Things You Need to Know About Automobile Tire Care and
Safety
Tires are designed and built with great care to provide
thousands of miles of excellent service. But for maximum
benefit, they must be maintained properly.
The most important factors in tire care are:
-
Proper Inflation Pressure
-
Proper Vehicle Loading
- Regular Inspection
-
Good Driving Habits
- Vehicle Conditions
The Benefits of Proper Inflation
With the right amount of air pressure, your tires wear
longer, save fuel and help prevent accidents. The "right
amount" of air is the pressure specified by the vehicle
manufacturer for the front and rear tires on your
particular model car or light truck. The correct air
pressure is shown on the tire placard (or sticker)
attached to the vehicle door edge, door post, glove box
door or fuel door. If your vehicle doesn't have a placard,
check the owner's manual or consult with the vehicle
manufacturer, tire manufacturer or your local tire dealer
for the proper inflation.
The tire placard tells you the maximum vehicle load,
the cold tire pressures and the tire size recommended by
the vehicle manufacturer.
If you don't take proper care of your tires, the
results can be serious. Most tire companies are either
supplying a handbook or are molding a safety warning
right onto the tire sidewall. A typical warning is
shown.
WARNING
Serious injury may result from tire failure due to
underinflation / overloading. Follow owner's manual
or tire placard in vehicle. Explosion of tire/rim
assembly. Only specially trained persons should
mount tires.
As you see, it points out that serious injury may
result from tire failure due to underinflation or
overloading. Motorists are strongly advised to
follow the vehicle owner's manual or the tire
placard in the vehicle for proper inflation and
loading.
Never try to mount your own tires. Only
specially trained persons should mount or
demount tires. An explosion of a tire and wheel
assembly can result from improper or careless
mounting procedures.
If you do mount your own tires, make sure you
have the right equipment, the right training
and the right information before proceeding.
Always use a restraining device when mounting
a tire on a rim, and be sure to stay back from
the tire when inflating it. Make sure to
follow the inflation instructions.
Always replace a tire with another tire of
exactly the same bead diameter designation
and suffix letters. For example: A 16" tire
goes on a 16" rim. Never mount a 16" tire on
a 16.5" rim. A 16.5" tire goes on a 16.5"
rim. Never mount a 16.5" tire on a 16" rim.
While it is possible to pass a 16"
diameter tire over the lip or flanges of a
16.5" size diameter rim, it cannot be
inflated enough to position itself against
the rim flange. If an attempt is made to
seat the tire bead by inflating, the tire
bead will break with explosive force and
could cause serious injury or death.
Remember, mounting and demounting tires
and wheels should be left to skilled
professionals who are aware of the
safety hazards involved and who have the
proper tools and equipment to do the job
safely.
Your Own Tire Pressure Gauge
Tires must be properly inflated. Use
an accurate tire pressure gauge to
determine your tire pressure. You
can't tell when tires are "low," or
underinflated, just by looking. Air
meters at service stations may be
inaccurate due to exposure or abuse.
You should have your own personal tire
gauge to be sure. Purchase an accurate
tire gauge from your tire dealer, auto
supply store or other retailer.
Inflation Tips
Check tire inflation pressure
(including the spare) at least once
a month and before every long trip.
Tires must be checked when they are
cold; that is, before they have been
run a mile. If you must drive over
one mile for air, before you leave
home, measure the cold inflation
pressure of each tire and record the
actual underinflation amount for
each tire.
Upon arriving at the service
station, measure each tire's
inflation again and then inflate
the warm tire to a level that is
equal to this warm pressure, plus
the cold underinflation amount.
Underinflation
Tires lose air normally through
the process of permeation.
Changes in outdoor temperature
can affect the rate at which
your tire loses air. This change
is more pronounced in hot
weather. Generally speaking, a
tire will lose one or two pounds
of air per month in cool
weather, and even more in warmer
weather. Underinflation is the
leading cause of tire failure,
so check inflation pressure
regularly.
