National Tire Safety Week begins April 20-26. Did you know that drivers behind the wheel of the one in four cars with at least one significantly under inflated tire face increased risks on the road, wasted fuel and an accelerated deterioration of their tires?

65 percent of teen motorists cite checking tire pressure as a top fuel saving tip yet only six percent properly check tire pressure. In fact, half surveyed by the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA) admitted to never checking their tires. Can we say blowout boys and girls?

Dedicating just five minutes a month to care for tires can save lives, save fuel and save the environment. No, really. It isn't as daunting as you might think, even though nearly three out of four teen drivers (74 percent) do not know where to find the correct tire pressure for the vehicle they drive. Half of teen drivers incorrectly believe the recommended pressure is imprinted on the tire sidewall. Not.

Come on you guys, if over half of you surveyed knew it was important...why are you not showing some love to those metal-movers?

Here are a few easy steps to keep you and your pet roller alive and well:

1. Get yourself a tire gauge and a tread depth gauge. They aren't expensive and you can get them at wal-mart or any auto parts store. If you don't want to invest in one of those, go to your nearest gas station and use theirs...

2. Make sure your tires are cool if you are going to measure the air. It takes about two hours for them to cool down after driving.

3. Make sure you know the proper air pressure required for the tires on YOUR vehicle. The proper air pressure numbers can be found in your owner's manual or on the tire placard, usually attached to the vehicle door edge, doorpost, glove box door or fuel door.

4.  Remove the cap from the valve on one tire.

5. Press a tire gauge hard onto the valve and note the reading. The sound of escaping air means you haven't inserted the gauge properly.

6. Add air to achieve recommended pressure. If you overfill, you can release air by pushing on the tiny metal stem in the center of the valve.

7. Replace the valve cap.

8. Repeat on the rest of the tires.

9. Check the tread line on each tire, if it is worn down your tires may either need to be replaced or rotated. Check with a professional right away. Worn down tires are vulnerable to disastrous blowouts.

Blowouts can kill you, but think of your car -- the rising insurance prices, the months of restriction and then there is the possibility of having to ride a -- OMG -- school bus if you total your car and your rents decide NOT to get you another...

Check your tires, you'll live longer...and so will your car.

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3.25 Copyright (C) 2007 Alain Georgette / Copyright (C) 2006 Frantisek Hliva. All rights reserved."