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TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION
3.5 TIRE SAFETY - EVERYTHING RIDES ON IT
that discusses all aspects of Tire Safety, as required by CFR 575.6. This brochure is reproduced
in part below. It can be obtained and downloaded from NHTSA, free of charge, from the following
web site: www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/TireSafety/ridesonit/tires_index.html
Studies of tire safety show that maintaining proper tire pressure, observing tire and vehicle load
avoiding road hazards, and inspecting tires for cuts, slashes, and other irregularities are the
most important things you can do to avoid tire failure, such as tread separation or blowout and
• Improve vehicle handling
• Help protect you and others from avoidable breakdowns and accidents
• Improve fuel economy
• Increase the life of your tires.
This booklet presents a comprehensive overview of tire safety, including information on the
following topics:
• Basic tire maintenance
• Uniform Tire Quality Grading System
• Fundamental characteristics of tires
• Tire safety tips.
Use this information to make tire safety a regular part of your vehicle maintenance routine.
Recognize that the time you spend is minimal compared with the inconvenience and safety
SAFETY FIRST - BASIC TIRE MAINTENANCE
Properly maintained tires improve the steering, stopping, traction, and load-carrying capability
maintain proper tire pressure, observe tire and vehicle load limits, avoid road hazards, and
regularly inspect your tires.
FINDING YOUR VEHICLE’S RECOMMENDED TIRE PRESSURE AND LOAD LIMITS
limits. These labels indicate the vehicle manufacturer’s information including:
• Recommended tire size
• Vehicle capacity weight (VCW–the maximum occupant and cargo weight a vehicle is designed
• Front and rear gross axle weight ratings (GAWR– the maximum weight the axle systems are
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