Never "bleed" or reduce air
pressure when tires are hot.
It is normal for pressures to
build up as a result of
driving.
Make sure all tire valves
and extensions are equipped
with valve caps with rubber
gaskets to keep out dirt and
moisture. Have a new valve
stem assembly installed
whenever a tire is replaced.
Underinflation or
overloading creates
excessive heat, and can lead
to tire failure, which could
result in vehicle damage
and/or serious injury or
death. Proper inflation
extends tire life and saves
fuel. Maintain the inflation
pressure listed in the
vehicle owner's manual or on
the tire placard.
Proper Vehicle Loading
In addition to showing
the vehicle manufacturer's
recommended cold inflation
pressure, the tire placard
also shows the maximum
load of the vehicle. Do
not overload your vehicle.
Remember, baggage carried
on top of any vehicle
counts as additional
load.
If you are towing a
trailer, remember that
some of the weight of
the loaded trailer
transfers to the towing
vehicle. That reduces
the load which can
safely be placed in the
towing vehicle. The only
sure way to prevent
overload is to weigh,
axle by axle, the fully
loaded vehicle on
reliable platform
scales.
Inspect Your Tires
Regularly
At least once a
month, inspect your
tires closely for
signs of uneven
wear.
Uneven wear
patterns may be
caused by improper
inflation pressures,
misalignment,
improper balance or
suspension neglect.
If not corrected,
further tire damage
will occur.
Most likely, the
cause can be
corrected at your
tire dealer or
other service
facility. If you
find a problem and
correct it in
time, your tires
may be able to
continue in
service.
Certain uneven
wear patterns
may indicate
that the tire
has suffered
internal
structural
damage and
requires the
immediate
attention of
your tire
dealer.
When the
tread is worn
down to
one-sixteenth
of an inch,
tires must be
replaced.
Built-in
treadwear
indicators, or
"wear bars",
which look
like narrow
strips of
smooth rubber
across the
tread, will
appear on the
tire when that
point of wear
is reached.
When you see
these wear
bars, the tire
is worn out
and it's time
to replace
it.
Inspect
your tires
frequently.
Look for any
stones, bits
of glass,
metal or
other
foreign
objects
wedged in
the tread.
These may
work deeper
into the
tire and
cause air
loss.
If any
tire
continually
needs more
air, have
it taken
off the
vehicle
and
checked to
find out
why it is
leaking.
Damage to
the tire,
wheel or
valve may
be the
problem.
Good
Driving
Habits
The way
you
drive
has a
great
deal to
do with
your
tire
mileage
and
safety.
So
cultivate
good
driving
habits
for your
own
benefit.
-
Observe
posted
speed
limits.
-
Avoid
fast
starts,
stops
and
turns.
-
Avoid
potholes
and
objects
on
the
road.
-
Do
not
run
over
curbs
or
hit
the
tire
against
the
curb
when
parking.
When
You're
Stuck
The
forces
created
by a
rapidly
spinning
tire
can
cause
an
explosion
by
literally
tearing
the
tire
apart.
These
forces
impact
the
whole
tire
structure
and
can
rupture
the
entire
casing.
Some
vehicles
are
capable
of
bringing
a tire
to
this
failing
point
in 3
to 5
seconds.
When
stuck
on
ice,
snow,
mud
or
wet
grass,
the
vehicle
should
be
rocked
gently
back
and
forth
by
repeatedly
shifting
the
gear
lever
from
drive
to
reverse
on
automatic
transmissions,
or
reverse
to
second
on
manual
transmissions.
This
should
be
done
with
the
least
amount
of
wheel
spinning.
If
that
doesn't
free
the
vehicle,
get
a
tow.
Highway
Hazards
No
matter
how
carefully
you
drive,
there
is
always
a
possibility
that
you
may
eventually
have
a
puncture
and
wind
up
with
a
flat
on
the
highway.
