Business View - June 2015 13
Routinely checking tire balance and wheel alignment
reduces tire wear, improves handling, and increases
fuel economy."
According to the Car Care Council's popular Car Care
Guide, vehicle owners should check the pressure of
all tires, including the spare, on a monthly basis and
more often during colder weather. In addition, the
tread should be checked for uneven or irregular wear
as well as cuts or bruises along sidewalls. Tires should
be inflated to recommended pressure levels, rotated
every 6,000 miles to promote uniform tire wear and be
replaced if worn or damaged.
If the vehicle shakes or pulls to one side, it could be a
sign of an alignment issue. Because uneven or accel-
erated tire wear may indicate an alignment problem,
it's a good idea to have the alignment checked at least
once a year. Wheel balance can change as a result of
normal tire wear and unbalanced wheels can cause
rapid wear of shock absorbers and struts.
For more information on tire safety and maintenance,
service interval schedules, questions to ask a techni-
cian and tips to drive smart and save money, view the
Car Care Council's free digital Car Care Guide online at
.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for
the "Be Car Care Aware" consumer education cam-
paign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care,
maintenance and repair to consumers.
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