There's ls Lot Riding on It

Like so many other aspects of your automobile, tires are improved, last longer and offer more safety. Well-maintained tires keep your car safer, help it last longer, and save you money, too. So here are some tips from the National Automobile Dealers Association to keep your tires in good shape and your travels safe:

• Choose your tires carefully. Too many drivers buy a tire based on initial price or appearance. Tire selection should be based on the correct size recommended for the vehicle and its load recommendations. You should consult with a knowledgeable tire or automobile dealer about selecting the proper tire for your typical driving patterns.

• Buy a tire gauge and keep it handy in your car at all times. It will inform you if you need to add more air to your tires. You can find them at any automotive retailer or supply store.

• Check your tire pressure at least once per month, and especially before a long trip. Remember, under inflation is a tire's No. 1 enemy, because it can cause damage that may lead to tire failure. However, over inflation can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems. Use the manufacturer's recommended air pressure listed on the sticker of your vehicle's door jamb or owner's manual as a guide. Always check the pressure of your tires when they are cool or cold. Driving heats up tires, making readings incorrect.

• During wet weather, slow down. As your speed decreases, the tire footprint (the amount of the tire's tread contacting the road surface) increases, providing better traction. You also reduce the risk of hydroplaning should you run into water puddled on the road.

• Rotate your tires every 6,000 miles. If your tires show uneven wear, ask your automotive service professional to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.

• Check your vehicle alignment periodically. It's especially important to have an automotive professional check your alignment if you notice your vehicle is pulling to one side when you're driving.

• Inspect and measure your tire tread. You can do this yourself by placing a penny in the tread groove and if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, then it is time to replace your tires.

• Check the tire sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.

• Make sure you do not overload your vehicle because it can create excessive heat inside your tires. An over-loaded vehicle puts stress on tires that can cause damage and lead to tire failure. Check the manufacturer's load recommendation, which can be found on the vehicle information placard inside the driver's side door post, or in the vehicle owners' manual.

Have your tire balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tire and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear.

If you are one of the 85% of Americans who don't regularly check tire pressure, you should consider nitrogen. We take in nitrogen with every breath. Air is composed of:

1% Water Vapor and Other Gases – Escapes up to 250 times faster than Nitrogen
21% Oxygen – Escapes 3-4 times faster than Nitrogen
78% Nitrogen – The largest molecule in air, dry, non-flammable.

Because of their large size, nitrogen molecules are the least permeable and stay in your tire longer. It's not about the nitrogen. It's about reducing oxygen, water vapor and other gases.

By reducing the percentage of oxygen, water vapor and other gases in your tires from 22% to 7% or lower, your tires will maintain proper pressure longer than if you use “plain old air.” For example, with 95% nitrogen in your tires, they retain optimal pressure three to four times longer.

Remember that by checking your tires regularly, you will keep your travels safe, enjoyable and affordable.