Drive
slowly
to
the
closest
safe
area
out
of
traffic.
This
may
further
damage
the
flat
tire,
but
your
safety
is
more
important.
Follow
the
vehicle
manufacturer's
instructions
for
jacking
up
the
vehicle,
taking
off
the
wheel
and
putting
on
the
spare.
Then
drive
to
a
place
where
the
flat
tire
can
be
inspected
for
possible
repair
or
replacement.
After
a
tire
has
received
a
severe
impact,
such
as
hitting
a
curb
or
pothole,
you
must
have
it
removed
from
the
wheel
and
inspected
both
inside
and
out
for
impact
damage.
An
impact-damaged
tire
may
appear
serviceable
on
the
outside,
but
can
fail
later
after
the
road
hazard
injury.
Spare
Care
Many
late-model
vehicles
are
equipped
with
temporary
spare
tires
and
wheels
which
are
different
from
your
regular
tires
and
wheels.
Some
may
require
higher
inflation
pressure,
or
the
use
of
special
canisters
to
inflate
the
tire.
You
may
operate
a
vehicle
with
such
a
tire
within
the
limits
indicated
on
the
tire's
sidewall,
until
it
is
convenient
to
repair
the
disabled
tire
or
replace
it
with
one
of
the
same
size
designation
and
construction
as
the
other
tires
on
the
vehicle.
Always
check
the
inflation
in
your
spare
tire
every
time
you
check
all
the
others.
A
spare
tire
with
no
air
in
it
is
no
help
to
you
in
an
emergency.
If
you
have
an
inflatable
spare,
be
sure
to
check
the
aerosol
air
inflation
pressure
canister
to
be
sure
it
has
not
been
damaged.
If
so,
have
it
checked
by
an
expert.
Remember,
improper
mounting
and
overinflation
may
damage
the
tire
or
wheel
and
can
result
in
an
explosion
that
could
cause
serious
injury
and
death.
Aerosol
Inflators
Do
not
depend
on
tire
aerosol
sealants
and
inflators
to
fix
a
damaged
tire
permanently.
These
products
are
designed
to
provide
only
a
temporary,
emergency
repair
to
help
get
you
off
the
road
and
to
the
nearest
tire
repair
facility.
Some
aerosol
products
of
this
type
use
flammable
gases,
such
as
butane,
propane
or
isobutane,
as
propellants.
Follow
all
directions
and
precautions
printed
on
the
canister
when
using
these
products.
Be
sure
to
inform
tire
service
personnel
that
you
have
used
a
flammable
aerosol
to
inflate
your
tire.
Vehicle
Conditions
Affecting
Tires
There
is
a
close
working
relationship
between
your
tires
and
several
mechanical
systems
in
your
vehicle.
Tires,
wheels,
brakes,
shock
absorbers,
drive
train,
steering
and
suspension
systems
must
all
function
together
to
give
you
a
comfortable
ride
and
good
tire
mileage.
Balance
An
unbalanced
wheel
and
tire
assembly
may
create
an
annoying
vibration
when
you
drive
on
a
smooth
road
and
may
result
in
irregular
treadwear.
Alignment
Misalignment
of
wheels
in
the
front
or
rear,
improperly
operating
brakes
or
shock
absorbers,
bent
wheels,
worn
bushings
and
other
mechanical
problems
cause
uneven
and
rapid
treadwear
and
should
be
corrected
by
a
qualified
mechanic.
Front-wheel-drive
vehicles,
and
those
with
independent
rear
suspension,
require
special
attention
with
alignment
of
all
four
wheels.
These
systems
should
be
checked
periodically
as
specified
by
the
vehicle
owner's
manual
or
whenever
you
have
an
indication
of
trouble.
A
bad
jolt,
such
as
hitting
a
pothole,
can
throw
your
front
end
out
of
alignment
even
if
you
had
it
checked
an
hour
earlier.
