Tires are one of the most important factors in traffic safety. Whatever type of vehicle you drive, tires make a big difference in how your vehicle feels and how it handles. Tires affect your braking, your comfort, even your fuel economy. With wet weather conditions approaching, now is the best time to make sure that your tires are fit for winter conditions.
In general, tire maintenance is carried out using the PART rule: Pressure, Alignment, Rotation and Tread. Here are some tips for each:

Pressure:
Check tire pressure including the spare tire at least once every 15 days. Make sure the pressure fits the specifications for your vehicle. Pressure should always be checked when tires are cold.
There is a misconception that you should reduce air pressure in tires when it snows, so that your tires get a better grip on the roads. This is not true.
If the pressure is too high, the surface touching the road is less, and therefore grip is reduced; however, the same is true if the pressure is too low, because the middle of the tire sags and is lifted off the road.


Alignment:
Is your vehicle pulling to one side, or shaking? Incorrect alignment causes tire wear and often results in your car pulling to one side. Hitting the curb or just one bad hole in the road is enough to destroy the alignment of the wheels.
Incorrect balancing causes front end vibration and also adds to tire wear. Both problems need expert, immediate attention. See your nearest tire dealer or mechanic.


Rotation:
Rotate your wheels!
To achieve uniform wear, replace the front wheels with the rear wheels and left wheels with the right every 5,000 to 10,000 km.




Tread
Tread is the condition of the outer surface of your tires. If the rubber on the tread is worn down to the ridges the tires must be changed. Insert a matchstick into the grooves on the outer surface of the tire. If the head of the match does not disappear completely wherever you insert, the tire is unsafe.
Visually check your tires for uneven wear, looking for high and low areas or unusually smooth patches. Also check for signs of localized damage.
And finally, remember that roads are extra slippery at the start of a rain shower because oil, which has risen to the road surface, has not had a chance to wash away. Heavy rains will cause more problems because your tires could begin to hydroplane like water skis. In this case, the only way to keep your tires in contact with the road is to slow down!

Bilkent University Traffic Committee