Question: I know you talk about the importance of tires when it comes to the winter months but is it just as important to talk about it in the spring with rain and wet roads?
Answer: It is always a good time to talk about tire safety. Tires must support your vehicle’s weight and grip the road properly. Inspect tires regularly for cuts, cracks, uneven wear, bald spots, bulges and punctures. Always carry a good spare tire and check its pressure often. Tires have less traction on gravel or dirt roads than on concrete or asphalt.
Tires can lose up to one PSI of pressure every month. Check your tire pressure often and never drive with underinflated tires.
• Find your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure on a sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.
• Check tire pressure before driving or at least three hours after driving.
• Insert a pressure gauge into the valve stem on your tire. The gauge will show the measured PSI.
• Compare the measured PSI to the PSI on the sticker inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual, not the PSI on the tire’s sidewall.
• If the measured PSI is above the recommended number, let air out until it matches. If below, add air until it reaches the proper number.
• Check your tires often for wear and damage. A tire is illegal if the tread is less than one-sixteenth inch deep.
Any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Trooper Troy Christianson, Minnesota State Patrol, 2900 48th St., NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848; or send an email to: Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.