Such
an
impact
can
also
bend
the
rim,
causing
a
loss
of
air
pressure,
and
damage
your
tires
with
little
or
no
visible
external
indication.
Tire
Rotation
Sometimes
irregular
tire
wear
can
be
corrected
by
rotating
your
tires.
Consult
your
car
owner's
manual,
the
tire
manufacturer
or
your
tire
dealer
for
the
appropriate
pattern
for
your
vehicle.
If
your
tires
show
uneven
wear,
ask
your
tire
dealer
to
check
for
and
correct
any
misalignment,
imbalance
or
other
mechanical
problem
involved
before
rotation.
Sometimes
front
and
rear
tires
on
a
vehicle
use
different
pressures.
After
rotation,
adjust
individual
tire
air
pressure
to
the
figures
recommended
by
the
vehicle
manufacturer
for
the
new
locations
--
front
or
rear
--
as
shown
on
the
tire
placard
in
the
vehicle.
The
purpose
of
regularly
rotating
tires
is
to
achieve
more
uniform
wear
for
all
tires
on
a
vehicle.
Before
rotating
your
tires,
always
refer
to
your
individual
owner's
manual
for
rotation
recommendations.
If
no
rotation
period
is
specified,
tires
should
be
rotated
approximately
every
6,000
miles.
However,
rotate
your
tires
earlier
if
signs
of
irregular
or
uneven
tire
wear
arise,
and
have
the
vehicle
checked
by
a
qualified
technician
to
determine
the
cause
of
the
wear
problem.
The
first
rotation
is
most
important.
The
Sidewall
Story
Your
tire
contains
very
useful
information
molded
into
the
sidewall.
It
shows
the
name
of
the
tire,
its
size,
whether
it
is
tubeless
or
tube
type,
the
maximum
load
and
maximum
inflation,
the
important
safety
warning
and
much
other
information.
Passenger
Tires
Here
is
information
about
the
sidewall
of
a
popular
"P-metric,"
speed-rated
auto
tire.
"P"
stands
for
passenger,
"215"
represents
the
width
of
the
tire
in
millimeters;
"65"
is
the
ratio
of
height
to
width;
"H"
is
the
speed
rating;
"R"
means
radial;
and
"15"
is
the
diameter
of
the
wheel
in
inches.
Some
speed-rated
tires
carry
a
Service
Description,
instead
of
showing
the
speed
symbol
in
the
size
designation.
The
Service
Description,
89H
in
this
example,
consists
of
the
load
index
(89)
and
speed
symbol
(H).
Treadwear
The
treadwear
grade
is
a
comparative
rating
based
on
the
wear
rate
of
the
tire
when
tested
under
controlled
conditions
on
a
specified
government
test
track.
A
tire
graded
200
would
wear
twice
as
long
on
the
government
test
course
under
specified
test
conditions
as
one
graded
100.
It
is
wrong
to
link
treadwear
grades
with
your
projected
tire
mileage.
The
relative
performance
of
tires
depends
upon
the
actual
conditions
of
their
use
and
may
vary
due
to
driving
habits,
service
practices,
differences
in
road
characteristics
and
climate.
Traction
Traction
grades,
from
highest
to
lowest,
are
A,
B
and
C.
They
represent
the
tire's
ability
to
stop
on
wet
pavement
as
measured
under
controlled
conditions
on
specified
government
test
surfaces
of
asphalt
and
concrete.
Temperature
The
temperature
grades,
from
highest
to
lowest,
are
A,
B
and
C.
These
represent
the
tire's
resistance
to
the
generation
of
heat
when
tested
under
controlled
conditions
on
a
specified
indoor
laboratory
test
wheel.
Replacement
Tire
Selection
IMPORTANT:
Always
check
the
vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendation
before
replacing
a
tire
with
a
different
size
and/or
construction.
