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Tires are one of the most important parts of your car for safe travel. Here are some tips on how to keep them in good condition so they last a long time.

Check your tires once a month for wear. One of the easiest ways to do this is to place a penny into the most shallow tread groove with Lincoln's head down. If the whole head remains visible the tread is worn down to 1/16th of an inch and needs to be replaced.

Never have tires repaired if they have a puncture larger than 1/4 inch or have sidewall punctures.

Keep tires properly inflated. Use a tire gauge to measure inflation. A tire can lose up to half of its air pressure and not appear to be flat!

Check air pressure on cold tires. Wait at least three hours after stopping vehicle even after just a one mile drive.

Purchase a good pressure gauge and have it checked for accuracy at your favorite dealer.

Keep your car in alignment. Just sudden stopping against a curb or driving through a pothole can throw the front end out of alignment and damage tires.

Have the tires rotated regularly. Check the owners manual of your vehicle. If no time limit is listed then have it done every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

Avoid fast starts, stops and turns.

Avoid speeding as that heats the tires excessively and wears down the tires faster.

Avoid driving on the edge of the pavement or other sharp edges and obstructions.

Avoid overloading the vehicle. Check the owner's manual for the maximum weight load for your car.

When buying new tires know what size and what kind of tires your car requires. Know the difference between all-season tires, winter tires, radial tires, etc. Tell the dealer what type of driving you will be doing such as winter driving, mountain driving, desert driving, etc. It will be much easier to help the dealership to get you the proper tires if they know what you need.

It is best to replace all four tires at the same time. But if you need to purchase only one or two tires have them installed on the rear axle.

When washing your car clean the tires with soap and water and a soft bristle brush or a shop cloth.

When properly cared for tires can last up to 40,000, and even up to 80,000 miles depending on driving habits and road conditions.

For more information on tire care visit: http://www.apluswriting.net/autocare/tirecare.htm