall protects the carcass from external damage.

(Carcass)

The carcass is the framework of the tire. It must be strong enough to hold high pressure air, yet be flexible enough to absorb load change and impact. It consists of plied cords

bounded together by rubber. Tires are generally classified into radial and bias ply tires, according to the direction of the cords. While buses and trucks have cords generally made of nylon or steel, passenger cars usually have cords of polyester, rayon, or nylon.

(Belts)

Belts are a type of breaker used in radial ply tires and wrap around the tire circumference like a hoop between the carcass and the tread. The most common material for belts are steel cords.

(Bead)

The edges of the sides of the plies are wound around strong steel bead wires. This prevents the tire from being thrown off the rim by the various forces which act upon it.

(Inner Liner)

Inner liners apply only to tubeless tires. This is a layer of rubber in the tubeless tire specifically compounded for resistance to air diffusion.

The inner liner in the tubeless tire replaces the inner tube of the tube-type tire.