When
buying
new
tires,
be
sure
your
name,
address
and
tire
identification
number
are
recorded
and
returned
to
the
tire
manufacturer
or
its
record-keeping
designee.
Tire
registration
will
ensure
that
you
will
be
notified
promptly
in
the
event
the
tire
manufacturer
needs
to
contact
you.
When
tires
need
to
be
replaced,
don't
guess
what
tire
is
right
for
your
vehicle.
For
the
answer,
first
look
at
the
tire
placard.
As
you
will
see,
that
placard
tells
you
the
size
of
the
tires
which
were
on
the
vehicle
as
original
equipment.
Tires
should
always
be
replaced
with
the
same
size
designation,
or
approved
options,
as
recommended
by
the
automobile
or
tire
manufacturer.
Never
choose
a
smaller
size,
with
less
load-carrying
capacity
than
the
size
on
the
tire
placard.
Always
have
tires
mounted
with
the
same
size
and
construction
designations
on
the
same
axle.
It
is
recommended
that
all
four
tires
be
of
the
same
size,
speed
rating
and
construction
(radial
or
non-radial).
However,
in
some
cases,
the
vehicle
manufacturer
may
require
different-sized
tires
for
the
front
and
rear
axles.
When
two
radial
tires
are
used
with
two
non-radials,
put
the
radials
on
the
rear
axle.
Speed
Ratings
Some
tires
are
now
marked
with
letters
to
indicate
their
speed
rating,
based
on
laboratory
tests
which
relate
to
performance
on
the
road.
Tires
may
be
marked
with
one
of
eight
speed
symbols,
M,
S,
T,
U,
H,
V,
Z
or
W,
to
identify
the
particular
tire's
speed
rating.
When
replacement
of
tires
is
required,
consult
the
vehicle
manual
for
proper
size
and
speed
rating
(if
required).
If
the
vehicle
manual
specifies
speed-rated
tires,
the
replacement
tires
must
have
the
same
or
higher
speed
rating
to
maintain
vehicle
speed
capability.
If
tires
with
different
speed
ratings
are
mounted
on
the
same
vehicle,
the
tire
or
tires
with
the
lowest
rating
will
limit
the
tire-related
vehicle
speed.
Tire
speed
ratings
do
not
imply
that
vehicles
can
be
safely
driven
at
the
maximum
speed
for
which
the
tire
is
rated,
particularly
under
adverse
road
and
weather
conditions,
or
if
the
vehicle
has
unusual
characteristics.
Never
operate
a
vehicle
in
an
unsafe
or
unlawful
manner.
Types
of
Tire
Construction
Tires
should
be
of
the
same
size,
construction
(radial,
non-
radial)
and
speed
rating,
unless
specified
otherwise
by
the
vehicle
manufacturer.
Tires
influence
vehicle
handling
and
stability.
Match
tire
size
designations
in
pairs
on
an
axle
(or
four
tires
in
dual
application),
except
for
use
of
a
temporary
spare
tire.
If
radial
and
non-radial
tires
are
used
on
a
vehicle,
put
radials
on
the
rear.
If
radial
and
non-radial
tires
are
used
on
a
vehicle
equipped
with
dual
rear
tires,
the
radials
may
be
used
on
either
axle.
Never
mix
radial
and
non-radial
on
the
same
axle
except
for
use
of
a
temporary
spare
tire.
Snow
tires
should
be
applied
in
pairs
(or
as
duals)
to
the
drive
axle
(whether
front
or
rear)
or
to
all
positions.
Never
put
non-radial
snow
tires
on
the
rear
if
radials
are
on
the
front,
except
when
the
vehicle
has
duals
on
the
rear.
If
studded
tires
are
used
on
the
front
axle,
they
must
also
be
used
on
the
rear
axle.
Match
all
tire
sizes
and
constructions
on
four-wheel-drive
vehicles.
COLD-WEATHER
DRIVING
Here
are
some
things
you
should
know
about
cold-weather
driving.
