Tire Pressure -

The air pressure in your tires is critical to proper tread wear and motorist safety. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle is generally located on a label onthe driver's door or door pillar and in the owner's manual. Typically passenger car tire pressure ranges from 28 to 35 psi (pounds per square inch), and light truck tire pressure can sometimes be as high as 80psi. We recommend that the vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire pressure be considered a minimum pressure and the tire manufacturer's maximum pressure (as shown on the tire sidewall) be considered the maximum.

I have never seen a tire failure caused by inflating a tire to the maximum allowable pressure, until the tread was worn below acceptable limits. I have however, seen multiple tire failures caused by under inflation, even on very new tires. Under inflation causes excess sidewall flexing, excess rolling friction, skyrocketing tire temperatures, and eventualy causes tire structure failure. It is recommended that tire pressure be checked once a month and that both front tires be inflated equally, and both rear tires be inflated equally.

Tire rotation -

It is generally recommended that modern radial tires be rotated every 5,000 to 6,000 miles (every other oil change). Tire rotation is essential to keep tire wear even and to keep the tire's tread wear warranty in effect. It is generally best to follow the manufacturer's recommended tire rotation method. Sometimes, though, the rotation method can and should be altered by the service facility to maximize tread life. This is often due to effects of driving habits and road surface conditions. Please note that moving tires from one side of the vehicle to the other is acceptable and is recommended by the manufacturer as long at the tires are non-directional.  Tire failure of today's radials will not occur because of different rotational directions. Radial tires that have a specific rotational direction will have that information imprinted in the tire sidewall. Directional tire tread is designed to function efficiently in only one direction, this is sometimes found in high performance and application specific tires.

Tire balance -

It is recommended that a tire be computer spin balanced any time it is mounted onto the rim and any time a highway speed vibration is present. It is also important to note that buildup of dirt, ice, and mud on the inside surface of the rim is a common cause of tire balance problems. We recommend that the entire inside surface of the wheels be cleaned regularly, especially if the vehicle is driven over dirt roads.  Driving for extended periods with an out of balance tire could cause a flat spot followed by tire failure.

Alignment -

Although alignment adjustments are made upon a vehicles suspension system and not the tires, it is nevertheless essential that the vehicle be aligned properly. See Alignment

Tire warning signs:

   Tire Bulge                 Underinflation          Edge Wear