How
Cold
Temperature
Affects
Tires
Every
time
the
outside
temperature
drops
10
degrees
Fahrenheit,
the
air
pressure
inside
your
tires
goes
down
about
one
or
two
pounds
per
square
inch.
You
should
check
your
tire
pressures
frequently
during
cold
weather
and
add
the
necessary
air
to
keep
them
at
recommended
levels
of
inflation
at
all
times.
Never
reduce
tire
pressures
in
an
attempt
to
increase
traction
on
snow
or
ice.
It
does
not
work
and
your
tires
will
be
so
seriously
underinflated
that
driving
will
damage
them.
If
one
of
the
drive
wheels
becomes
stuck,
the
centrifugal
forces
created
by
a
rapidly
spinning
tire
can
cause
an
explosion
by
literally
tearing
the
tire
apart.
Never
exceed
the
35
mph
indicated
speedometer
speed
or
stand
near
the
spinning
tire.
If
your
vehicle
is
stuck
and
a
tow
truck
is
not
readily
available,
gently
rock
your
vehicle
back
and
forth,
repeatedly
shifting
the
gear
lever
from
drive
to
reverse
on
automatic
transmissions,
or
reverse
to
second
on
manual
transmissions,
while
applying
gentle
pressure
to
the
accelerator.
Caution:
If
you
have
an
anti-lock
braking
system
(ABS)
in
your
car,
follow
the
operational
instructions
in
your
owner's
manual.
Snow
Tires
In
snowy
areas,
many
cities
and
counties
have
"snow
emergency"
regulations
which
are
invoked
during
heavy
snowfalls.
Check
with
authorities
for
the
rules
in
your
area.
Under
some
rules,
motorists
are
subject
to
fines
if
they
block
traffic
and
do
not
have
snow
tires
on
their
vehicles.
You
can
avoid
this
by
equipping
your
vehicle
with
snow
tires
marked
with
"MS,"
"M&S,"
and
"M+S"
on
the
sidewall.
The
letters
"M"
and
"S"
stand
for
mud
and
snow.
If
you
change
to
snow
tires,
be
sure
they
are
the
same
size
construction
type
as
the
other
tires
on
the
vehicle.
Snow
tires
should
be
used
in
pairs
(or
as
duals)
on
the
rear
axle
or
on
all
four
wheel
positions.
If
purchasing
2
new
tires
it
is
recommended
that
you
install
them
on
the
back
of
the
car.
If
you
install
a
high
traction
tire
on
the
front
drive
axle,
you
are
leaving
the
lighter
end
of
the
vehicle
(the
rear)
with
no
traction
improvement.
Most
tire
manufacturers
recommend
that
front
wheel
drive
vehicles
have
all
four
tires
of
equal
traction.
In
all
cases,
install
new
tires
on
the
rear
axle.
If
your
front
tires
lose
grip
first,
your
vehicle
will
tend
to
lose
control
by
going
straight,
even
in
a
turn.
This
is
understeer,
which
can
be
controlled
by
slowing
down
and
steering
in
the
direction
of
the
turn...this
will
allow
your
car
to
come
back
into
line.
But
if
the
rear
tires
lose
grip
first,
your
vehicle,
could
spin,
which
is
oversteer
and
more
difficult
to
control,
this
requires
you
to
make
quick,
precise
steering
corrections
in
the
opposite
direction
of
the
turn,
not
a
natural
reaction.
It
is
easier
to
control
understeer
than
oversteer.
In
areas
where
heavy
snowfalls
are
frequent,
many
drivers
carry
chains
for
use
in
emergencies,
or
have
their
tire
dealer
apply
studded
snow
tires.
When
studded
snow
tires
are
mounted
on
the
front
axle,
studded
tires
also
must
be
placed
on
the
rear
axle.
Most
states
have
time
limits
on
the
use
of
studs
or
ban
them
altogether.
Before
installing
studded
tires,
check
the
regulations
in
your
area.
If
you
use
chains,
make
sure
they
are
the
proper
size
and
type
for
your
tires,
otherwise
they
may
damage
the
tire
sidewall
and
cause
tire
failure.
SERVICE
ASSISTANCE
When
you
have
a
question
about
tires,
or
a
problem,
consult
your
tire
dealer.
The
dealer
is
the
best
source
of
general
information
and
professional
service
on
tires.
Your
dealer
has
service
manuals,
wall
charts
and
other
industry
publications
on
tire
load
and
inflation,
tire
repair
and
tire
replacement.
Your
dealer
can
provide
you
with
the
replacement
tires
your
vehicle
needs,
balance
your
tires
and
repair
damaged
tires
which
are
repairable.
Let
the
dealer
inspect
your
tires
periodically
and
diagnose
any
problem
you
may
have.
Loss
of
Tire
Pressure
When
you
discover
a
tire
losing
air,
it
must
be
removed
from
the
wheel
by
an
expert
for
complete
internal
inspection
to
be
sure
it
is
not
damaged.
Tires
run
even
short
distances
while
severely
underinflated
may
be
damaged
beyond
repair.
Punctures
up
to
1/4
inch,
when
confined
to
the
tread,
may
be
repaired
by
trained
personnel.
These
tires
must
be
removed
from
the
wheel,
inspected
and
repaired,
using
industry-approved
methods
which
call
for
an
inside
repair
unit
and
a
plug.
Plugs
vs.
Patches
A
PLUG
BY
ITSELF
IS
AN
UNACCEPTABLE
REPAIR.
The
repair
material
used
-
for
example,
a
"combination
patch
and
plug"
repair
-
must
seal
the
inner
liner
and
fill
the
injury
to
be
considered
a
permanent
repair.
Never
use
a
tube
in
a
tubeless
tire
as
a
substitute
for
a
proper
repair.
Individual
tire
manufacturers
may
differ
on
whether
the
speed
category
applies
to
speed-rated
tires
that
have
been
repaired.
Consult
the
tire
manufacturer
for
recommendations.
Serviceable
Tire
Injuries
Injuries
larger
than
1/4
inch
must
be
referred
to
a
full
service
repair
facility.
No
repairs
to
the
sidewall
of
a
tire
should
be
made
without
consulting
the
tire
manufacturer.
After
a
tire
has
been
repaired,
check
for
leaks
or
other
damage
not
detected
at
the
time
of
repair.
Improper
repairs
can
cause
sudden
tire
failure.
Air
loss
due
to
punctures
can
ruin
tires
that
might
have
been
saved
had
they
been
removed
in
time
for
proper
repair.
Gradual
air
loss
raises
a
tire's
operating
temperature.
This
can
cause
some
of
the
components
to
separate,
or
damage
the
tire
body
in
ways
that
create
rapid
or
sudden
air
loss.
Such
internal
damage
may
not
always
be
readily
apparent,
and
rapid
loss
of
air
may
still
occur
despite
later
installation
of
a
proper
repair.
STORAGE
TIPS
Tires
should
be
stored
upright
and
in
a
dry,
cool
place,
away
from
sunlight
and
sources
of
ozone,
such
as
electric
motors.
However,
if
you
must
store
tires
flat
(one
on
top
of
the
other),
make
sure
you
don't
stack
too
many
on
top
of
each
other.
Too
much
weight
can
damage
the
bottom
tire.
Also
be
sure
to
allow
air
to
circulate
around
all
sides
of
the
tires,
including
underneath,
to
prevent
moisture
damage.
If
storing
tires
outdoors,
protect
them
with
an
opaque
waterproof
covering
and
elevate
them
from
the
ground.
Do
not
store
tires
on
black
asphalt,
other
heat
absorbent
surfaces,
snow
covered
ground
or
sand.
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